Rattlesnake Vaccine

Learn how to protect your dog from rattlesnake bites with prevention tips, emergency steps, and the latest treatment guidance.

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Rattlesnake Vaccine Discontinuation Notice

Rattlesnake Vaccine for Dogs Is Now Available Again in Central Washington

Yes, the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs is back in circulation after a temporary suspension caused by a lapse in the manufacturer’s USDA license. We’re excited to announce that Cascade Veterinary Clinics is once again offering the canine rattlesnake vaccine at our Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and Leavenworth locations.

What Is the Rattlesnake Vaccine for Dogs?

The rattlesnake vaccine is designed to help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve survival rates in dogs who are bitten by Western Diamondback rattlesnakes (and possibly other species common in the Pacific Northwest). It does not provide complete immunity, but it can help delay the effects of venom and buy critical time to get emergency care.

Why the Rattlesnake Vaccine Matters in Central Washington

Dogs in Chelan County and the greater Wenatchee Valley are especially at risk during the spring, summer, and early fall. Rattlesnakes are found in:

Hiking trails
Dry brush and rocky terrain
Riverbanks and foothills

If your dog is active outdoors, even in your backyard, this seasonal protection can make a big difference.

Rattlesnake Vaccine FAQs

Why Was the Vaccine Unavailable?

The vaccine’s manufacturer, Red Rock Biologics, experienced a temporary lapse in its USDA licensing. This halted all distribution nationwide. Now that the license has been renewed and the vaccine is back in circulation, we’re resuming availability immediately.

Should My Dog Get the Rattlesnake Vaccine?

You may want to consider the vaccine if:

Your dog hikes with you
You live in rural or semi-rural areas
You’ve seen rattlesnakes in your area
Your dog is curious and likely to investigate wildlife

For high-risk pets, we also recommend combining the vaccine with snake avoidance training and keeping emergency contact numbers readily available.

How dangerous are rattlesnake bites to dogs?

Rattlesnake bites are commonly more fatal in dogs than in humans. Even dogs that survive the bite can be permanently damaged. This vaccine will hopefully be back again in the future, and we encourage everyone to seek immediate care for rattlesnake bites.

How is rattlesnake vaccine (no longer offered) different from Antivenin (what we offer)?

Rattlesnake vaccine was a preventative medicine whereas antivenin is the treatment for rattlesnake bites. The vaccine stimulated a dog to create his own antibodies to rattlesnake venom that will protect him from bites that happen in the future. Antivenin is antibodies made from another animal (usually a horse or sheep) that are injected into a dog after he is bitten by a venomous snake.

Antivenin is the only specific therapy available for rattlesnake envenomation. Its administration is the standard of care for cases of canine envenomation.

We still offer rattlesnake antivenin as treatment; Please contact us if you have any questions.