snake bite vaccine

[daward]

I was wondering if it is a good idea to have a retriever vaccinated before heading to an area that would have prairie type rattlesnakes? Do they work and what type (brand) other trainers have found to be the best?

thanks

[Wayne Nutt]

My vet highly recommends the rattlesnake vaccine. I had Rowdy vacinated. The cost was relatively mild, $20 per shot. Initially there is two shots.
I don't know who makes the vaccine. While not proven, there seems to be some crossover benefits to other snake bites, like a copperhead.

[EdA]

http://www.retrievertraining.net/for...ke+vaccination

The search feature will reveal many discussions about rattlesnake vaccine, the link is to the most recent discussion. The vaccine is manufactured by Red Rock Biologics in California.

[prairiewind]

http://www.retrievertraining.net/for...ke+vaccination

The search feature will reveal many discussions about rattlesnake vaccine, the link is to the most recent discussion. The vaccine is manufactured by Red Rock Biologics in California.

Hey Ed, are the shots done yearly

[EdA]

Hey Ed, are the shots done yearly

Annual boosters are recommended except in unusual situations where rattlesnakes are active all year and exposure potential is high, in those instances biannual boosters are recommended

[Billie]

Annual boosters are recommended except in unusual situations where rattlesnakes are active all year and exposure potential is high, in those instances biannual boosters are recommended

Thank you for the common sense answer. Vets here reccomend it q. 6 mos. But we do get winter and the snakes are not known to be out in the colder months . Mine generally get it in April. If I were in the desert,or southern CA where its warmer in the winter, then I would go every 6 months as well....
But- to the OP. see if the vaccine is effective against the snakes in your area, One of my girls was bitten and my vet said it was due to the vaccine , that we saved her at all... bought her that extra time......