The purpose of both required and recommended vaccinations for dogs is to protect your canine companion from harm. A vaccine’s protection is vital against serious diseases, like rabies and distemper. However, other vaccinations defend against viruses or bacteria that may cause severe illness in your dog, including the commonly cited “kennel cough” or Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The Penny Paws professionals unpack all you need to know about this bacterium-based illness, including why a Bordetella vaccine may be beneficial for your dog.
What is “Kennel Cough?”
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes respiratory illness in dogs, specifically infectious tracheobronchitis. Infectious tracheobronchitis is commonly referred to as kennel cough because of its prevalence in places where many dogs come into close contact.
Kennel cough is a blanket term encompassing several viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation of a dog’s trachea and the bronchi of the lungs. While kennel cough is not fatal, it can lead to bronchopneumonia in puppies. Senior dogs who suffer from kennel cough may develop chronic bronchitis that negatively affects the quality of their lives.
These viruses and bacteria often cause infection at the same time, with symptoms of kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, including:
- Fever
- Mild lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Congestion
The most familiar sign of kennel cough is a persistent, harsh cough, often described as a “honking” sound. It is highly contagious, spreading quickly from dog to dog in facilities where there is close contact, including:
- Dog parks,
- Animal shelters,
- Boarding facilities
- Doggy daycare
It only takes one dog with any kennel cough virus or bacterium to infect numerous others via transmission through droplets. A sneeze, cough, or bark is all it takes to spread it to any dogs in the area.
What is Bordetella?
In biological terms, Bordetella is a coccobacilli-shape bacterium that infects the respiratory system. The result is inflammation of the upper airways, including the trachea and bronchi of the lungs. The Bordetella virus found in humans, Bordetella pertussis, commonly manifests as whooping cough, which sounds very similar to kennel cough in dogs.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine for Dogs
Since Bordetella is highly contagious, your dog could be at risk when in close contact with other dogs; even outdoor dog parks pose a threat. The Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine is not a core vaccine, but it may reduce the severity of the infection and could even prevent it. Your dog’s health and lifestyle are chief considerations when deciding whether to get the Bordetella vaccine, and your Penny Paws veterinarian can help you make a more informed decision.
There are three ways of administering the Bordetella vaccine—injection, oral dose, or intranasal syringe. The most familiar type of Bordetella vaccine is the injection. Like core vaccinations, the veterinarian administers this shot into the subcutaneous tissue and may recommend more than one dose as your dog’s immunity increases over time.
While no Bordetella vaccine provides absolute immunity, it effectively protects your dog from severe infection and subsequent illness.
Oral Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs
The Bronchi-Shield Oral is a USDA-approved oral Bordetella vaccine. The oral vaccine has been shown to provide as much protection as the traditional shot. A veterinarian typically administers it with a syringe or via an applicator. They squirt it into the buccal pouch (your dog’s cheek), making it less traumatizing for many dogs.
Oral Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects—Dogs
Oral Bordetella vaccine is safe and effective in reducing and preventing Bordetella infection. Like other forms of the vaccine, side effects may occur between three and ten days after vaccination. Side effects are rare but include:
- sneezing,
- coughing, or
- nasal discharge.
Bordetella Intranasal Vaccine—Dogs
Intranasal (IN) Bordetella vaccine uses live avirulent bacteria, and it is common for shelters to administer this vaccine as a new dog arrives. Ideally, a professional veterinarian should administer the intranasal vaccine at least three days before admitting a dog to a facility. Puppies should be at least 14 days old to receive this vaccination and may require revaccination after six weeks.
Intranasal Bordetella vaccine also combines parainfluenza and adenovirus-2 vaccinations, broadening its spectrum of protection against respiratory diseases.
At What Age Can Dogs Get Bordetella Vaccine?
Veterinarians typically administer the first Bordetella vaccination to puppies at eight weeks but as early as fourteen days old under unique circumstances. Intranasal vaccination only requires an initial dose, while the injected vaccine needs a second dose to be fully effective. The second injected dose comes two to four weeks after the first.
Annual Bordetella vaccines are unnecessary, but many canine facilities require current proof of vaccination. If your dog or puppy is at high risk of exposure to the illness or has a weakened immune system, your veterinarian may recommend a booster every six months. How long Bordetella vaccine (dogs) lasts depends on your dog’s health and lifestyle.
If your dog is in close contact with other dogs and might be at risk, consult with your nearest Penny Paws veterinarian to see if your dog would benefit from an annual booster or bi-annual vaccination.
Call Penny Paws for Bordetella Vaccinations for Puppies and Adult Dogs
The Bordetella vaccine is not a necessary vaccination for every dog – but it provides valuable protection against canine upper respiratory infections if your dog comes in close contact with other animals that may carry the disease. While Bordetella is not life-threatening, complications of infection can be fatal.
Vaccinating your dog against this illness is wise, and their lifestyle and health status will determine how often your veterinarian needs to administer it. Why not discuss the various vaccination schedules with our Penny Paws veterinarian so that you can make the right decision for your pet regarding the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine? Dogs deserve a healthy, happy life, and the right vaccinations could save your pet’s life.
Contact your nearest Penny Paws to book an appointment today for your dog’s vaccinations. With four convenient locations in Texas, and mobile emergency and vaccine clinics, Penny Paws offers you and your canine companion high-quality care and support.