A dog owner is urging other walkers to be mindful of the dangers of adders after her five-year-old rescue dog was left "distraught" and requiring medical attention after being bitten on the face. Whilst being walked on a lead Abby, a cross-breed dog, was bitten by an adder hidden away amongst grass.
Abby needed two injections to save her life from the venomous bite, leaving the family devastated to nearly lose their pet and aiming to raise awareness of the dangers to those who might not be as fortunate in being financially able to afford the treatment.
Her owner, Linda, was also concerned to discover the anti-venom injection required was not in widespread supply across Wales, when she took Abby to a vets in Llanelli, but that it was thankfully sourced from another practice in Carmarthen. The bill for treatment came to just short of £1,700. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Adders are more common at this time of year. Being the UK's only venomous snake, they often hide in undergrowth and can be recognised for their very distinct zig-zag pattern down their backs. Recently a snake threatened the life of a small pup in Tonyrefail. Elsewhere, another dog walker in the Llangennith area of Gower was left with a substantial vet bill of £3,500 in order to save their Staffie. If you love dogs and want to read more stories about them you can do so at TeamDogs.
Linda, who did not wish her surname to be included, was walking her pet companion in woodland in Penllergaer on Tuesday, April 26, when the incident happened.
"It all happened so quickly, Abby is a nervous dog and quite cautious so it was really upsetting to see her react quite scared. I noticed the adder scurrying away which Is when I realised what had happened. When we got home she just wasn't herself, she laid down and we tried to make her comfortable but her face started to swell which is when we took her to the vet" said Linda.
The "terrifying" ordeal left the family facing a large financial expense, although they added that, "it was never any doubt we were going to pay".
They're now urging pet owners to be mindful on walks of these "hidden dangers" and reminding dog walkers that even those on a lead are still at risk. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
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