Family Dog Killed By Rattlesnake In South Austin

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — A dachshund in South Austin died after being bitten by a rattlesnake, according to reports.

Kevin Zimmerman told KXAN the family dog, Gus, was bitten on Sunday in the backyard of his home. The dog was in the backyard on Peppergrass Cove on Sunday when the snake attacked, he told the news station.

The family rushed their beloved pet to the veterinarian for anti-venom in a visit that cost $2,500, but it was too late for the animal, the man told the news station. Gus had to be put down on Monday, he said.

Amid the family's sadness over the loss of their cherished pet, the man takes solace in that his children weren't in the yard at the time, as he explained to KXAN. A neighbor came by to kill the reptile before it could injure anyone else, he added.

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The cold-blooded creatures tend to come out during the hot summer months to bask in the sun while looking for prey. To avoid being victimized, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials advise residents to keep their lawns trimmed and remove any brush, debris piles, rock piles or wood where snakes like to hide. While it may go without saying, it's also advised to always wear shoes when traipsing outdoors.

While rattlesnake bites are rare, others have been reported. On Tuesday a one-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital after being bitten by a snake in Abillene, Texas.

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