What Is a Bordetella Vaccine?

Bordetella is the most common cause of kennel cough, or tracheobronchitis, in dogs. It is caused by a bacterial infection, and it develops most commonly in dogs who spend time in places frequented by other dogs, such as kennels and dog shows. Common symptoms of a bordetella infection include a frequent hacking cough and sometimes vomiting following a coughing spell. Dogs who spend a lot of time with other dogs and are more susceptible to kennel cough, should receive the bordetella vaccine twice a year.

  1. Vaccine Types

    • The wo types of bordetella vaccine are intramuscular and nasal. An intramuscular vaccine can be injected into a dog to protect him from bordetella and kennel cough. The second type of vaccine is given nasally, with the vaccine squirted into a dog's nose. Dogs who receive the injectable vaccine will need two doses three to four weeks apart. The nasal vaccine consists of only one dose.

    Additional Protections

    • Dogs receiving the bordetella vaccine will also receive protection from other bacteria, including adenovirus and parainfluenza. Both bacteria can also cause kennel cough and other respiratory conditions in dogs.

    Vaccination Timing

    • To give your dog the best protection against bordetella, make sure that the vaccine is given in enough time to allow the dog to develop immunity against the infection. Dogs who receive the injectable vaccine will not develop immunity until a week or two after the second and final dose is administered. Dogs who receive the nasal vaccine will develop immunity about three or four days after the vaccine is administered.

    Side Effects

    • Some dogs receiving the bordetella vaccine will develop a mild case of kennel cough as a result of the vaccination. In these cases, symptoms such as coughing will typically persist for a few days before clearing up. Other side effects include lethargy, hives and diarrhea. Dogs receiving the injectable vaccine may also develop a lump or hardness at the injection site.

    Warnings

    • In the case of the injectable vaccine, it is important to administer the vaccines at the appropriate interval of three or four weeks apart. If the doses are given too close together, the vaccine may be ineffective. When spaced too far apart, the immune system will not be properly activated to protect against bordetella infections.