April through October is rattlesnake season. The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is common to San Diego county coastal and mountain regions. Last rattlesnake season, there were hundreds of dog snake bites reported in North County alone. A rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency that results in serious injury or even death to thousands of dogs each year.
Rattlesnake venom is a complex mixture of toxins that spreads throughout a dogs body following the bite. Recently, Red Rock Biologics has released a vaccination against the venom of the Western Diamondback (Crotalus atrox), which is now available at Carlsbad Animal Hospital.
This vaccine also protects against the venom of six out of seven of the other California rattlesnakes (the Mojave Rattlesnake has significantly different venom such that it is not covered) and there is good cross-protection against numerous other venomous snakes native to areas outside California. Rattlesnake vaccines help defend your dog by creating an immunity that works immediately to help neutralize the toxins and potentially lessen the severity of the symptoms. The initial vaccination is given in 2 doses 4 weeks apart. Annual boosters are best given approximately one month before snake season starts in the spring. Subsequent booster doses are recommended every 6 to 12 months depending on the rattlesnake danger in your area. A snake bite should always be treated as an emergency, even in a vaccinated dog. If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Call Carlsbad Animal Hospital seven days a week for a vaccine appointment today! 760-729-4431