Almost always, the advantages of immunizing your dog outweigh any potential risks of adverse reactions to those vaccinations. There are some possible adverse reactions your dog could have to the proper vaccinations for dog illnesses like Bordetella—or Kennel Cough. Here, our West Chester veterinarians offer some advice on the typical reactions that dogs have to the Bordetella vaccine as well as what to do if your dog experiences a severe reaction.
Is it safe to DIY my dog’s Bordetella vaccine?
It is possible to administer your dog’s own Bordetella vaccine in a sanitary and safe manner, but you must adhere to strict guidelines. To give your dog the most effective vaccination, be sure to abide by any handling or storage instructions listed on the packaging. Verify your products’ labels’ expiration dates and packaging details.
Before continuing, speak to your veterinarian if you have any unresolved worries about the effectiveness or safety of Bordetella vaccines, whether they are intranasal or injectable. If you’d like, they will gladly demonstrate how to give your dog the Bordetella vaccine for the first time so that you’ll be an expert when it’s time for their booster doses.
Where to buy Bordetella vaccines
Though it’s not recommended by veterinarians, you can administer the Bordetella vaccine to your dog right at home. Some vets even sell the vaccines from their own offices, though sometimes only to registered breeders (via PetMD). In order to purchase these vaccine doses, you’ll need to fill out and submit a release form that relinquishes all of the vet’s responsibility for the safety of the shot.
You can buy Kenne-Jec 2 Kennel Cough Dog Vaccine at a number of reliable shops and websites if your veterinarian’s office doesn’t sell supplies to dog owners who want to immunize their dogs at home. You’ll still need to consult your veterinarian because you’ll probably need a prescription to complete the purchase. You can begin immunizing your puppy right away because this specific formula can be administered to dogs as young as three weeks old. The best news is that there are no needles involved!
Please read through Pet MD’s sample Vaccine Release Form to understand the importance of properly handling and administering your dog’s vaccine. From handling the syringes to the way you dispose of the used medical items, you’ll need to make smart choices for your dog, yourself, and the environment.
When Should My Dog Get a Bordetella Vaccine?
Consult your veterinarian for the best advice on when or if your dog needs the Bordetella vaccine. In general, healthy adult dogs who interact with large groups of other dogs should receive a booster dose of the Bordetella vaccine within the previous six months, and boarding facilities may also require this. Consult your veterinarian about immunizing your puppy against Bordetella at the appropriate age.
FAQ
Can I buy Bordetella vaccine over the counter?
Is the Bordetella vaccine available over-the-counter? A: Some farm and tractor supply stores carry the vaccine. The brand that is for sale doesn’t have any published efficacy studies, so it probably isn’t very effective.
Does my dog really need a Bordetella shot?
The Bordetella vaccine can prevent kennel cough, so does my dog need it? It is given by veterinarians as a squirt in the nose. Not all dogs require this vaccination, but we advise it for those who will be boarded and for social dogs (most boarding facilities demand proof of a recent Bordetella vaccination).
How often should a dog get a Bordetella shot?
Your veterinarian will advise a booster Bordetella shot every six to twelve months based on your pet’s risk of exposure to the Bordetella infection. This vaccination is available in two forms: an injection and an intranasal spray that your veterinarian will administer in your dog’s nose.
Can I give my dog her own shots?
Having someone assist you will make the procedure easier. However, most dog owners discover that they have no issues giving their dog routine injections on their own after a little practice.