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A tragic incident involving a spaniel named Baxter has raised awareness among dog owners about the dangers posed by adders, particularly during the summer. Jo Bowen-Jones, from Rhosneigr on Anglesey, shared the heartbreaking story of how she lost her beloved springer-spaniel, who she suspects was bitten by an adder while out walking. Baxter, described by Jo as “the most loving, lovable and happy dog,” suddenly became severely ill shortly after running through long grass with his nose to the ground.
Jo recounted that Baxter began to vomit and collapsed within minutes, becoming unable to stand. A passer-by assisted by carrying Baxter to Jo’s car, and they reached a veterinary clinic about half an hour later. Despite treatment, including paracetamol, antihistamines, and fluids administered by drip, Baxter’s condition worsened and he passed away six hours after the suspected bite. Jo noted symptoms such as labored breathing, a tense abdomen, and bloodshot eyes, which led her to believe an adder bite was the cause. The vet observed only a small mark without swelling, which made it difficult to conclusively confirm the bite.
Due to concerns about the effects on Baxter’s breathing, the vet chose not to administer anti-venom, which carries risks including the possibility of anaphylaxis. Before Jo could transfer Baxter to a specialized facility off the island for overnight care, she was informed that his heart had stopped. Jo described her loss as “tragic” given that she had only had Baxter for two years, having fostered him through Spaniel Aid in March 2024. Baxter’s passing was deeply felt by Jo and the group, with Spaniel Aid expressing their devastation, particularly because adders are known to pose a risk to spaniels, which often stray from walking paths.
Adders are the sole venomous snake species native to the UK and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to harm or trade them. Typically found in areas such as sand dunes, rocky hills, moorlands, and woodland edges across parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, these snakes tend to be more active during warmer months. Symptoms of adder bites in dogs can include pain, swelling, bruising, lethargy, drooling, and vomiting. In light of Baxter’s death, Jo has since adopted a new five-year-old springer spaniel named Ty, aiming to provide a loving home and keeping close to places Baxter loved, such as Rhosneigr beach. Veterinary charity PDSA emphasizes the urgency of treating snake bites in dogs as emergencies and advises owners to avoid known adder habitats during summer or keep dogs on leads and paths if walking in such areas
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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