Which snakes are a threat to my pet?

Q My friends have warned me that there are snakes in our walking area. They don’t bother me, but should I worry about my dog?

EMMA SAYS

A Of the UK’S three snake varieties, only the adder – identified by the zigzag black stripe down its back – is venomous. Their bites are not usually serious and are rarely deadly to humans, but they can be to pets.

Adders come out of hibernation in late spring and early summer, so this is the riskiest time for bites. If you are feeling nervous or passing through an area you know they have been spotted, then keep your dog safely on the lead.

You won’t necessarily see a snake or know that your dog has been bitten, so be alert to warning signs: pain and limping, and swelling around the bite. A bite on the face or neck can cause breathing problems, and the venom can go on to affect major organs.

If you suspect your dog may have been bitten by a snake, don’t apply a bandage or tourniquet. Visit your vet for a check straight away for treatment.