Dog owner shocked after greyhound was bitten by a snake in popular Doncaster woodland

A Doncaster dog owner is warning others after her greyhound was bitten by a snake in woodland.
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Sally Deakin wants to warn other dog owners that there are Adder snakes hibernating in Sandall Beat Woods at this time of year and to be extra vigilant if allowing dogs off lead.

She was forced to rescue her dog Diane out of a ditch after she was bitten and was unable to move.

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Sally takes her two dogs Diane and Walter to Sandall Beat Woods often but this is the first time they have encountered a snake.Sally takes her two dogs Diane and Walter to Sandall Beat Woods often but this is the first time they have encountered a snake.
Sally takes her two dogs Diane and Walter to Sandall Beat Woods often but this is the first time they have encountered a snake.

Diane, a nine-year-old ex racing rescue greyhound, wandered into a ditch whilst off lead which is where she encountered the snake.

Sally, aged 33, said: “Around 20 minutes into our walk into the woods I heard a loud yelp.

“Which is uncommon as Diane is a typical greyhound and is a very quiet dog.

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“When I got over to her she was lifting up her paw which had instantly swollen up to the size of a tennis ball.”

Diane's leg became very swollen after the bite - the vets have told Sally that it will take between 10 days to two weeks for her to return to normal.Diane's leg became very swollen after the bite - the vets have told Sally that it will take between 10 days to two weeks for her to return to normal.
Diane's leg became very swollen after the bite - the vets have told Sally that it will take between 10 days to two weeks for her to return to normal.

Diane would not move from the ditch as the snake’s venom immobilises those that it bites. This meant Sally had to wade down into a five-foot deep hole and carry her 32kg pet out.

“I’m glad that I have spent the lockdown exercising but I still had to keep putting her down every few minutes.”

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The next day Sally took Diane to the vets where she was told the injury had been caused by a hibernating Adder snake.

Diane's paw after the adder bit her in the ditch.Diane's paw after the adder bit her in the ditch.
Diane's paw after the adder bit her in the ditch.

It is rare for them to bite unless they are disturbed.

“It broke my heart to see her hurt,” Sally added.

“She’s taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication and is on the mend but the vets say it will take between 10 days and two weeks for her to return to normal.”

Sally Deakin, 33, from the Town Centre. With her dog Diane.Sally Deakin, 33, from the Town Centre. With her dog Diane.
Sally Deakin, 33, from the Town Centre. With her dog Diane.

Sally said she wants to warn other dog owners that snake bites are a real threat and wants to encourage them to be on the lookout.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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