There were reports of 2 dogs needing first aid in Christchurch, Dorset just recently as an outcome of snake bites.
Alongside this, a caution was provided for dog owners in Weymouth at the end of June after a pooch died following a snake bite.
Just weeks previously, another dog passed away from an adder bite at the Newport Golf Club in south Wales.
There are just 3 kinds of snakes belonging to the UK – an adder, turf snake and a smooth snake.
Adders are the most harmful as they are the only poisonous one out of the 3.
Vets have actually prompted dog owners to be on the lookout for adders, specifically throughout the warmer months as that is when they end up being “progressively mobile”.
If you think your dog has actually been bitten by an adder it is essential to get your four-legged friend to your regional veterinarian right away.
So how do you discriminate in between an adder and a lawn or smooth snake?
The distinction in between an adder, turf snake and smooth snake
Adder
According to the RSPCA, an adder has a “distinct zig-zag pattern down his/her back, with red eyes and a vertical student”.
They can mature to around 70cm.
The RSPCA includes: “They’re the only poisonous types of snake in the UK!”
Grass snake
There are 3 kinds of snakes belonging to the UK – the adder, turf snake (visualized) and smooth snake. (Image: Getty Images)
In contrast, turf snakes are normally an “olive green colour, with big eyes and round students”.
Grass snakes can grow to be over a meter long.
The RSPCA included: “They have an unique collar behind their heads and are likewise the only native snake types to lay eggs.
“If you’re lucky, this types may visit your garden (watch out for soft leatherlike eggs in your compost pile!).”
Smooth snake
The smooth snake is the least prevalent according to the RSPCA and is localised to the south of England, primarily discovered in heath environments.
It is the tiniest types, growing to just around 55cm in length.
The RSPCA included: “They’re generally a greyish brown in colour, have a dark stripe down the side of their face, a heart-shaped pattern on their head and a pattern of areas and bars along their back!”
Is it a sluggish worm?
Sometimes other reptiles can be seen slipping around the garden and are misinterpreted for snakes.
The most typical reptile misinterpreted for a snake is the slow-worm.
The RSPCA says: “Slow-worms (Anguis fragilis) are really legless lizards and not snakes!
“They can reach around 45cm and unlike snakes, they have eyelids.
“They are generally tones of grey or brown, and some males have blue areas.”
What to do if you discover a snake in your garden
If you come across a native British snake in your garden or in the wild, the RSPCA says to “please leave them undisturbed”.
The animal charity said not to call them unless the snake seems hurt or injured.
However, the RSPCA included: “If you discover a non-native types of snake, please keep your range and call our recommendations line on 0300 1234 999.”
