The dog’s owner shared that initially, his four dogs had the snake cornered when one of them got bit by the large diamondback rattlesnake.
TEXAS, USA — A dog named Peanut has died after she was bitten by a diamondback rattlesnake at a ranch in South Texas.
Experts say that with the warmer temperatures and spring rainfall, snakes are coming out of their cozy winter shelters seeking out the warmer temperatures, food, and mates.
“Just after dark, all four of our dogs cornered a large diamondback rattlesnake, which took a stand under a tractor located just outside of the fence around our yard,” said the Facebook post on National Snakebite Support.
Two of the dogs were able to be contained away from the snake while the other two on alert, barking at the intruder.
“My wife saw the female, 8-year-old Peanut, get struck by the snake which caused her to stop trying to fight the snake, and allowed my wife to dispatch the snake and get a leash on the last dog,” said the Facebook post.
The other dogs were all checked for bites and Peanut was rushed to the vet in Laredo where they were told antivenom was waiting to treat her. The staff were waiting for them in the parking lot when they arrived.
“It looks like the bite was pretty high up on the shoulder, and the punctures were about 30mm apart, so a pretty good-sized snake,” said the post.
Peanut was given the first bag of antivenom and the decision was made for her to stay overnight in case she needed another round of antivenom during the night or first thing in the morning.
Sadly, Peanut succumbed to her injuries and died early Thursday morning.
“Unfortunately, despite a lot of effort to try and save her, our little lady didn’t make it through the treatment and passed away this morning,” said the dog’s owner. “We will bring her back and she will be put to rest on our ranch in the Hill Country this weekend. May there be lots and lots of squirrels and balls for you to chase in heaven. RIP Peanut 2016-2025.”
Experts with Texas Parks and Wildlife say that with prompt medical attention the chances of surviving the incident are better than you might expect. The Western Diamondback is the most common and widespread venomous snake found in Texas, and is found in all but the easternmost part of the state.
For more information, visit the section on snakes on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
And be on the lookout for snakes and dangerous species when you are outside.