A dog owner in Anglesey, Wales, suspects her pet died from a snake bite near a local beach. Jo Bowen-Jones believes her Springer-Cocker spaniel, Baxter, was bitten by an adder, the UK’s only venomous snake, while they were out for a walk near RAF Valley in Rhosneigr.
On a morning stroll, Baxter suddenly started limping after crossing a wooden bridge over Afon Crigyll. Ms. Bowen-Jones noticed him lifting his paw and struggling to walk, prompting her to seek immediate help. Despite rushing Baxter to a nearby vet within 30 minutes of the suspected bite, his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Despite efforts to treat him with anti-histamines and hydrating measures, Baxter’s health worsened, leading to his sudden demise. The vet team suspected an adder bite as the cause of his death, emphasizing the risks associated with such incidents.
Ms. Bowen-Jones, devastated by the loss of her beloved pet, shared her story to raise awareness among other pet owners about the potential dangers of encountering snakes in open, sunny habitats. She cautioned that adders might be more active early in the year and advised extra vigilance when walking dogs in such areas.
While adder bites are rare in the UK and fatalities uncommon, prompt veterinary care is crucial for a dog’s recovery. Most dogs bitten by adders survive with timely treatment, but smaller breeds may face higher risks if left untreated.