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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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A rattle snake on gravel path

Rattlesnake Vaccine Discontinuation Notice

Why is the vaccine no longer available?

The manufacturer of the canine rattlesnake vaccine has unexpectantly lost its conditional use USDA licensing for distribution. As of now, the vaccine is no longer available for veterinary clinics to order or administer. Efforts are reportedly underway to renew licensing, but there is no confirmed timeline for its return.

Is the vaccine effective?

Recent studies have shown no statistically significant difference in morbidity or mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs treated for rattlesnake bites. However, given the proven safety margin of the vaccine, we have long held the informed opinion that there is a net protective effect of the vaccine, particularly given the time constraints we encounter when treating Rattlesnake-bitten patients. In other words, let’s do everything we can to stack the odds in our favor.

What can I do to protect my dog?

Without access to the vaccine, prevention becomes key. We recommend the following:

  • Keep dogs leashed and on trails during hikes
  • Avoid tall grass and rocky outcrops where snakes may hide
  • Consider snake avoidance training for high-risk pets
  • Know the location of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic

What if my pet is bitten by a rattlesnake?

Seek immediate veterinary care. The most effective treatment for snakebites is antivenin, supportive care, and pain management. Time is critical — the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Rattlesnake Vaccine FAQs

What happened to the Vaccine?

The manufacturer is no longer suppling the product due to the conditional license expiring; The vaccine was on a limited license through the USDA, which has now expired. A letter was sent to the clinics that it will no longer be available but is encouraging support through congress for product renewal. The announcement was made online as well:
https://krcrtv.com/news/local/rattlesnake-vaccine-for-pets-loses-usda-license-efforts-underway-for-renewal

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.