You may be familiar with “kennel cough,” a respiratory condition that can affect dogs. However, did you know that the term “kennel cough” actually refers to a wide range of infectious respiratory illnesses, not just one particular disease?
Despite the fact that most kennel cough cases are mild, some do progress to pneumonia, making it important to prevent the spread of this highly contagious illness. The good news is that vaccines exist to help protect your dog against this awful honking cough, such as the Bordetella vaccine for dogs.
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At times, visiting the vet can be nearly as intimidating as visiting your own doctor. It’s easy to forget what your veterinarian said about the Bordetella vaccine by the time she’s finished discussing the list of vaccinations your dog requires, your dog’s general physical condition—possibly reminding you to cut back on the scraps—and your dog’s most recent behavioral quirk.
The following information about kennel cough and bordetella will help you ensure that your dog has all necessary vaccinations when he most needs them.
Dogs who frequently interact with other dogs in boarding or social settings are administered the noncore Bordetella vaccine. The vaccination is frequently required for dogs entering canine facilities like dog daycare centers, boarding kennels, shows, dog parks, and training sessions. This is due to the fact that the most prevalent bacterial cause of kennel cough in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Bordetella bronchiseptica causes inflammation of your dog’s upper respiratory system. The illness and coughing that result from this inflammation can expose your dog to secondary infections. But it’s unlikely that anyone will inform you that your dog has Bordetella bronchiseptica. Instead, the majority of vets and dog experts refer to the condition as kennel cough, which can cause some confusion regarding what the Bordetella vaccine is meant to prevent.
Kennel cough is an all-encompassing term used to depict a multitude of highly contagious respiratory illness. It is usually spread in areas where large numbers of dogs are confined, like kennels, which is how the disease got its name. Kennel cough itself is not fatal, but the disease can lead to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, which is why it is important to assess whether or not your dog is at risk of catching the disease when deciding to vaccinate.
Similar to how the common cold spreads in schools, kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is easily transmitted from dog to dog through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs. The area where many dogs congregate is where your dog is most likely to pick it up, but he can also pick it up from any contaminated environment, and if you spend a lot of time around dogs at work or while volunteering, you could bring it home to your dog.
The disease causes dogs to develop a loud, unmistakable honking cough that is the most recognizable sign of kennel cough. Runny nose, sneezing, appetite loss, lethargic behavior, and a low fever are additional signs of kennel cough in dogs. Make sure you call your veterinarian and describe your dog’s symptoms as these are also similar to those of dogs who have canine distemper and the canine influenza virus, which are much more serious than kennel cough. When you bring your dog in for a visit, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions, especially if she advises calling ahead to help stop the spread of kennel cough in her clinic.
Despite being contagious, kennel cough is typically very treatable, which is good news. Your dog may need to take a few weeks off from activity, as well as cough medicine and possibly antibiotics to stop any secondary infections from complicating matters. Keep in mind that if your dog is a puppy, an older dog, or has an immune system that is compromised, your veterinarian may recommend more aggressive treatment methods. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to keep other dogs in your home or neighborhood from catching the kennel cough that an infected dog has.
Kennel cough is highly contagious. Your dog is at risk of catching kennel cough if he frequents dog parks, boarding facilities, dog daycare, training sessions, or dog shows. It is in your dog’s best interest for his health and extracurricular activities to get the vaccination because many of these facilities demand that dogs present proof of the Bordetella vaccination before they are allowed on the premises. Ask your veterinarian if she thinks your dog is at risk of catching kennel cough if it stays inside and only occasionally interacts with other dogs.
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.
What Is Bordetella?
Kennel cough, also known as bordetella bronchiseptica, is an extremely contagious illness that affects your dog’s upper respiratory system. It gives dogs a dry, hacking cough, as its name suggests. It can also cause flu-like symptoms. Areas where there is a lot of dog interaction, such as dog parks, doggie daycare centers, and boarding facilities, are where bordetella is spread.
Fortunately, most dogs with the disease do not typically experience severe symptoms. However, kennel cough can develop into chronic bronchitis or bronchopneumonia, both of which can be fatal in older and immunocompromised dogs. It’s crucial to vaccinate your dog because it can put some of them at a much higher risk.
FAQ
Is Bordetella vaccine necessary for dogs?
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).
Does my dog need Bordetella vaccine every year?
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.
What happens if dog doesn’t have Bordetella vaccine?
Alternatives to Vaccinating Your Dog Against Bordetella The good news is that there is evidence showing that dogs who have never received a kennel cough vaccination can live long, healthy lives without contracting the illness.
Is Bordetella a mandatory vaccine?
The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is one of the most frequently administered shots, despite the fact that it is not legally required. In fact, if you decide to bring your dog to one of these facilities for boarding, veterinary care, or daycare, most of them do require this vaccine to be current.