The Boot Inn and The Nothe Tavern, located in Weymouth, Dorset, have raised concerns after a dog named Roscoe was fatally bitten by an adder in a park on Monday.
This warning comes in response to a series of incidents in south Essex where dogs have been bitten by adders.
Pet owners are being urged to keep their dogs on leads while walking in the gardens and to avoid areas with long grass, as adders are known to lurk there.
In the UK, there are three snake species: grass snakes, adders, and smooth snakes. Among these, only the adder is venomous and poses a danger to dogs.
Adders are typically more active in the spring and early summer, having recently emerged from hibernation, and their venom is particularly potent.
Adders can be identified by their grey colour, dark zig-zag pattern on their back, and red eye.
If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by an adder, experts advise contacting a vet immediately.
Roscoe, who belonged to the owner of The Boot Inn, was bitten on the nose by an adder earlier this week while being walked in Nothe Gardens. The dog fell ill later that day and sadly passed away.
The pubs posted on Facebook: “Just to give everybody a heads up, there are adders at The Nothe Gardens. Unfortunately, we lost our lovely Roscoe on Monday due to an adder bite.”
The Nothe Tavern, situated near the gardens, shared a social media post that has been shared over 800 times.
The post read: “To all doggie owners who walk their dogs in the Nothe Gardens: please be advised that there are adders in the gardens. A dog was bitten and passed away on Monday.”
Sonia Boarato, the manager of The Nothe Tavern, expressed her heartbreak over Roscoe’s death.
She told the Dorset Echo: “The landlord called us because we have a dog ourselves, a Labrador, and I walk him in Nothe Gardens. He called out of concern.
“I just want to let as many people know as possible. He was walking her on Monday, and he thinks an adder bit Roscoe on the nose. The poor dog managed to get home but was very ill and passed away. It is heartbreaking.”
Ms Boarato suggested signs be placed in Nothe Gardens to warn dog owners about the presence of adders in the grass.
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