Dog owners have been warned not to walk their pets at a Norfolk beach after two animals were bitten by snakes.

Canine news site, The Barking Bugle, posted a warning about Winterton Dunes on social media on Thursday, July 26.

It read: “Caister Vets have treated two dogs bitten by adders on Winterton Dunes within the past 24 hours.”

“Please do not walk off the lead in this area. If you suspect you’ve been bitten please get to your local vets as soon as possible.”

Rebecca Morrell, clinical director at Caister Vets, said: “We treated a dog that was bitten yesterday (Wednesday, July 25) at 10.30am and another that was bitten last night (July 25) at 7.30pm.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Winterton Dunes nature reserve at Winterton on Sea. Photo: Angela SharpeWinterton Dunes nature reserve at Winterton on Sea. Photo: Angela Sharpe (Image: Archant © 2007)

“Adder bites can be fatal especially in small dogs, although I have seen large breed dogs die from bites too.

“We do stock anti-venom.

“Both dogs were treated supportively and given anti-venom and have recovered well.

“My advice would be to avoid walking dogs through long grass in the hot weather and I would recommend children and people also avoid this too.

“Adders are most active at the moment and are prevalent in warm sandy areas.

“Winterton Dunes is a popular spot for adder bites so keeping dogs off the dunes until it cools down would be sensible.”

Frodo Cavalier, editor of The Barking Bugle, added: “Only walk your dogs very early in the morning or in the late evening during this heat wave.

“Whilst temperatures are so high it would best to avoid walking old, young, short nose breeds, such as pugs, and dogs with health issues completely.

“No dog died from not being walked but they do die from heatstroke.”

Symptoms of an adder bite in dogs are pain, swelling, and lethargy. If you think your dog has been bitten, keep them still and seek veterinary attention.

If your pet has been affected by this, please email Jessica.Frank-Keyes@archant.co.uk.