Rattlesnake Vaccine

[ckirsch]

Just received a note from my vet reminding me that my dog is due for the annual snakebite vaccine. Curious as to where people are at on this now. I've been having it done for the past ten years or so, but some of what I've read recently seems to indicate that it's not as highly regarded any more. Thoughts, anyone?

[mask]

This is good insurance and can't hurt. I carry vet-a-log and Benadryl. Bear in mind it is usually a 2 hour drive to the nearest vet.

[ckirsch]

Are you convinced the vaccine is effective?

[mask]

it is effective in most cases but it does depend on where the bite occurs. It gives you a little more to get to a vet. Most vets will inject steroids of some sort and antibiotics. I carry that stuff plus an IV kit. The bottom line is do what you think is best.

[Garrison]

From my non-medical research, the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs seems to be widely used, especially in the western U.S., but it’s important to understand that its effectiveness is largely anecdotal. There are no peer-reviewed scientific studies that definitively prove how well the vaccine works in reducing the severity of bites or improving survival rates. Rattlesnakes even within a species can have a wide range of venom profiles, and the vaccine is derived from only one type.

Most of the support for the vaccine comes from veterinarians and dog owners who report positive outcomes, like less swelling, quicker recovery, or the dog surviving a bite with minimal treatment. However, these reports vary widely and are not consistent enough to draw solid conclusions.

Because of this, vets are divided: some recommend it for high-risk dogs (like hunting or hiking dogs), while others are skeptical and instead emphasize snake avoidance training and rapid access to emergency care. I figure, why not both? Where I often run dogs, the Southern Pacific rattlesnakes within a specific region and elevation have developed a venom that is on par with the Mojave Green. It is one of the most fatal bites in North America, so I take an all of the above approach and try to limit interactions in warmer daytime temps.

Bottom line: the vaccine may help, but don’t rely on it alone.

A birddog’s nose is its best defense against snake bite. They can detect a rattlesnake from a significant distance because they stink, and when they’ve been properly snake-broke, they will avoid them altogether. The quality and intensity of that training matters a lot—trainers focused on pets often go much easier due to their clientele and captive audience at the training day. While a pro birddog trainer, who prioritizes the safety of your animal, especially while under their care will typically use markedly stronger conditioning practices to ensure your dog learns they want nothing to do with snakes ever again.

Garrison

[ckirsch]

Perspectives appreciated. Western South Dakota has prairie rattlesnakes, thus the concern for my dogs. I run them through snake avoidance, and carry Benadryl in the field. I've had the dogs vaccinated for the past ten years or so, but have since heard from others who cast doubt on its effectiveness. I guess it makes sense to continue with it on the chance that it might make a difference.

Thanks!

[Idylwyld]

Between 25-50 % of snake bites are dry. You dont know which is which. Ive seen dogs bitten and given Benadryl for swelling live with no other treatment. Ive also seen the opposite.

I snake break my dogs and check them once a year. I carry Benadryl. Watch expiration dates on what you carry.

If I could get the Red Rock vaccine and administer it myself I would use it religiously. It can not hurt.

Last time I checked, Red Rock will only sell it to vets.

[Steve007]

At some point in the past, I looked up the Red Rock rattlesnake vaccine and I recalled that it was quite inexpensive. Doesn't matter. You would have to be foolish to rely upon it fully --snake-breaking is an important tool-- but I can't imagine not giving your dog the benefit of this vaccine if your dog is going to be in rattlesnake country.

There is an investment phrase that goes "never bet more than you can afford to lose." I don't think many of us could afford emotionally to lose our dogs. Skipping this vaccine is betting more than you can afford to lose.

[ckirsch]

I guess I was curious if confidence in the vaccine's efficacy has waned.

[mask]

Not for me it has not but it is what it is. I don't think it hurts however let what ever you believe guide you. My niece is a teaching vet at a large California university, and she thinks it is worth the trouble and expense. So do what you think is best. Ckirsch I hope this helps.

[ckirsch]

Sounds like it's worth staying with it. I'll get him in next week as our local serpents are probably about to emerge soon.

Thanks everyone.

[17Hunter]

I see a lot of reference to using Benadryl. Lots of material on the web from reputable sources about that not being an effective treatment and actually advise against it.

For those of you that have had dogs bitten and treated with Benadryl, was it effective?

Fortunately, I dont have to worry too much about snakes in MI.

[Idylwyld]

Benadryl is used to slow down swelling. Dog gets bitten in neck, neck swells, restricting breathing. If swelling gets too bad, dog could suffocate. Benadryl is not to treat the bite. I have successfully used it in the past, to hold swelling down until I get them to a vet, which can be a long ride.

Where I live (in the SW) rattlesnakes are fairly common. You would be surprised just how few you actually see. I have had 6 or so dogs bitten over the years. It sucks, especially if its a good one I want to keep. Two dogs, I did not know they had gotten bit, until I put them in the crate after a hunt.


I have not lost a dog to snake bite. I know others who have.

I dont know how good the Red Rock vaccine is. I admit to being skeptical of its claims.

It irks me that Red Rocks sells to vets only. I cant buy the vaccine and give it myself. If that ever changes...

[mask]

The vet I use will sell me the vaccine but I have to buy the whole box. It works out fine as I pass it around to other dog people.

[Idylwyld]

The vet I use will sell me the vaccine but I have to buy the whole box. It works out fine as I pass it around to other dog people.

I would take that deal if I could find a vet that would cooperate.

[Steve007]

Where I live (in the SW) rattlesnakes are fairly common.
I dont know how good the Red Rock vaccine is. I admit to being skeptical of its claims.

It irks me that Red Rocks sells to vets only. I cant buy the vaccine and give it myself. If that ever changes...

You might check on the cost through a vet. Most of them charge 25 to 50 bucks for an injection, and it starts with a series of two followed by annual boosters. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. I personally cannot emotionally afford to lose my dog, and would pay whatever it took to improve his odds should he get bitten. But I guess opinions vary.

[Idylwyld]

/quote]

I personally cannot emotionally afford to lose my dog, and would pay whatever it took to improve his odds should he get bitten. But I guess opinions vary.
[/quote]

A lot of folks feel that way, I understand. Those are the people I wish to sell a dog too occasionally.


I started out that way. I dont allow myself to get emotionally attached to a dog that I probably will wind up selling. I had to learn to take a more business like approach on the issue.


I know what I like in a bird dog and will move them along when they dont meet my criteria. Ive got two that come close enough to my standard that I keep. I wont bore you with bloodlines talk.

I want to raise a litter of pups out of them and keep the whole litter for my evaluation, train and sell what doesn't meet my standard.

If you want to know what my criteria/standard is for a good bird dog, read the AFTCA guidelines. Those guys are much better at articulating it than I am.