For today's World Snake Day let's have a closer look at these fascinating, beautiful animals and their relationship with dogs and their humans. Many people don't like snakes because they think they are dangerous and are afraid of being bitten. However, most snakes are rather shy and prefer to quickly disappear rather than become confrontational. Like most animals (including dogs) they only defend themselves as a last resort if they feel threatened. Still, it's possible for a dog (or human) to be bitten by accident if they are not careful and step on a snake while out on a walk.
Fortunately, in the UK there are not many native snake species - just three! - and just one that is venomous, the adder. Adders are easily recognisable by the black zigzag pattern on their back and their red eyes. They are on the smaller side, between 60-80cm long. Like all native UK snakes they are a protected species and it is illegal to kill or injure them. They are out of hibernation from March to October, so it is perfectly possible to meet one right now while out with your dog, the more so as they like to bask in the sun on a warm log or under a rock at the edge of woodlands, in glades or on moorlands.
If a dog is bitten by an adder this is not the time to show off your first aid skills. Get the dog to a vet straight away. It is best to carry the dog rather than making them walk, to avoid the venom spreading through the dog's body through movement. Find out more about how to recognise an adder bite and what to do if it happens here. Although adder bites are rarely fatal for dogs, it is advisable to stay vigilant and supervise dogs and/or keep them on a lead in areas where you might suspect adders. As always it's better safe than sorry!
The rest of the UK snakes are not dangerous and do not pose a risk for you or your dog. Like all wildlife they are best left alone; remember, they do not mean any harm and hurting them is a criminal offence.
One snake sometimes seen in gardens or near ponds is the grass snake. Unlike the adder they can be fairly long - up 150cm - but even if that sounds worrying don't be, they are completely harmless. They are typically green to yellow and are easily recognisable by the dark pattern down their sides. That pattern distinguishes them from adders which have a dark pattern down their back. Unlike adders they are more at home in grass and wetlands and sometimes can be seen swimming in the water.
Another native species is the smooth snake. It is comparatively rare and, although at first sight looking a bit like an adder, is non-venomous. They are most at home in sandy heathlands. They don't have the distinctive zigzag pattern adders have on their backs so can be easily distinguished if you have a closer look.
Finally, there is a reptile that many people think is a snake but isn't: the slow worm. It is actually a lizard without legs! It is much smaller than a snake and has a distinctive grey, shiny body. They can sometimes be seen in the grass or crossing a path when out on a walk. Again, just leave them be, they are usually in a hurry to escape from your human presence into the undergrowth.
Although all the above snakes and reptiles with the exception of adders are not dangerous to your dog, your dog can be dangerous to them! Therefore please keep your dog away from them and don't let him/her sniff, tug, bite or play with them. They are living breathing beings just like your dog that don't deserve to be hurt and just like you want nothing more than living a safe and peaceful life. Thank you.
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