As we enter summer and you spend more time outdoors with your pets, remember to look out for rattlesnakes. Like all cold-blooded animals, rattlesnakes are more active in the hotter seasons. They love to bask in the sun, so there’s a good chance you’ll come across one when hiking, camping or walking in our area.
To lower the risk these bites can pose to pets, Del Valle Pet Hospital highly recommends having dogs vaccinated against rattlesnake venom.
Rattlesnake venom is extremely dangerous to pets because it causes excessive swelling and death of the tissue surrounding the bite wound. Because the vaccine can only reduce the severity of symptoms, bites should always be treated immediately at our hospital or, if we are closed, our closest emergency vet hospitals are:
- Beacon Veterinary Specialists (510) 657-6343
- SAGE (925) 574-7243
- Ironhorse Vetcare (925) 556-1234
Other things to consider regarding outdoor pet care in our area include remaining on designated paths and to always remember to keep an eye (and an ear!) out for rattlesnakes. And of course, always keep pets leashed and out of brush.
For more information on rattlesnake venom and your pet, or if you’d like to schedule your pet’s rattlesnake vaccine, please contact us at 925-443-6000 or book online today.
