This week’s segment features Penny the 15-month-old labrador mix and discusses our rattlesnake vaccine special for May!!! For the month of May we are offering 15% off of our rattlesnake vaccine!! Penny came to us several months ago with a large amount of swelling and two puncture marks on her neck. Given her clinical signs and after examination it was determined that Penny had been bitten by a venomous snake. Snake envenomation in dogs is a true medical emergency that we commonly see in our region, especially during the warmer months when snakes are most active. Dogs are naturally curious and often encounter snakes while exploring yards, woods, or water sources, most commonly being bitten on the face or limbs. Venomous snake bites—particularly from pit vipers like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths—can cause rapid swelling, severe pain, tissue damage, bleeding disorders, and in some cases life-threatening complications such as shock or organ failure. If your dog is bitten or you suspect an encounter with a snake, immediate veterinary care is critical, as early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
While snake bites can’t always be prevented, there are steps we can take to help reduce the severity of illness if one occurs. The Red Rock Biologics rattlesnake vaccine is designed to stimulate your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against rattlesnake venom. Although it does not prevent envenomation, it can help lessen the severity of clinical signs, reduce tissue damage, and may provide valuable time to seek emergency care. In addition to protection against rattlesnake venom, there is some cross-protection against other pit viper species, such as copperheads and cottonmouths, which are common in our area—though the degree of protection can vary. Vaccinated dogs that are bitten often experience milder symptoms and may have a better overall prognosis compared to unvaccinated dogs.
Even with vaccination, any suspected snake bite should still be treated as an emergency and evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. The vaccine is best used as an added layer of protection for dogs that spend time outdoors, hike, hunt, or live in areas where venomous snakes are prevalent. At Emerson Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you assess your dog’s risk and determine if the rattlesnake vaccine is a good fit as part of their overall preventative care plan. Give us a call at (662)524-4155 to get your pet scheduled to receive their rattlesnake vaccine today!!