Britains only venomous snake is not known for picking on our beloved pets.
But after attacks on these two dogs, pet owners are being warned about the dangers of adders.
Raven the weimaraner and Toby, a 13-year-old cocker spaniel, both had to undergo emergency treatment after being bitten by snakes while out walking.
They suffered swelling to their faces after the startled reptiles injected venom into their snouts.
In Tobys case, he couldnt hear his owners pleas to stop chasing the adder as he is deaf.
Toby was being walked on Cavenham Heath, near Newmarket, Suffolk, last week when he was seen running towards the snake.
The dogs were rushed for immediate veterinary treatment for the bites which can cause breathing problems, bleeding disorders or abnormal heart rhythms.
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They were given specialist care with fluid therapy as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines before being sent home to recover.
A spokesman for Dick White Referrals where Toby was treated, said: Generally speaking, adders will attack only in self-defence but, unfortunately, dogs are unaware of the danger and can often provoke an attack through their excessive curiosity.
If an adder does attack a dog, it will inject venom – most commonly into the face or forelimbs.
Raven also had to undergo emergency treatment after suffering a puncture wound to her face.
Her owner Caz Terrell, from Ipswich, Suffolk, said: I didnt hear a yelp or anything, but three hours later her face was just huge.
I knew straight away we had to get to the vets.
Clare-Marie Carter, principal nurse at Vets Now said: Raven did well to battle through and deal with it herself. Its great to hear shes now fully recovered.
Adder bites in the UK are relatively rare, with only about 100 cases reported each year.
Earlier this year, an English bulldog had to be put to sleep after suffering a seizure when he was bitten by an adder in Groeslon, near Caernarfon, Wales.
The snakes vary in size from around 40 to 70 cm long, they can be distinguished from other, non-poisonous snakes, like the grass snake and slow worm, by the zigzag pattern on their back and V- or X-shaped markings on their head.
Vets advise that the most important factor in a dogs response to an adder bite is rapid and appropriate treatment.
More: UK
Although the risk of adder bites is quite low, it is advisable to be cautious during spring, especially in areas where the snakes are known to be present.
These can include sand dunes, moorland and woodland edges.
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