Always happy to see a Bull Snake, and not a Rattlesnake
While at the vet’s office the other day I took a moment to review the various pamphlets of information available. I took one titled, ‘What do you mean I’m not protected against rattlesnakes?’ It was a very brief typical tri-fold advising dog owners to vaccinate their dogs prior to any rattlesnake bite. The claim is that it will boost the dog’s immune system in the event of a rattlesnake bite (and venom, of course) and increase their chances of survival with less damaging effects.
Apparently, even if you’re able to successfully get your dog treated in time following a rattlesnake bite, it’s obviously still a very painful experience, and your dog may still be permanently injured. It also goes on to warn that the treatments with anti-venom can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Administering the rattlesnake venom vaccine can reduce or eliminate the need for anti-venom and decrease the associated treatment costs.
I don’t know how accurate this is, and I assume as with all vaccines there is likely some controversy and potential undesired side effects. I do know, however, that in the areas where we hike our dogs and they are running off leash there are most definitely rattlesnakes. I always keep my eyes open and do my best to see any snakes before the dogs run across them, but when they’re running through the fields I have no idea what they may encounter.
Luckily, it seems that the dogs don’t really pay too much attention to any snakes we come across. It’s almost like they don’t know they are there. This is a good thing. Just the other day we ran across this guy crossing the trail just a few feet in front of us. Any snake makes me pause, but I do like when I discover it’s only a Bull Snake and not a Rattlesnake. They may look like and impersonate rattlers, but they are mostly harmless and are known to actually kill rattlesnakes. So every Bull Snake I see leads me to believe there are fewer Rattlesnakes around.
I’ve encountered Rattlesnakes with dogs before and it is always an experience I’d rather have avoided. I know that if I bite does occur, whether on a dog or a person, that time is your enemy and getting medical treatment as quickly as possible is of the highest priority.
I recommend all dog owners talk to their vet about whether or not the Rattlesnake vaccine is a good idea. At the very least, find out where the closest animal hospitals are which carry the anti-venom – and not just the closest to where you live, but the closest to the areas which you frequently visit with your dogs and where they may encounter a Rattlesnake. Not all vet offices will have it available, and you certainly don’t want to waste time driving around and trying to find help.
