Rattlesnakes
Be Prepared & Plan Ahead

With the heat of summer comes many concerns for southern Arizona's pet's. It is important to plan for as well as avoid the dangers. Rattlesnakes are one of the biggest!

Snake bites are a reality in this part of the country. Have a discussion with your vet beforehand about treatment options in the event of a snakebite. Not all vet's have the anti-venin and you don't want to waste time driving around to find it. Price  of treatment is another thing you may  what to discuss in advance. This will help you to avoid "sticker shock" in the middle of an emergency.
There is a new rattlesnake vaccine out. Ask your vet how it works and whether or not it's right for your dog.
VACCINATING YOUR DOG DOES NOT MAKE TREATMENT UNNESSECARY IN THE EVENT OF A BITE!

Arm yourself with the knowledge ahead of time and should a snakebite occur you'll already have a plan of action in place. This can make a bad situation go a bit smoother (and calmer) for all.

Rattlesnake avoidance training is highly recommended! It does work.
Think of it this way, approx. $65 for an avoidance lesson or $2400.00(prices vary) at the vet for treatment.

 

Below are some picture's of our dog Potter, back at home after 3 days in intensive care at the vet after a rattlesnake bite.
Not to happy but a very lucky boy.
 He had been bit on the lower lip. We discovered the bite within 15-20 minutes and had him at the vet about an hour after it happened.
 He did receive the anti-venin.
 He had an incredible amount of edema (abnormal fluid retention and buildup) and severe pain and discomfort. The venom affects the blood vessels in a way that makes them "leak". Notice how pink/red he is. He narrowly escaped him needing to receive platelets while at the vet also. 
From about the 4th day on he recovered fairly quickly and by the next week was pretty much back to his old self.
 An experience we wish to help others avoid.