Dog vs. Snake: Should You Trust the Rattlesnake Vaccine?

What is a dog rattlesnake vaccine, and do dogs need it? Approximately 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes each year.

However, nearly 80% survive with prompt and proper care. What is the best preventative rattlesnake care?

While the thought of any snake may make you squeamish, it’s important to be prepared. Today, let’s bite off some knowledge about rattlesnake bites in dogs.

Note: If you suffer from Ophidiophobia (extreme fear of snakes), don’t worry, there are no photos of snakes in this post.

A border collie stands near a grassy field after his pet parents talked to the vet about the dog rattlesnake vaccine.

Budget tip:

A rattlesnake vaccination costs $50-90 for the per shot. This vaccine is two-shot series. However, there’s no evidence that it works. Thus, you can save that money and work on being proactive with a pet first aid class and free obedience training.

Additionally, knowing how to promptly respond if your fur kid is bitten can be a lifesaver. Snakes can be scary but how you prepare for them is not scary. It’s financially responsible and it’s being a great pet parent. In other words, it’s a major win-win for you and your dog!

Table of Contents

When is rattlesnake season?

The times that snakes are active will depend on your climate and habitat. However, generally speaking, rattlesnake season is from March to October, at least on the west coast of the US. Additionally, as cold-blooded animals, they are more active when the temperature rises. Also, if you stumble upon a nest of eggs in the spring, the mom can be more protective.

Are there different types of rattlesnakes?

There are different species of rattlesnakes. Their venom can differ a bit, but the results of being bitten by a venomous snake of this type are the same. While it might be considered seasonal pet care, it’s vital knowledge for healthy dogs. The species you are most likely to encounter include:

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake
Mojave Rattlesnake
Massasauga Rattlesnake
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Prairie Rattlesnake
Mexican West Coast Rattlesnake
Horned Rattlesnake
Santa Catalina Rattlesnake
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

What are the symptoms of a pet rattlesnake bite?

The symptoms of rattlesnake envenomation (venom poisoning) can include :

Swollen area
Lethargic
Vomiting
Weak, unable to stand, or unsteady
Shaking, trembling, or muscle twitching
Drooling
Diarrhea
Bloody urine
Paralysis

Can my dog be bitten by a snake and not have symptoms?

Yes! While your canine companion can receive a “dry bite”, there will still be a puncture wound. However, no snake venom will be emitted with a dry bite. It’s estimated that about 10-15% of all snake bites are dry bites. It’s, painful but not critical.

Is it painful for a dog to be bitten by a snake?

It can be extremely painful. People have described the experience of a snake bite as feeling like their body is on fire. Of course, that’s with venom. Yet, even a dry bite can be painful. Your dog will most likely yelp or cry in pain.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has been bitten by a rattlesnake?

Rushing to your nearest vet is critical. However, you will also want to call ahead to let the vet clinic know your dog has been bitten and ask if they have the antivenom on hand. Interestingly not all vets, even in rattlesnake areas like mine, carry the antivenom. Additionally, you’ll want to

Keep your dog calm
Immobilize your dog to limit the distribution of venom

Thus, this can mean carrying your dog out of a hiking area. However, these measures can be life-saving!

Additionally taking a pet first aid course, which is offered through the American Red Cross can be a great idea for any medical issue that could arise. You can even take the class online for $25.

But, you can also ask your vet or local Fire Department for an in-person pet first aid class in your area.

What shouldn’t I do if my dog is bitten by a rattlesnake?

You may be inclined to give your dog an allergy or antihistamine to counteract the poison. It may surprise you to learn that snake bites do not contain histamine. Thus, allergy medication is a waste of time and money.

Also, you may think that sucking the venom out will help. It doesn’t and it’s not recommended.

Can my dog be allergic to snake poison?

While anyone can have an allergic reaction to venom, the chances are relatively low. However, if there is an allergic reaction, then allergy medication can assist with those symptoms.

Does the dog rattlesnake vaccine help with bite recovery?

Currently, there is no clear evidence that the rattlesnake vaccine makes any difference in survival or recovery. Anecdotal evidence shows that it doesn’t make any difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated survival rates.

According to my vet, the rattlesnake vaccine lacks evidence of effectiveness. Furthermore, he told me of an emergency animal clinic veterinarian who had tracked the survival and recovery rates of dogs with and without the vaccine. He found no difference.

Interestingly, there is currently a class action suit being waged against Red Rock Biologics for their infective rattlesnake vaccine.

