Olivia Burke
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A family has issued a stark warning to dog owners in the UK after their beloved Jack Russell died days after being bit by a venomous snake.
Brit teenager Logan Mathers has told of his devastation after an adder suddenly attacked his pooch Donnie while they were out for a walk last week.
The 17-year-old lad had taken his pet out around Thetford Forest, situated near Suffolk, last Wednesday (26 March) when tragedy struck.
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Donnie was devastatingly bitten on the face by an adder, which is the only venomous snake which stalks the UK.
These reptiles are typically greyish in colour and sport a dark zig-zag pattern down their backs, as well as chilling red eyes, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
Adders hibernate from October and begin to emerge once again when it starts to get warmer in March - so when you're out with your animals in woodlands, heathlands or moorlands, you need to keep an eye out.
Their venom isn't life-threatening for humans, although complications can arise if the victim is very young, ill or old, but a bite from an adder can be seriously painful.
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However, it can be deadly for dogs, especially if the animal has an allergic reaction to the venom.
VetsforPets explain that adder bites usually result in swelling around the wound, which 'can be severe', while your dog could also show 'signs of pain, bleeding, bruising, lameness and may appear nervous'.
It states: "If the adder venom is absorbed into the rest of the body it can cause a widespread inflammatory reaction leading to symptoms such as lethargy, fever, increased heart and respiratory rates, drooling, vomiting and a wobbly gait.
"In severe cases animals may collapse, have blood clotting problems, organ failure, tremors or convulsions. Bites most commonly occur on a dog’s legs or face.
"If your dog is bitten on the face, it could lead to swelling of the face and muzzle and may result in breathing difficulties."
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Unfortunately for the Mathers family, poor Donnie was bitten on the face - and although a 'traumatised' Logan rushed the two-year-old pooch to the vets, it was too late to save him.
His sister Molly, 19, explained that the Jack Russell was slipping in and out of consciousness before anti-venom medication and antibiotics were administered.
Sadly, Donnie's condition continued to deteriorate over the following days and he passed away in the early hours of Saturday (29 March) morning.
The teenagers' mother, Ali, said her family have been left 'absolute heartbroken' by his death and they now want to warn other pet owners to be wary of the danger of adders.
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"The whole family went over on Saturday morning to say goodbye to our beautiful boy," Ali said. "He really was so full of life. Donnie is going to be cremated so he can be with us always.
"We are absolutely heartbroken and just can't believe it. We want to stop another dog being hurt."
In another devastating blow, the family have now also been left with a £4,000 bill for Donnie's treatment due to complications which arose.
He sadly became brain dead and the Mathers were forced to euthanise their Jack Russell.
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A spokeswoman for Norfolk Wildlife Trust explained that although these incidents are rare, it is still important for pet owners to be wary of adders while out on walks.
"Adders will rarely bite unless provoked, but of course, this can be accidental," they explained.
"Dogs, unfortunately, can be at risk as they are naturally inquisitive and can inadvertently find themselves in the adders' preferred habitat.
"It's wise for dog owners to keep their pets to the path or under close control in areas where adders are likely to be found during March to October."