Woman’s warning after dog dies from adder bite on Greenham Common

A Newbury woman is trying to raise awareness after her dog was fatally bitten by a snake at a local nature reserve.

Dawn Collings claims her 10-year-old Labradoodle, Bertie, died after being bitten by an Adder – the UK's only venomous snake – on Greenham Common at the end of July.

Adder bites, though rare and usually in self-defence, can sometimes cause severe illness or even death in dogs.

“As my dog had a heart condition and arthritis, he did not chase; he was merely sniffing the ground and bushes in the dog roam zone at the common,” said Mrs Collings.

After seeking specialist vet treatment, Bertie lost his life.

But it was less the bite, but rather the bacteria passed on which killed Bertie, as Mrs Collings explains: “In this case, my dog was infected with three different types of bacteria, including Necrotising fasciitis.

“This would be dangerous for any animal or person being bitten.”

She now wants to spread awareness for other dog owners about the dangers of snakes and what to do if their pet is bitten.

“I wouldn't want any animal or human to endure what my Labradoodle had to go through,” Mrs Collings said.

“Whilst I understand they are an endangered species; I don’t think it’s too much to ask just to make people aware of their surroundings.”

Berkshire senior land manager at the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, Tom Hayward, added: “Dogs are occasionally bitten due to their inquisitive nature, and we are saddened to hear of the recent incidents on the Common.

“Adders are shy and secretive animals which are only likely to bite if picked up or trodden on, preferring to slither off into the undergrowth.

“Despite being painful, adder bites are not fatal in the majority of cases, and the dogs make a full recovery.

“Adders are a protected species and have become increasingly rare, with Greenham Common supporting one of the few remaining populations in West Berkshire.

“We have put up signage in our notice boards around the Common, highlighting the presence of adders to dog walkers, and are currently investigating permanent signage for the main entrances.

“To help prevent your dog encountering an adder, keep them to paths and under control, preferably on a lead, in areas where adders are known to occur during March to October.

“If your pet is bitten by an adder, or you suspect that it may have been, please seek prompt veterinary attention.”

Adders are most commonly found in woodland, heathland and moorland habitats in the South of England.

They are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is a legal offence to intentionally kill, injure or sell them.