VETS are warning dog owners to beware of snakes in the Darlington area.

The Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital issued a statement in response to a number of reported and confirmed incidents of dogs being bitten by adders.

In recent weeks at least two dogs have taken ill after being walked around the area of Bellburn Lane field.

The dogs – lurcher Blue and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Brandy – were treated for suspected adder bites after becoming unwell hours after being walked.

Experts from the Durham Wildlife Trust said last week that an adder presence in Darlington was unlikely as adders were traditionally found in heathland areas.

However, the statement from the Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital contradicts this claim, saying the species was often found around water.

The statement said: “Beware. There have been a few reported/confirmed incidents of dogs being bitten by adders in and around Darlington.

“Adders are generally found around water like ponds, reservoirs and even along the Tees.”

Dog owners were warned to seek advice quickly if they suspected their pets had suffered a snakebite.

The statement said: “Often your dog won’t react at the time of being bitten but will become unwell many hours later.

“The commonest sign is swelling of the area that increases in size quickly.

“Adder bites can be very serious, so please seek veterinary advice if you are worried.”

The owners of Blue and Brandy – Louise Smith and Dave Charles – said their animals were recovering from the suspected adder bites.

Mr Charles said dog walkers should not be put off walking their pets around the popular Bellburn Lane field but should be vigilant when doing so as breeding season meant an increased likelihood of adders in the area.