A DOG has been treated after being bitten by a snake as a Southend vet issues a warning to owners. 

Medivet in Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend, has urged owners to be aware of adders after an incident in Canewdon.

They say a dog, called Ernie, received an adder bite whilst out on a walk on Wednesday. This was in Canewdon, near the river roach.

The bite caused Ernie to have bad swelling to his eye and his neck.

Echo: Warning - Ernie bitten by snake in Canewdon Warning - Ernie bitten by snake in Canewdon (Image: Medivet Southend)

Thankfully Ernie responded well to the treatment provided by Medivet in Southend, and was able to go home the following day.

However, the vets have urged owners to watch out for adders while walking their dogs.

They say as the weather starts to warm up, adders will start to emerge.

A spokesman said: “This is important information for dog owners.

“This handsome lad is Ernie. Unfortunately, Ernie received an adder bite whilst out on a walk yesterday.

“This was in the area of Canewdon, near the pathway and fields near the river roach.

“As you can see from the first photo, the bite caused Ernie to have swelling to his eye and his neck.

“Luckily Ernie responded well to treatment and was able to go home today.

“As it starts to warm up, Adders will start to emerge from hibernation so be especially careful of walking dogs in known adder areas and in areas of long grass where your dog might stumble across one.”

According to the Medivet website, Adder bites can be severe in dogs. They can make a dog very ill and it should be treated as an emergency.

Adder Bites can result in swelling around the wound, usually within two hours of the bites.

If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by an adder, Medivet say “you should take them to your vet immediately”.