A warning has been issued to dog walkers following reports that a dog has died after being bitten by a snake in Hereford.

The warning is in place on the old Whitecross High School field off Whitecross Road in Hereford. 

A notice says:

“Please be careful walking your dog.

“A snake has already bitten one dog which has sadly passed away.

“The snake is an adder. Please seek advice from a vet immediately if your dog gets bitten by a snake.”

Would you know what to do if your dog was bitten by an Adder?

This advice from PDSA is fantastic.

Adder bites are most common from June to August.

Although rare, it’s a good idea to get clued up on what to do if your pet is ever bitten by a snake – especially adders, the UK’s only venomous snake species. Usually, adders aren’t a threat, but they might defend themselves if a curious pooch gets too close.

If your pet gets bitten by an adder, you must treat it as an emergency by following the first aid advice below and contacting your vet immediately. Cats can also suffer from adder bites (although it’s less common), and the same first aid should apply.

You can reduce the chance of encountering adders by avoiding areas known for them; staying out of long grass, woodland, moorland, and along the coast (sand dunes/coastal paths); and researching any unfamiliar areas for adder ‘hot-spots’ before walking your dog.

Head to their website to learn more ….

Dogs – https://pdsa.me/FSOC
Cats – https://pdsa.me/HlSH