Do You Hike or Camp with Your Pets?

Ask Us About the New

RattleSnake Vaccine

Adapted from Red Rock Biologics for use by Park Animal Hospital

Snake bites kill or injure dogs, destroy skin and muscle, cause permanent liver, kidney, heart, neurological and joint damage. It is estimated 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten annually in the United States by venomous snakes. Dogs are up to 500 times more likely to be bitten by a venomous snake than to get rabies. A snake bite is severely painful to the dog and can cost the owner thousands of dollars in veterinary bills. This RattleSnake Vaccine is designed to reduce the likelihood of death, permanent injury and severe pain caused by rattlesnake bites.

Pertinent Info:

• Initially, two doses are recommended, spaced one month apart
• Typically, protection from boosters last about 6 months
• Dogs should get at least one booster per year, approximately one month before exposure
• Dogs exposed to rattlesnakes year round, or dogs at higher risk, should get a booster every 6 months
• Dogs over 100 lbs. or under 25 lbs should get an additional booster 30 days after the first booster (total 3), then booster normally thereafter
• The vaccine works by stimulating the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against the venom and neutralize the rattlesnake venom
• The vaccine has an excellent safety record. Over 500,000 doses have been used in well over 100,000 dogs. Anaphylactic reactions are rare and estimated at about 2 in 250,000 injections.
• Though the Vaccine does not eliminate all adverse effects of a snake bite, on average, vaccinates can typically survive about two to three times as much venom as non-vaccinates.
• Full antibody protection is not reached until 30 days following boosters
• This will provide various levels of protection against the most common species of American rattlesnakes and Copperheads. The best protection has been reported from bites from the Western and Western Diamondback rattlesnakes. The Vaccine has some protection against the Pygmy, Massassauga, Sidewinder and Timber rattlesnakes. The Vaccine will NOT protect against the Mojave rattlesnake, Coral snakes or Cottonmouth snakes.
• None of the typical treatments for snake bite are contraindicated with this vaccine.
• Even vaccinated dogs bitten by rattlesnakes should be seen by veterinarians ASAP and monitored closely for 24 hours post-bite

If you hike, camp or live in a high risk area, please ask about the Rattlesnake Vaccine. The Rattlesnake Vaccine is a very economical way to avoid a potentially fatal situation!!