Mild temperatures have brought snakes out of hibernation early this year. Dogs that spend time outside, especially our farm dogs and hunting dogs, are at a much higher risk of snakebite. The worst bite being the bite from a rattlsnake.

A new vaccine is now approved in Kansas to reduce morbidity or death of dogs when bitten by rattlesnakes. The vaccine will not eliminate the dogs need for medical attention. The wound will still need treated for pain, swelling, and to prevent infection.

The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Dog weighing over 100 pounds will benefit from a third dose in this initial sequence.

Because the best protection for the vaccine is within the first six months following vaccination, the schedule for booster doses depends upon the length of the rattlesnake season in your area.