OVIEDO, Fla. – Pet owners are on alert after a 5-month-old puppy was killed after being bitten by a snake while out for a walk.
It happened on Westborne Drive just south of Hagery High School.
Recommended Videos
The dog died not even two hours after being bitten.
"He was a perfectly healthy dog," said Jack's owner, Mark Thomas.
Like every morning, Thomas would take the miniature Schnauzer for a walk, only this time, "just instantaneously, within an hour and half he was gone," said Thomas.
Thomas said minutes after Jack was outside, he became lethargic and began vomiting.
"He was paralyzed by the time we got to the vet and about another 45 minutes later, he had gone into cardiac arrest and died," said Thomas.
The veterinarian told the Thomas' a coral snake was to blame.
"Our grass is relatively short and I did not see this snake," said Thomas.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Officials said coral snakes are found all over the Central Florida area, including Seminole County. It is not uncommon to see them, but it is rare for the poisonous snakes to bite because they are not aggressive. However, when they do bite, their venom is very strong.
"Watch your son, watch your daughter, your babies, watch your grandchildren. Don't let them walk around, crawl around, make sure their covered," urged Thomas.
Now, the Thomases just want families to remember these snakes are out there and that they're deadly.
"I'm trying to sidetrack the anger and see what can I do to help everyone else," said Thomas.
This is the second dog the Thomases have lost in eight months.
The snakes are colorful and that is why sometimes they can look appealing to children.
Wildlife officials urge people to stay away from them if spotted, especially coral snakes who are elusive. In Jack's case, the family believes he may have stepped on it.