Urgent warning to dog owners over snake bites as weather starts to warm up

DOG owners have been warned to beware of snakes as the summer heat begins to kick in after an attack at a nature reserve.

Pets are at rising risk of being targeted by reptiles – as it was revealed how one poor pooch only just avoided serious injury after being bitten.

An Italian Spinone dog named Florence was attacked by an adder in a nature reserve in Essex – forcing her to need medical attention from vets.

Experts there have now issued an “important” warning to other owners about the dangers from snakes, especially in long-grass areas as the weather improves.

This dog victim, named Florence, was injured when being walked over Benfleet Downs, near Southend.

Carers at Medivet, who treated Florence, fear more incidents ahead from such areas popular with dog-walkers.

They shared online pictures of the bite to Florence’s leg, showing substantial swelling.

Medivet posted on Facebook: “This gorgeous Italian Spinone is Florence she unfortunately had a run in with an Adder and received a bite. This occurred yesterday evening over at Benfleet Downs near the car park.

“As you can see from the second photo, the bite occurred on Florence’s leg and caused swelling. You also see the puncture mark.

“You may remember seeing a similar post a couple of weeks ago about another patient we had that received a snake bite.”

And the firm urged: “As it starts to warm up, Adders will start to emerge from hibernation so be especially careful of walking dogs in known adder areas and in areas of long grass where your dog might stumble across one.

“If you suspect your dog may have received a bite from an adder, please call us.”

The latest alert comes after it was warned that attacks by dogs could also surge as summer approaches.

The Met Office suggests that despite rain today conditions are about to improve, with temperatures rising to 17C later this week.

The RSPCA and other charities have highlighted a surge in the spread of Britain’s abandoned snakes and other reptiles.

Up to 100 adder bites on humans are reported each year – and the NHS says victims should dial 999 or head to A&E if afflicted, though the bites are rarely fatal.

The last person to die of an adder bite in the UK was in 1975 when a five-year-old boy was attacked in Scotland.

But an eight-year-old girl had to be rushed to hospital a year ago after being bitten by an adder during an Easter picnic with her family in Staffordshire.

It’s estimated that the UK has more than half a million legally-owned snakes – along with 400,000 lizards, most commonly bearded dragons and leopard geckos.