Rattlesnake Venom Inoculation

Since 2003, a vaccine has been available in California to help lessen the effects of rattlesnake bites in curious canines. Although any bite from a venomous snake should still be treated as an emergency situation, this inoculation can reduce the pain and swelling that accompany a bite.

With about 300,000 dogs and cats bitten by a venomous snake each year in the U.S., dogs are 500 times more likely to be bitten by a venomous snake than to contract rabies. Rattlesnake bites can be deadly and can cause permanent muscle, liver and neurological damage. Because of this, we strongly recommend dogs living in or visiting high-risk geographical areas receive this vaccination.

The rattlesnake vaccine triggers a pet's immune system to produce antibodies against snake venom. It takes 30 days for the vaccine to reach its full effectiveness and your pet will need a booster shot every six months or so to keep it active. Although this vaccine won't make your dog resistant to the effects of rattlesnake venom, it can reduce or eliminate the need for anti-venom – which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars and lead to adverse side effects which can complicate a dog's recovery.