A family has been left devastated after their cherished dog passed away just days after being bitten on the face by an adder.

On Wednesday afternoon (March 26), 17 year old Logan Mathers was walking the family dog, Donnie, when the venomous snake suddenly appeared in Thetford Forest, Suffolk.

Donnie, a two year old Jack Russell, suffered a bite to the face and was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment, where he slipped in and out of consciousness.

Logan's 19 year old sister, Molly, rushed to meet her brother, who was left traumatised by the incident.

Despite receiving anti-venom medication and antibiotics, Donnie's condition worsened.

Over the weekend, Ali Mathers, Logan and Molly's mother, confirmed that Donnie had passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning (March 29).

She said: "The whole family went over on Saturday morning to say goodbye to our beautiful boy.

"He really was so full of life.

"We are absolutely heartbroken and just can't believe it. We want to prevent another dog from being hurt.

"Donnie is going to be cremated so he can be with us always."

The family is now facing a £4k bill for Donnie's treatment due to complications that led to him becoming brain dead and having to be euthanised.

As adders - Britain's only venomous snakes - emerge from hibernation at this time of year, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) warns that swelling can cause serious problems to dogs if bitten on the face or neck, and the venom can cause severe illness and death. A spokeswoman for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust has cautioned: "Adders will rarely bite unless provoked, but of course, this can be accidental."

She further noted the unintentional risks for pets: "Dogs, unfortunately, can be at risk as they are naturally inquisitive and can inadvertently find themselves in the adders' preferred habitat."

The Trust advises vigilance for pet-owners, stating: "It's wise for dog owners to keep their pets to the path or under close control in areas where adders are likely to be found during March to October."