Venomous Rattlesnake Bites Two Dogs in the Face in 'Life and Death' Attack

Two Connecticut dogs are recovering after they were both attacked by a venomous rattlesnake.

Brave Miniature Pinscher Listo, 10, and 3-year-old Vizsla Tanner were in Glastonbury couple Lynn and Bob Murray's backyard on August 16 when the attack happened.

Bob Murray told NBC Connecticut he let the dogs out at about lunchtime and soon noticed them barking while he closed the gate.

He told the network: "I went over and I heard the rattle and then I saw the rattlesnake. It was huge and he was all coiled up in an attack position. I took my cane and tried to get them back in."

When the Murrays realized what happened, they moved quickly to get their pets to a nearby veterinarian.

In an August 19 statement shared by Pieper Veterinary, where the dogs were seen, it was revealed both pets needed emergency treatment.

A spokesperson for Pieper Veterinary said: "Their owner heard a rattling noise and ran to go get them, but the timber rattlesnake had already bitten both dogs on the face."

Both dogs were rushed to Pieper Veterinary's Middletown ER, where they were given medication to stabilize them in addition to antivenom.

The Facebook post continued: "Listo's face and neck were swelling so rapidly that it was closing off his windpipe, and he underwent an emergency tracheostomy to help him breathe.

"Over the next several days both dogs stayed with us for around-the-clock monitoring and treatment as they fought through the after-effects of the snake venom.

"The severe swelling slowly began to fade, and eventually both dogs were able to return to their family, an extremely lucky outcome.

"Huge thanks to Tanner and Listo's family for their quick thinking and doing everything they can and to our amazing emergency and critical care teams for their hard work that helped save the lives of these two sweet pups."

According to the vet, timber rattlesnakes are endangered in Connecticut and their venom can cause "severe swelling and anaphylaxis. It added that a bite is almost fatal to dogs and cats without quick medical care.

There are numerous things people should consider doing if they come across a timber rattlesnake.

A Connecticut government factsheet warned people to slowly back away from the timber rattlesnake should they come across the animal.

It added: "Quick movements often scare snakes and may provoke a defensive strike. You should not try to agitate the snakes by getting too close or handling it. Rattlesnakes will usually let you know if you are getting too close. All snakes will retreat from humans if given a chance.

"Do not attempt to kill any rattlesnakes under any circumstances as this is an illegal action. Timber rattlesnakes are protected by Connecticut's Endangered Species Act and persons who kill or collect this endangered snake could be faced with fines or legal action."

Anyone who knows or suspects any neglectful activity directed toward the snakes is encouraged to report any information to the DEEP at the 24-hour, toll-free TIP hotline (800-842-HELP) or Deep dispatch at 860-424-333.

Newsweek has contacted Pieper Veterinary for comment.

Update 08/23/22, 11:12 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include several pictures.