🐍 Adder Bites in Dogs: What Hampshire Dog Walkers Need to Know

claire4610
2 days ago
4 min read

Adders are the UK’s only native venomous snake — and they’re right here in Hampshire. From the sunlit heathlands of the New Forest to hidden spots along rural footpaths, these snakes are part of our landscape.

While they’re shy and rarely aggressive, they can pose a serious risk to dogs — particularly in spring and summer.

If you regularly walk your dog in Hampshire, this guide will help you understand the risks, identify the signs of a bite, and take steps to keep your dog safe.

📍 Where Are Adders Found in Hampshire?

Adders (Vipera berus) favour warm, undisturbed areas with plenty of cover for hunting and hiding. In Hampshire, they're commonly spotted in:

New Forest National Park – especially in heathland areas around Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Alver Valley Country Park (Gosport) – where a woman was hospitalised in 2023 after an adder bite while walking her dog.
Bolton’s Bench, Lyndhurst – frequent sightings by visitors.
Martin Down and other chalk downland reserves
Alice Holt Forest – I personally helped somebody whose labrador had just been bitten a few years ago.

These locations offer a mix of sunny basking spots and nearby bracken, gorse, or long grass where snakes feel protected.

Adders are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Never attempt to handle or harm one.

🕰️ When Are Adders Most Active?

Adders hibernate over winter and begin emerging as early as February, with activity peaking in:

April to July (basking and mating season)
Warm, dry mornings and sunny afternoons
Just after rainfall, when they seek warmth to regulate their temperature

They’re diurnal, so you’re more likely to encounter them during the day. In warmer months, they may be active early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

❌ What Adders Don’t Like (and How to Use That to Your Advantage)

Adders are not aggressive by nature and will usually retreat if they detect you or your dog coming.

They dislike:

Vibrations – Heavy footsteps, running dogs, or walking sticks can alert them.
Noise – Talking, whistling or rustling undergrowth can cause them to move off. You can also attach a bell to your dog so that it makes a noise.
Open, well-trodden paths – They're more likely to stay hidden in the undergrowth or along quieter trails.

✅ Dog-Walking Tips:

Keep your dog on a short lead in known adder areas, especially off path.
Stick to main paths – avoid letting your dog dash through bracken, heather or long grass.
Make noise as you walk – a quiet snake is less likely to be surprised if they hear you coming.
Avoid sunbathing spots like flat stones or log piles in warmer weather.

Adders are commonly found where there is heather or gorse on open heathland.

🐶 Can an Adder Bite Kill a Dog?

Yes — adder bites can be fatal.

Dogs are at higher risk if:

They’re small, elderly or have health issues
The bite is to the face, tongue, neck or chest (which can lead to dangerous swelling)
Treatment is delayed

⚠️ Signs Your Dog Has Been Bitten by an Adder

Symptoms usually appear within 1–2 hours, sometimes within minutes:

Sudden yelp of pain
Swelling at the bite site (usually on the leg or face)
Limping or reluctance to move
Puncture wounds (not always visible)
Lethargy, vomiting, drooling
Pale gums or collapse in severe cases

Adder bites are often to the feet, legs and muzzle

🆘 What to Do if You Think Your Dog Has Been Bitten

This is a medical emergency. Time is critical.

🚨 Step-by-Step:

Keep your dog still and calm Movement speeds up the spread of venom.➤ If possible, carry your dog to your car.
Do NOT:
- Apply a tourniquet
- Cut the wound
- Try to suck out the venom
Call your vet immediately Let them know you’re on your way so they can prepare antivenom if needed*.
Transport your dog gently Keep the bite site below the level of the heart if possible.
Monitor for signs of shock Difficulty breathing, cold paws, or collapse needs urgent treatment.

We’ll be adding links to Hampshire-based vets at the end of this post for easy access in an emergency.

*Not all vets carry antivenom, and there can be a delay in getting it which is why it's critical that you call your vet to let them know you are on your way.

🧪 Why?

Antivenom is expensive, has a limited shelf life, and isn’t always stocked at smaller or non-emergency clinics.
Some practices prefer to refer severe cases to 24-hour or referral centres with the facilities to monitor and administer antivenom safely.
Many adder bites are managed without antivenom using supportive treatment (IV fluids, pain relief, anti-inflammatories), especially if the reaction is mild or localised.

🏥 What this means for dog owners:

Call ahead if you suspect a bite — this lets the vet advise you whether they have antivenom or recommend a referral.
Know where your nearest emergency vet is when walking in remote or high-risk areas like the New Forest or Blashford Lakes.
Speed is more important than antivenom — even without it, fast supportive care can be life-saving.

🩺 How Vets Treat Adder Bites

Pain relief and fluids
Antivenom if the reaction is severe (available at some practices)
Wound management
Hospitalisation and observation, especially in cases of swelling or systemic symptoms

Most dogs recover well if treated promptly — but bites should never be taken lightly.

🐾 Final Tips for Safe Walking in Hampshire

Learn which local sites have had sightings this year - local Facebook groups are often a good way of keeping track.
Avoid letting dogs poke their noses in undergrowth
Be especially cautious from March–August
Know where your nearest emergency vet is when walking in remote areas
Download and share our quick, handy graphic on adder bites in dogs.