Rattlesnake Vaccine ?

[Jeff Eberle]

What do you think about it ? From reading up on it, I still don't know any more about it then I did before I started. What I've read is that there is no real proof that it works , Also read that it works its best the first 4 - 6 weeks after the shots. First time dog needs 2 shots then a booster once a year. Got a new ranch to hunt this summer that looks like it could hold a few rattlers , So just looking out for my dogs. Like I said I know nothing about it, So if you do I'd sure like to hear it.

[Redwood Coonhounds]

I vaccinate all my dogs. Have for a few years now. Never had one bitten. I worked at an Animal Hospital where we seen an upwards of 50 snake bites or so a season, which is also the area I live and hunt. I'd say the vaccine helps a lot for a majority of the dogs. None needed antivenon. Some really needed nothing. Some still needed a little antibiotics and dex. Made the amount of swelling and pain less, time for the swelling to go down was a lot quicker. In over 7 years of working there only seen 2 dogs die from a snake bite, both owners declined to do anything for the dogs, they were unvaccinated.

[Jeff Eberle]

So Redwood, What do or what would you carry with you while hunting in Rattler country ?

[tman308]

I have been vaccinating mine for the last 5 years. more than anything it gives me peace of mind. every vet I have talked to has a different opinion about the vaccine. I order it online and administer myself as the vets want a significant amount of money to give it. I have one dog bit prior to vaccination I utilized Benadryl and dog aspirin the dog survived so I carry those with me.

[Jeff Eberle]

[tman308]

In the past I've bought it from vaccines4less I noticed this year its not listed on their page.

[Liz ODell]

I vaccinate all of mine too, the vet gives me a good price for bringing a bunch of well behaved dogs in at one time.
I figure if it helps them get out of a bad spot it's worth it.

[twilli]

Snake breaking is the best preventative. Most bites are dry bites but the ones that get venom it depends on where they get bit. My friend a DVM states the vaccine does not really help dogs in MT as we have the prairie rattler versus diamond backor other venomous snakes. He also states the jury is out for its efficacy. It is pricey $$. He does recommend carrying some IM Benadryl to give if your dog gets bitten

[Liz ODell]

How much is everyone getting charged for the shot? I pay $20

[bowtech36]

20 cheap even if it's a small.chance of helping the dog. I'm headed in to a couple vets tomorrow to see what I can find out.

[TomJr]

Vets charge $75 and up here... I don't bother... never had a dog bitten and I train all my dogs to stay away from all snakes so there is a low chance that they will get bit.

[Jeff Eberle]

I called around and found one that will do it for $25 each shot best I have found

[Redwood Coonhounds]

I still get a discount thru the Vet I worked for, I still go in a work a few days a month. I get them for $10 a shot. They are typically around $30.

[krk hunting]

I never vaccinate my dogs for rattlesnakes usually get one or two bitten a year the key is to start them on an antibiotic right away and make sure they have plenty of FRESH water all the time and shaded place to rest up for a couple days. If your dogs are in good shape they will be fine. If they are old or real young it is hard on them no matter what. I am not a fan of it at all.

Kevin

[Gary Roberson]

I usually get a dog or two bitten every year and vets have told me that if not for the vaccine, I would have lost several of the dogs. I do think that if a dog is hot and gets hit behind the shoulder by a big rattler that has a lot of venom, it is difficult for a dog to survive. For $20/dog, it is cheap insurance.
Adios,
Gary