Veterinarian warns pet owners to act immediately if they suspect an adder bite

Spring warmth has brought adders out of hibernation across Finland, prompting veterinarians to urge pet owners not to wait if they suspect their animal has been bitten, Yle reports.

“Better to act out of caution than to wait and see—this has backfired many times,” says Sami Takala, a veterinarian at Takala Animal Clinic in Nurmo, Southern Ostrobothnia. While this season has so far seen fewer cases than expected, the situation can change rapidly as temperatures rise.

Recognising an adder bite
Adders typically bite in home yards or gardens, sometimes even wandering into dog kennels. Symptoms in pets vary but may include restlessness, lethargy, or unusual behaviour. Visible swelling—especially around the head—can become severe, potentially causing breathing difficulties.

The most dangerous bites occur on the limbs, where large blood vessels can spread venom quickly. “There are major veins in the legs, making the situation always serious,” Takala explains.

What to do if you suspect a bite
Keep the pet still to slow venom spread and contact a veterinarian immediately. Movement accelerates the venom’s circulation. Adder tablets (containing corticosteroids) are not recommended unless prescribed for severe facial swelling, as they may worsen the condition.

Treatment involves fluid therapy, with antivenom administered case-by-case. Most pets recover, but follow-up checks are crucial, as the liver is often the first organ affected—though permanent damage is rare.

Adders avoid conflict when possible
Finland’s Nature League recorded the first adder sighting of the season last weekend, aligning with typical spring emergence patterns. Adders usually wake from hibernation in late March or early April in southern Finland, though northern populations may remain dormant until June.

Jessica Hietaniemi, coordinator of the Nature League’s spring monitoring, notes that adders bite only as a last resort. “They flee if they can,” she says. While often feared, adders help control pests like rodents, indirectly reducing tick populations and the risk of Lyme disease.