Sam the Staffie spent three days fighting for his life after being bitten on the nose by an adder while out for a walk on the Gower. He is now recovering at home but his owner Charlotte wants to warn the others of the dangers of bites amid a growing number of reported incidents.
The vet bill cost more than £3,500 to save her dog's life and Charlotte, who asked us not to use her surname, said it was worth every penny and urged other pet owners to make sure they have insurance if they can. They had been out for a walk in the Llangennith area of the Gower, a trip they often make, when Charlotte spotted the snake curled up on the path.
The adders are most active between April and July, which is also the time when the majority of bites have been reported historically. Adults are described as being roughly 50 to 60cm long and have a black and brown zigzag pattern along their back and V- or X-shaped marking on the back of the head.
