Training the Dogs to Beware Snakes

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Comments

  • @_Ryan_ Anti-venoms are very pricey as they require special processes to produce. They also must be refrigerated and can expire. Some areas require special permits in order to be allowed to keep any, and it can even be hard to get for those who keep and milk the snakes that the anti-venom is made from.
  • At my ER vet, they charged $500 per vial so that's probably the upper range. My sister's mini-poodle required 3 vials.

    Dog can get anaphylactic/allergic shock to the antivenom and so it's a better option to get the dog to the vet ASAP to treat if that happens. If it's possible.
  • edited May 2013
    The anti-venin here as of last June (new mexico) was $800. At the emergency vet, which we didn't have to go to, it is $1200.

    I agree with ayk, I would not administer it myself. It is very very hard on the body, and our puppy had to have antihistamine first to make sure he wouldn't go into anaphylactic shock with it. Also, I think you can only use it once on a dog (this may not be true, though; I haven't checked). And you have to have the right kind for the right snake, too. So no, having it wouldn't be very useful. :(
  • Anti-venom also has a shelf-life. If you buy it yourself, it will go bad. A vet will always have fresh stock.
  • This is super cool. I want to look into training like this for Kona and any future pup. I've heard similar stories here in San Diego about dogs getting bit by rattlers in the garage...also just for the trails out here during rattlesnake season, i don't want Kona to wander into some bushes or stick her head in a hole and get a surprise :/ Kona has her rattle snake vaccination (they like to give that to dogs in SD), but if I could avoid the potential pain and suffering which obviously the vaccine will not prevent, that would be amazing.

    Thanks for all the info everyone!

    Keep in mind that anti-venom in some cases is lethal to dogs (from the horse protein used in anti-venom)...this is what the vaccination we got prevents. I believe the vaccine is only a once yearly thing too.
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