A dog owner in Anglesey, Wales, tragically lost her beloved pet to a suspected snake bite near a local beach. Jo Bowen-Jones suspects that her dog, Baxter, was bitten by an adder, the only venomous snake native to the UK, while walking on common land near RAF Valley close to Rhosneigr.
The incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, March 31st, when Baxter, a Springer-Cocker spaniel, suddenly started limping after crossing a wooden bridge over Afon Crigyll. Ms. Bowen-Jones described how Baxter stopped, lifted his paw, and had difficulty walking. With no visible swelling but a tiny mark on his paw, she sought immediate help.
After contacting Bodrwnsiwn Vets in Mona, Baxter was rushed to the veterinary practice within half an hour of the suspected bite. Despite receiving anti-histamines, paracetamol, and hydration, Baxter’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely demise later that day.
Ms. Bowen-Jones expressed her gratitude to the veterinary team but lamented the loss of her otherwise healthy five-year-old dog. She highlighted the dangers of adder bites to other pet owners, warning that these snakes can be found in various habitats, not just coastal areas, especially in early spring when they may be less active.
While adder bites are rare in the UK, prompt veterinary intervention is crucial for a dog’s recovery. Statistics show that most dogs survive adder bites with proper treatment, but fatalities can occur, particularly if untreated, and are more common in smaller dog breeds.