NOTE: Your vet will be able to advise you on what’s best for your dog given his personality, medical history, and behaviors. Additionally, your vet will know more about risks in your area.

What about rattle aversion training?

In theory, this training is a great idea. It teaches your dog not to go near a snake. However, the process of learning this new skill isn’t great. These training classes involve shock collars which are normally turned up to very high. Thus, every time your dog goes near or thinks about going near a snake, they receive an extremely painful shock. While it can teach dogs to avoid snakes, I never endorse shock collars on any level.

Additionally, if your dog is timid or has a health issue, this type of aversion training can exacerbate the issue. For instance, my dog, Henry, has a heart murmur and the shock could make it worse. Also, he can get scared easily and a shock collar could induce anxiety even more. As such, I will never use a shock collar. I would never make my dog go through something I wouldn’t do. That’s just being a decent person.

What’s the best treatment for a dog snake bite?

First, quick action is critical. Next, keeping your dog immobile is vital. You don’t want to speed the poison through your dog’s body and organs.

Additionally, your veterinarian will treat the wound and give your dog the antivenom along with an IV of opioids for pain. Generally, this treatment is done for at least 24 hours at your veterinary care hospital. However, if your dog is bitten multiple times, bitten in certain areas, or has underlying health issues, this can be a longer process.

For example, several years ago, my friend was out hiking with her pack of four dogs when suddenly her young 75 lb puppy let out a cry of pain. He was bitten four times on his legs, chest, and face. She immediately picked him up and carried him a mile back to her car. Then she rushed to her veterinary emergency clinic.

Thankfully, she acted promptly and the vet stocked the antivenom. However, it was touch and go whether he would have long-term organ damage or even survive. After a week he was released from the hospital. But he was monitored closely for a month. I’m happy to report he recovered beautifully with no lasting damage.

How much is the rattlesnake antivenom shot?

Shockingly, the antivenom is pricey. It can cost $600 – 1,000 per vial. However, depending on the bite(s), your dog, and the symptoms, your pup will generally require 1-4 vials. While it does cost a lot, it’s much better than losing your furry friend.

Will pet insurance pay for the rattlesnake antivenom?

Most pet insurance companies should pay for a significant portion of the shots. However, you’ll need to verify with your insurance. Additionally, you may want to look into CareCard or even start your own emergency fund to help assist if such shots are ever needed.

What preventative measures can I take to protect my dog from a snake bite?

Naturally, if you live in a rattlesnake habitat area or visit such an area, you’ll need to take extra steps. First, always keep an eye on your dog. If hiking, keep your dog leashed so you can act more quickly. Know your area emergency vets and have them in your phone’s contact list.

Also, if any area of your yard attracts snakes, then ask your local SPCA, animal control, or wildlife division for assistance with relocating them if possible. Train your dog to “let it go” and “come” even with distractions. Rely on a backup system to get your dog’s attention and ensure pet safety.

Henry on a bench — *Hey, that’s a big lizard!*

For example, recently, there was a rattlesnake on my back porch. Henry thought it was a lizard, which he loves to chase. Although this snake was more dangerous than a lizard, he was able to break that curiosity and let it go. However, he also wears a vibrating collar, just in case he should chase a bunny (or now find a rattlesnake), and can’t break his attention to meet my commands.

NOTE: A vibrating collar is not a shock collar. It feels very similar to your phone being on vibrate and in your pocket. You notice it, but it doesn’t hurt. Unlike a shock collar, which does hurt and can cause injuries.

This vibrating collar is very similar to the one I use daily for Henry. It works great!

Can being proactive with snakes save me money?

If you know what to expect and how to act, you can save money when you’re proactive with snakes around your pets. Consider the following possible expenses for a moment.

Obedience training	Free
Vibrate collar	$150
Emergency care	$150 – 5,000+
Pet first aid course	$25
Antivenom serum	$600 – $3200
Pet loss	HEARTBREAKING!!!
Healthy dog	HEARTWARMING!!!

Is all that rattles worthy of wagging about?

Snakes can be scary. It’s even worse when your pup is one of the 150,000 bitten each year. The pain can be intense. However, if you act quickly, keep your dog immobile, and make sure your vet has the antivenom on hand, it can make all the difference.

While a vaccine may seem like a good idea, the reality is that the current rattlesnake vaccine has no impact on survival or recovery. Additionally, rattlesnake aversion training is brutal with shock collars turned up high. It’s best to train your dog, keep a vibrating collar on your pup, and have any snakes in your yard removed. I’m glad Henry is safe and the snake has been removed.