Did you know that you can get a rattlesnake vaccine for your dog? I started getting them for ours in 2009 when we moved to Austin. The very first time they get it, it's given in two separate injections, 4 weeks apart.

Thereafter, it's just an annual vaccine and the vet's that I've patronized charge ONLY for the vaccine and not an office visit too! (Unless of course, you're there for more.)

The great thing about this vaccine is that it greatly increases the likelihood of survival if and when your dog is bitten.

So remember, even if your dog has gotten that vac, you still need to take them in for immediate vet care upon being bitten.

Update:  Feb 2015.  I had a friend who got a puppy vaccinated with the first rattlesnake vaccine at 5 months of age; the site developed a bump (reaction) a couple of weeks later.  The vet said that if it didn't disappear on its own in a few more weeks, they'd aspirate it. 

The second rattlesnake vaccine was given in a different spot, on schedule, and it too reacted, but not as much as the first.  Both bumps disappeared without issue, a few days prior to the deadline the vet set, for aspirating. 

If your dog develops a bump, let your vet know and hopefully it will be as much of a non-issue as my friend's pup's.  (His appetite, energy, etc...were completely unaffected by the reaction.) 

I haven't had a cat for over 20 years; thus, I'm not up to date on their specific vaccines. Please check with your vet to learn more.

If your dog has had this vaccine and was bitten by a rattlesnake, please email me your story and its picture for consideration of posting. 

Helpful Shelter Donation Hint:

Before you donate or toss out old bedding and pillows, call your local dog rescue and see if what you have can be used to create more comfortable cages for those poor babies. 

Ditto extra pet supplies that you may unused and still good.

Just like Goodwill, they can provide you with a tax donation slip upon request.

And just like Goodwill, please don't donate items that are dirty and/or smell. 

Shelters are often understaffed and overpopulated; staff and volunteers don't have time to do unnecessary laundry.

These poor creatures already lack for a good life...remember that a good deed is only as good as its execution.  If being a good person and doing good deeds were only done when convenient the world would be an even bigger mess than it is!