SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) — It is rattle snake season and the extra rain this year means extra rattle snakes.
Local pet emergency rooms near canyons and hiking trails have seen a spike in bites.
Dr. Michelle Schexneider at the Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital says there is one way to protect your dog - a rattle snake vaccine.
"This vaccine helps the animal to give it a little more time to get to the emergency room to seek treatment," said Dr. Schexneider.
A dog named Ranger was getting vaccinated after he had a close call with a rattlesnake just a few days ago.
"We do a lot of hiking. We live near canyons," said owner Allen Angeles.
The vaccine can eliminate the need for expensive anti-venom treatment.
But Dr. Schexneider does not want dog owners to get a false sense of hope - you still need to bring a vaccinated dog to the vet if bitten.
In some instances, the vaccine will buy your dog a few more hours for you to get the emergency room.
"Always, always take you animal to the emergency room," Schexneider said.
For ranger and his owner, the rattlesnake vaccine is a good investment.
"Now we know he understands what a snake is and he will avoid them," Angeles said. "Just in case, we want to take the next step and for the cost, it's worth it."
Shots cost $25 - $30 each and depending on the size, some dogs may need 2-3 shots per year. Anti-venom treatments can cost thousands of dollars.
There is no vaccine for humans or cats.