Rattlesnakes

lizziedog1 · 10-31-2009, 12:27 AM

We have them around here, at least in the summer months. I have not seen one around here in the few years since I have moved here. I think I am the only one living around here that hasn't. Anyway, the vet here sees quite a few dogs every year that were bit by rattlesnakes. I want to protect my dogs from this.

I know the best way to protect them is to avoid the snakes. Supposedly they are everywhere around here.

Our vet does have the rattlesnake vaccine protocol. Has anyone used this and what were the results? I know it is not suppose provide superman type protection, but is suppose to minimize the effect of the venom. It gives dogs a better chance to survive.

I have also heard of people that train dogs to avoid snake if they see one. This I am not sure how it works, but beeing the smart creatures they are I guess you can train them to avoid these reptiles. Has anyone tried this approach?

Any feedback and suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks!

digits mama · 10-31-2009, 01:02 AM

We have lots of venomous snakes here. Being part of a search and rescue team has its hazards. We are trained how to use a snake venom extractor kit for emergency use. Time is of essence in a situation like this especially with small breeds like myself. The quicker you can get the venom out as much as possible, followed by emergency vet care the better the chances of survival.

I highly recommend purchasing a venom extractor kit. Very easy to use.

Someone on our team raises chickens and has on occasion brought a dead snake to the training grounds to acclimate the dogs with it. I was very surprised how many of the dogs went down in a caution pose when approaching them.