SAN DIEGO -- Veterinary clinics In San Diego County report treating several dogs for rattlesnake bites since the weather has warmed up.

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Snakebite Vaccine For Dogs

After spending the winter out of sight, spring-like weather is drawing the snakes into the open. But this year, dog owners can get a new kind of protection for their pets.

If a rattlesnake bites a dog, veterinarians can administer anti-venin, but the treatment is expensive and in short supply. Now there is another way to protect your animal. With two shots, three weeks apart, a new snakebite vaccine is supposed to protect dogs by raising their antibodies.

The vaccine, called Crotalus Atrox Toxoid, is manufactured by Red Rock Biologics. Veterinarians say the vaccine is so new that few local clinics carry it. They don't have much data on how well the vaccine works, but they believe it provides some protection against snakebites.

"The impression is that it definitely does not cause any harm," local veterinarian Andy Klotz said. "I've not seen any bad adverse reactions to the vaccine."

The vaccine costs about $25 per shot. Dogs need a booster shot several weeks after getting their first dose.