A vet has issued a warning after an adder bit an inquisitive French bulldog when she went to get a closer look.

The vet who treated the dog, called Marnie, with anti-venom wants to warn other dog owners about the danger of snakes this summer.

Danielle Stone, from Tadworth, and her dogs encountered a snake on the pathway while out walking on Walton Heath golf course at Wednesday, April 15.

The dogs went to investigate and the adder bit Marnie above her eye. The dog went into shock, her face swelled up and she had difficulty breathing.

Vet Johnny Kriek, from Kriek and Gibson Veterinary Surgery in Banstead, put Marnie on an IV drip, gave her pain killers and antibiotics and sourced anti-venom.

Surrey Comet:

Marnie after she made a full recovery

He said: "Marnie made a full recovery and is back to being her smiley self."

The vets also treated an adder bite last year. Mr Kriek said: "I do think it is rare, but for a new practice like ours, to have one in each summer so far, is significant.

"It is also significant, because dogs can die. The smaller the dog is, the greater the risk because they have smaller body mass to try to dilute and counteract the toxin."

During hot weather the cold-bloodied snakes often sun themselves in the open and they bite in self-defence if disturbed by dogs.

Mr Kriek said: "The message is that snakes are more active in the warmer periods of the year, and the warmer times of the day.

"Mostly snakes are long gone by the time humans or pets come along.

"There is not very much pet owners can do to prevent encounters, but if they suspect their pet has been bitten, they must seek veterinary attention."

Bites can cause pain, redness, swelling, salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and collapse. The vets in Banstead now stocks anti-venom in case it has to treat more snake bites.