Governor Animal Clinic offers a vaccination to protect against the deadly venom of rattlesnake bites

Rattlesnakes are commonly seen and most active in warmer seasons, from spring to autumn (although, due to the climate in San Diego, they are seen year-round). This vaccine would be ideal for dogs who are at high risk for exposure to rattlesnakes. Your dog will be protected with antibodies when given this vaccine, creating an immunity that works immediately to help neutralize the toxins of a rattlesnake bite. The protection provided may not be complete, therefore it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

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If you live near a canyon (or take your dog to the canyon, parks, or other brushy areas), don't put off preventive measures to keep your pets safe. 

Cautions Regarding Snakebites, and what you can do to prevent a tragedy from happening to your pet;

Around springtime every year, we see many pets that have been bitten by rattlesnakes.  Hundreds of pets are bitten by snakes in San Diego County each year during spring and summer months when the reptiles come out of hibernation and search for food and warmth.

In San Diego, the rattlesnake population has been declining as development has encroached on their habitats, but the heavy rains bring vegetation in abundance, providing plenty of food for rodents, thus supplying an important source of food for the snakes, possibly leading to an increase in the rattlesnake population. The vegetation also provides snakes with shelter and a place to hide while waiting for prey.  Rattlesnake bites are usually not fatal for adults, but can kill children and pets

With rattlesnakes emerging from hibernation, coming out and looking for places to sun themselves, we are urging you to take steps to protect your pets from being bitten.
One of the first preventive measures you can take to protect your dog is vaccinating against rattlesnake venom. Rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency that results in serious injury or even death to thousands of dogs each year. Rattlesnake venom is a complex mixture of toxins that spreads through a dog's body following the bite. Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccines defend your dog by creating an immunity that works right away to help neutralize the toxins.

Treatment of snakebite may include antivenin injections which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Use of antivenin is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects which can complicate a dog’s recovery. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids or other medicines.

Vaccination is safer than antivenin treatment. Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for antivenin, and decrease other treatment costs as well. The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended every six months, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat. The vaccine stimulates your dog's own immunity. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. On average, antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenin. This means vaccinated dogs should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite.   

Snakebite is always an emergency.   Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to your veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite.
When taking your pet outdoors, keep these safety measures in mind;
*Stay on marked, well-traveled trails when hiking with pets.
*Keep dogs on a leash so they can't wander off the trail. Also, leashes can be used   to pull pets away from the snake.
*Keep brush and shrubs in your yards trimmed, any overgrowth should be cleared.
*Don’t let your pet around areas that have been stockpiled with firewood or other areas where snakes may seek shelter.
If a pet does get bitten, you should:
*Get a description of the snake (size, color and markings), so the information can be shared with your veterinarian
*Call our office immediately to inform us that you have an emergency and give an estimated time of your arrival…….carry the bitten pet to a car and stay calm while driving. Upon your arrival our veterinarians will evaluate your pet and begin any needed treatment. Even bites from non-venomous snakes may cause serious infection, and treatment may be needed.
*Be sure to keep veterinarian's telephone number accessible near a telephone.

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What rattlesnakes are found around San Diego?

In our area, the only venomous snakes are rattlesnakes. In the coastal and mountain regions of San Diego County there are three kinds: the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (C. mitchelli pyrrhus), and the Red Diamond Rattlesnake (C. ruber). In the desert is the Colorado Desert Sidewinder (C. cerastes). Unverified reports have been made of the Western diamondback rattlesnake (C. atrox), which is known from neighboring Imperial County.

Is there any way I can keep snakes out of my yard?

There is no substance that you could use to repel rattlesnakes that would not also have adverse effects on children, pets, and wildlife. You can try to discourage snakes by removing sources of food near your house. Try to keep the rodent population down by cleaning out prime rodent habitat: sheds, woodpiles, underbrush. Left alone, rattlesnakes help control the size of the rodent populations. Common sense is the best defense. Cultivate an attitude of alertness. The more you know about snakes and how they live, the more aware you will be of where you would expect to encounter them.

Rattlesnakes of Southern California

Rattlesnakes are the only type of venomous snake found in the wild in Southern California. A description of the six species of rattlesnakes that are present in Southern California and their ranges are described below:

* Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis helleri): This snake is found in coastal areas and on Santa Catalina Island.

* Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox): Found in the southeastern portions of Southern California, particularly in Eastern San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial Counties.

* Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber): This rattlesnake has a limited range and is found primarily in coastal and mesa areas of San Diego County. It is actually a Mexican snak

* Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii): Found on the western and eastern slopes of Southern California mountain ranges and in the desert southeast portion of the state.

* Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes): Found throughout the desert areas of the state.

* Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus): In California, this snake is limited to the high desert terrain of the Mojave Desert area.

Common Symptoms of a Rattlesnake Envenomation are:

* Fang marks (one or more)

* Pain, swelling and discoloration in the bitten area

* Tingling around the mouth

* Nausea and vomiting

* Weakness and dizziness

* Sweating and/or chills

 All of Southern California is rattlesnake territory and everyone should

keep that in mind when working around their homes or when venturing into open space.

Many snakebites would not occur if victims avoid contact with the snake when they see it.

Many tried to pick up the snake or get close to it so they could see it better, triggering the basic survival instinct in the snake which is to bite in self defense. Never place your hands in places where you cannot see them, such as gopher holes or brush piles. If out hiking, wear long pants over a pair of good quality boots. This minimizes the likelihood that the snake fangs will reach the skin if a bite occurs. Do not walk barefoot outside after dark as this is the time when snakes are out hunting for prey.

If a snake is encountered, leave it alone. If given a chance, the snake will leave. It has no intention of biting except if forced. Local animal control officers can be contacted for instructions on how to safely remove a snake that refuses to leave your property.