A family dog was left fighting for breath after being bitten by an adder on a busy County Durham countryside walking route.
Three-year-old chocolate Sprocker Spaniel, Button, was bitten on the lip, close to her whiskers, while walking along Waskerley Way with owners Belinda and Ronnie Seymour, from Consett.
Within moments, the much-loved pet began drooling heavily, became lethargic and her face rapidly started to swell.
Her owners were forced to rush her to an emergency vet after the incident out of hours on a Sunday.
Sprocker Spaniel Button with vet Alice Brazier of Prince Bishop Vets (left) and owner Belinda Seymour.
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Belinda said: "We’d just set off on our walk when Button saw something.
"My husband saw the snake and pulled her away but we can only assume she was bitten.
"We scooped her up and got her to an emergency vet as soon as we could.
"At this stage we couldn’t see bite marks so there was always the possibility she had been stung by an insect, but once the swelling went down you could see the puncture marks.
"We got such a shock, but she’s absolutely fine now and back to her normal self."
The puncture marks from the adder’s fangs are still visible on Button’s face.
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Button spent a night in a Westway Vets' 24-hour hospital on West Road in Newcastle and needed several days of pain relief after the bite left her face, neck and chest severely swollen.
The family pet was later transferred into the care of her regular vet, Prince Bishop Vets in Leadgate, where she continued to receive treatment.
But despite the frightening ordeal, Button has now made a full recovery and is back to her usual self.
Button with vet Alice Brazier of Prince Bishop Vets, who treated the pet after they were bitten by an adder.
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Alice Brazier, who treated Button at the Leadgate practice, has issued a warning to owners to be extra-cautious when out walking their dogs this summer as adders are more active in warmer weather.
Alice said: “Signs of an adder bite include sudden swelling around the bite site, pain, excessive drooling, lethargy, limping, vomiting or collapse. Most bites occur on a dog's face or legs, as these are the areas most likely to be targeted if they are investigating a snake.
“Adder bites are really nasty for dogs and poor Button was very sore and swollen for several days. If you think your dog may have been bitten, it is important to get to a vet for emergency treatment.”
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If you believe your pet has been bitten by an added, the vets say you should:
- Stay calm and keep your dog as still as possible. Limiting movement can help slow the spread of venom through the body.
- Carry your dog if you can. If your dog is too large to carry, keep them on a short lead and walk them slowly to the car.
- Contact your veterinary practice straight away. If your usual practice is closed, call the nearest emergency or out-of-hours veterinary service to let them know you are on your way.
- Do not attempt first aid such as cutting the wound, sucking out the venom or applying a tourniquet. These methods are ineffective and can make the injury worse.
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake. If it is safe to do so, take a photo from a distance to help with identification, but never put yourself at risk.