Warning as poisonous snake spotted at Cannock Chase - dog owners urged to take care

Dog owners have been urged to take car after a poisonous snake was spotted at Cannock Chase yesterday (Wednesday 29 April).

Ali’s Hounds, a pet service in Cannock, spotted an adder at the Brocton field area of Cannock Chase yesterday at around midday.

The species is the only venomous snake native to the UK and is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is an offence to kill, harm, injure, sell or trade them.

They are commonly found in the south and south-west of England, western Wales and Scotland.

But their habitats include sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorland and woodland edges - therefore Cannock Chase is the perfect habitat.

According to a report in the BBC, a woman in Anglelsy said her spaniel died following a suspected snake bite. She warned other dog owners to be vigilant of adders during the summer months.

With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery, but sadly, in some cases, adder venom can cause severe illness and sometimes death.

Ali’s Hounds is warning people who visit Cannock Chase to be aware.

The service said: “We need to make people aware how active the adders are and how close to the paths they can be.

“Keep the dogs on lead, to stick to paths and be aware of where the dogs are sniffing as the adders are so active and out basking in the sun”.

Symptoms of adder bites in dogs include pain and swelling, bruising, lethargy, drooling and vomiting.

Snake bites are an emergency in dogs, according to vet charity, PDSA.

It recommends initially following its first aid advice then taking the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

The PDSA said dog owners should avoid areas well known for adders in the summer months - especially between June and August - and if walking in those areas, to keep dogs on a path and a lead.