Daleville veterinarian offers rattlesnake vaccines for dogs

In case you plan to take your dog hiking with you this summer, a local veterinarian says there's a vaccine you might want to consider.

The Pet Health Clinic in Daleville began offering rattlesnake vaccines for dogs this week.

Dr. Kayla Shelton said the vaccine is not for everyone's dogs; it's for dogs taken hunting or hiking, or that live on property with rattlesnakes.

Shelton said her colleagues who worked in emergency veterinary care last summer reported one to two cases of rattlesnake bites in dogs a week.

"So it's only for dogs," Shelton said. "It only covers rattlesnakes, like different types of rattlesnakes, so there's no coverage for copperheads or other venomous snakes. If your dog has the vaccine, that's great. If they're bit by a venomous snake though, they still have to go to the veterinarian."

Shelton said the clinic is also in a position to meet the needs of dogs traveling with their companions on the Appalachian Trail.