A Snake's Rattle

When MFM was training another dog several years ago, she accidentally learned to train it to potty on command. Now, I have learned to do that and itt makes her so happy. It also might have saved my life!

MFM sometimes lets me out in the yard if it is still dark outside and she can't see any deer, squirrels, armadillos, or other animals. This night I was busy smelling when MFM started calling to me frantically, trying to rush me through my business. I decided to mostly ignore her and take my own sweet time....it's those wonderful smells in the yard that keep me busy. I learned later that she had heard the rattling of a rattlesnake just off the porch at the side of the house. It was a warm evening and rattlesnakes are common around here, so it just might have been a warning from a rattlesnake. D.A., who is knowledgeable beyond his chronological, 9 years, explained that rat snakes often shake their bodies in dry leaves and fool people into thinking they are something they are not, but MFM was sure dry leaves were not in the equation.

Everything was fine, but we learned that some other dogs get a vaccine for rattlesnakes. It does not solve the problem, but it might provide a little more time in case of an attack. MFM seems to feel sure I will be sniffing out a snake anytime and she is probably right.

I found this information on the "Ark Animals" site:
Pet Rattlesnake Vaccine
Rattlesnake vaccinations are available for some pets. The canine vaccine remains controversial but is safer than antivenin treatment. Protective antibodies are created in your pet so that when bit, the vaccine starts neutralizing venom immediately.
According to Red Rock Biologics, manufacturers of a rattlesnake vaccine, the antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenin. So, although canines still need emergency veterinary treatment, they should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from the rattlesnake bite. The Red Rock Biologics vaccine has been available nationwide since December of 2004. 
If you decide to have your pet vaccinated, the first inoculation will require that the animal receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent boosters are recommended annually in the about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.
Snakebites are always an emergency. Even if your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, always get the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible following any snakebite. Even non-venomous snake bites can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine what additional treatment is needed.
Concerns have been raised by experts, including the University of California at Davis. One problem with the vaccine is that there are well over 15 differing species of rattlesnakes in America and the different venoms affect the body differently.  So, one vaccine will not protect against all the different venoms.
The second debate is that the antibodies may not be adequate in the event of severe envenomation and may not neutralize the venom effectively. Finally, the individual animals may not receive sufficient protection depending on its response to the vaccine and the time elapsed since the vaccine.  Canines can also react adversely to the vaccine.