Rattlesnakes

The rattlesnake is the only reptile with a rattle and is the best known of the pit vipers. Unfortunately it is also one of the most feared snakes and is often irrationally killed. Rattlesnakes can strike at 1/25th of a second. However, many rattlesnake bites could be avoided if people simply left rattlesnakes alone. It is not uncommon for dogs, cats, horses and other domestic animals to be injured or die from a rattlesnake bite.

Rattlesnakes will make every effort to avoid contact with people. We are far more dangerous to this secretive animal than it is to us. In almost every case, we are treading on the snakes' home territory when we encounter them, and in almost every case, the rattlesnake loses its life.

northern pacific rattlesnake

Many bites result when someone tries to capture, kill, or handle the snake. The bite is a defensive reaction and should not be considered an act of aggression. The rattlesnake's rattle is its means of communication and is designed to warn larger animals of its position.

In the United States, humans experience about 8,000 bites from venomous snakes each year. Of those, an average of 12 per year, less than 1%, result in death. Far more people die each year from bee stings, lightning strikes, or almost any other reason. Incidentally, one-third of all rattlesnake bites are "dry" bites, when no venom has been injected.

 

Justin Schwartz knows all too well the severity of a rattlesnake bite! Click to view photos.
Be warned, the pictures are very graphic, but people need to know the consequences of a rattlesnake bite.

 

 

The only good snake is a live snake!

Dogs and Rattlesnake bites

If you have dogs and are interested in learning about the rattlesnake vaccine, please visit www.Redrockbiologics.com

Rattlesnake bites are veterinary emergencies - they result in serious injury to thousands of dogs each year. Rattlesnake venom is a complex mixture of toxins that spread through a dog’s body following the bite.  

Dogs are at risk for rattlesnake bite – they can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live near rattlesnakes. Like people, dogs stumble upon a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine helps protect your pet.

The rattlesnake vaccine stimulates your dog's own immunity. The vaccine is intended to help create an immunity that will protect your dog against rattlesnake venom.

Snakebite is always an emergency. For further information about this vaccine, please contact your local veterinarian.