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 Did
you know that approximately 300,000 dogs & cats
are bitten by venomous snakes each year? I did
not know that! This is Brophy and I’m here to
give you some advice on protecting yourselves
from these scary creatures. It’s getting warm
outside and the Rattlesnakes are waking up and
we need to be prepared!
One
way to protect ourselves is to get Mom or Dad to
sign us up for a snake training session.
Trainers like Bill & Tamra Gibbons with Magma
Bird Dogs (who were recommended by our friends
at Team Canine) can help us. Your human parents
should thoroughly research any trainer to
understand the process – ask LOTS of questions!
To be effective, trainers use shock collars. It
sounds real scary but a skilled trainer knows
exactly what to do. This training could save
our lives, and that of our humans, so the
technique is meant to be impressionable. Tamra
recommends that re-homed dogs be with their new
family at least 1 month before enrolling in
snake training. A new dog needs to be secure &
comfortable with its new family before
participating in this type of training. They do
not recommend snake training to dogs less than 6
months old either – except in extreme cases of
high exposure to snakes.
 Another
form of protection is the Rattlesnake Vaccine.
Just remember, the vaccine does NOT take the
place of snake training. Training helps us
avoid the snake in the first place! The vaccine
is just another line of defense.
The
toxic components of the snake venom are very
painful and can have serious consequences –
including death! Even if we survive a bite, it
can leave us permanently injured. According to
Red Rock Biologics, “the vaccine can reduce the
overall effects of snake bite, reduce or
eliminate the need for anti-venom and decrease
other treatment costs”. This vaccine was
developed to protect against the Western
Diamondback Rattlesnake. The vaccine causes
protective antibodies, made by your dog’s body,
to start neutralizing the venom immediately.
Snake bite is ALWAYS an emergency!! You should
take your dog (or cat) to a vet or emergency
clinic right away – even if vaccinated. Call
ahead to see if the facility has anti-venom in
case your pet needs it.
Just
like disaster planning, have a plan in place now
where you would take your pet. It’s hard to
think clearly during an emergency. You can save
precious time if you plan now. Where would you
go? Do they stock anti-venom?
As
with any vaccine, you need to discuss the risks
and benefits with your vet.
For
more information about the vaccine and how it is
given, visit:
www.redrockbiologics.com
Magma Bird Dogs normally charges $100 for a
snake training session. With proof of adoption
from a rescue group, the fee is only $75!!
For
more information and the training schedule,
visit Magma at:
www.magmabirddogs.com
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