Bordetella Vaccine for Puppies

The Bordetella vaccine can be given to puppies to protect them from illness. While the idea behind the vaccine is to keep a dog from getting sick, it can actually cause some serious side effects. There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to give your puppy the Bordetella vaccine.

  1. What It Treats

    • The Bordetella vaccine is also known as the kennel cough vaccine because it guards dogs against getting kennel cough. Kennel cough is a viral and bacterial infection that is similar to bronchitis. Symptoms of kennel cough include a dry, hacking cough, fever and nasal discharge. Dogs with kennel cough are also likely to cough up a white phlegm. Although kennel cough usually clears up on its own, the Bordetella vaccine reduces a dog's chances of getting it.

    About the Vaccine

    • According to Vet Info, the Bordetella vaccine comes in an injectable form and an intra-nasal form. A puppy can get the injectable form when it is 4 months old. There are two shots given, with two weeks between shots. The intra-nasal version of the vaccine can be given to puppies when they are 3 weeks old. The vaccine only offers a year of protection from kennel cough, so it must be repeated each year.

    When To Use It

    • Not every dog should necessarily get the Bordetella vaccine. Since kennel cough is transferred from dog to dog, it's only recommended for dogs that are often around other dogs. Kennel cough is extremely contagious, so a dog that has the infection can easily spread it if contact is made with any other dogs.

    Side Effects

    • The Bordetella vaccine can cause pain and swelling at the site of the injection if using the injectable form of the vaccine. The vaccine can also cause a dog to break out in hives, become very tired and slow-moving, have trouble breathing and get diarrhea. More severe side effects include lameness and death. Small breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the vaccine's side effects because their system is overloaded with antibodies.

    Other Considerations

    • Many kennels will not allow dogs to stay there unless they have received a Bordetella vaccine within the past year. Places such as dog parks are other areas where dogs can be exposed to kennel cough. It's always a good idea to speak to a veterinarian about whether or not to give a puppy the Bordetella vaccine.