Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 32, Number 11;   November, 2005

Dogs Have Shot Against Rattlers

by Ray Sasser

A California company, Red Rock Biologics, is marketing a canine vaccine that has proven effective in protecting dogs against venomous snakebite. According to company spokeswoman Janet Jones, most veterinarians are selling the vaccine for $25 to $30 a dose. Red Rock Biologics recommends two vaccinations, administered about 30 days apart. Annual booster shots will keep the dog's immunity level high, said Jones.

"This vaccination is not a silver bullet that makes dogs impervious to snakebite," Jones said. "The owner should still get the dog to a vet as quickly as possible in the event of a snakebite." The vaccine has been on the market in California since July 2003.

"Reports that we're receiving from veterinarians indicate that the vaccinated dogs suffer less swelling after being bitten, and the swelling decreases quickly. We're also getting reports of less tissue damage and quicker recovery time."

Jones said there's been a huge response from Texas since Red Rock Biologics began a national campaign last year. The abundance of aggressive western diamondback rattlesnakes in Texas, combined with mild weather and a longer active season for the reptiles, translates to thousands of canine snakebites each year.

North Texas rattlesnakes recently came out of their winter dens to bask in the uncommonly warm February sun. In south Texas, where freezing weather is unusual, rattlesnakes are active year round.