In the desert southwest, rattlesnakes are a part of the native desert landscape.  As the weather warms in the springtime and people return to spending more time outdoors, rattlesnakes also become more active.  From the Arizona deserts to the mountain forests, rattlesnakes can be found from spring through summer and into the autumn months.

Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitats.  If you and your dog enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, or you live near or on a desert preserve, your risk of meeting a rattlesnake is increased significantly.  Like people, dogs may stumble over the location of snake totally by accident.

“A rattlesnake bite to a dog can be potentially fatal,” explains Dr. Donald Holmes, medical director and one of three veterinarians at Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital.  “The rattlesnake venom causes significant swelling and pain, and can require extensive supportive hospitalization and treatment.”

According to Dr. Holmes, there is now a rattlesnake vaccine on the market for dogs that aids in the protection against the harmful effects of venom (primarily the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake as well as several other species found in Arizona.)

“The Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine is a preventive measure just like annual vaccines against infectious diseases,” says Dr. Holmes.  “Thus it must be given prior to any bite.”

While this vaccine may sound like a cure against rattlesnake bites, Dr. Holmes cautions that it has remained controversial in the veterinary field because it does not provide complete protection against the harmful effects of rattlesnake venom.

The vaccine works by generating protective antibodies against the venom in a vaccinated dog.  These protective antibodies then begin neutralizing any venom encountered immediately following a rattlesnake bite which, in turn, cause less severe effects such as less swelling, less pain, and hopefully, a faster recovery.

“It’s important to stress that a dog that is bitten, even though vaccinated with the rattlesnake vaccine, must still obtain immediate veterinary care,” continues Dr. Holmes.  Other factors that still play a role in the severity of the effects from the venom include the type of rattlesnake, the location of the bite, and the amount of venom injected.

The doctors at Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital recommend that you consider vaccinating your dog with rattlesnake vaccine.  For additional information on this new vaccine, check out the manufacturer’s website at www.redrockbiologics.com.