Canine Bordetella Vaccination Guidelines
It's a veterinarian's task to keep our furry friends healthy and protect them from diseases that could potentially harm humans at home. They evaluate the risks in a pet's environment and provide personalized vaccination strategies to safeguard our pets in their community adventures.
Wondering about your pet's daily exposure? Does your dog frequent communal dog spaces, play in dog runs or public parks, attend grooming sessions, training classes, or stay in boarding facilities? If yes, your pet is at risk of contracting contagious respiratory diseases caused by the Bordetella bacteria, with kennel cough being the most common.
This unpleasant disease can result in a persistent cough and loss of appetite in adult dogs, while puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems can face severe complications like pneumonia. But fear not, as the Bordetella vaccine for dogs can help safeguard your pet from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases.
Bordetella Vaccine: What You Need to Know
The canine Bordetella vaccine protects against infection from the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Developed for socially active dogs (those that frequent groomers, boarding facilities, dog parks, daycares, training classes, large apartment communities, and pet therapy), it helps guard dogs against kennel cough, the leading cause of the kennel cough disease.
This vaccine can be administered orally, intranasally (through the nose), or with an injection. It's widely available in all small animal clinics, as well as shelters, humane societies, rescues, government-run animal groups, and some breeders.
How It Fuctions
Research has revealed that Bordetella alone doesn't cause kennel cough; instead, it requires the presence of an initially infected virus, parainfluenza, to set the stage. This parasitic virus weakens the cilia (little hairs inside a dog's trachea) that work to prevent respiratory diseases by pushing bacteria away from the lungs. Once disabled, Bordetella can make its way into the dog's respiratory system and cause a cough and other symptoms.
Consequently, most effective Bordetella vaccines also cover the parainfluenza virus. As a result, puppies, and dogs can enjoy dual protection!
Bordetella Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
When considering vaccinations for your pet, discuss their unique risk factors with your veterinarian. Based on expert guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association, the recommended Bordetella vaccine schedule for puppies and dogs is:
- Puppies can receive the intranasal (administered through the nose) vaccine as early as 3 weeks of age (per product label). A second dose should follow two to four weeks later.
- Alternatively, puppies can receive the injectable Bordetella vaccine starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with a booster between 10 and 12 weeks of age.
- For dogs 7 weeks of age or older, the intraoral (administered into the cheek pouch) vaccine option is available.
Adult dogs and puppies older than 16 weeks may receive the intranasal vaccine once, and the injectable vaccine should be given twice-2 to 4 weeks apart. Annual boosters for adult dogs are advised, depending on exposure risk.
Side Effects of the Bordetella Vaccine
The Bordetella vaccine is generally safe for dogs, but like any vaccination, there are potential side effects. Some of these include pain at the injection site, sneezing or reverse sneezing after intranasal administration, and temporary sluggishness or loss of appetite following subcutaneous vaccination. In rare instances, dogs may experience life-threatening allergic reactions to the vaccine.
Manufacturers of the Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs
Several manufacturers offer Bordetella vaccines, with some alternatives covering additional viruses like the parainfluenza virus or the canine adenovirus. The selection process for the oral, intranasal, or injectable versions depends on factors such as how quickly protection is needed, the dog's stress level, and their underlying health.
Intranasal and oral vaccines provide quicker protection and are ideal if a dog must go to a boarding facility soon after vaccination. In contrast, the injectable vaccine offers extended immunity and can be more suitable when planning is possible.
Cost of the Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs
Cost varies for the Bordetella vaccine, ranging from $20-$45 across the country, based on the route of administration and regional veterinary care costs.
So, Does Your Dog Need This Vaccine?
The dogs most susceptible to kennel cough are socially active dogs living in the community, particularly those with weakened immune systems. If your dog frequents boarding facilities, groomers, training classes, or engages in pet therapy, it's essential to have your veterinarian vaccinate your dog against kennel cough using the Bordetella vaccine.
Of course, always consult with your veterinarian for vaccination guidance tailored to your pet's specific needs and lifestyle.
The canine Bordetella vaccine, designed for socially active dogs, can help protect your pet from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases, as it safeguards against infection from the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. This vaccine is crucial for dogs who frequent communal dog spaces, play in dog runs or public parks, attend grooming sessions, training classes, or stay in boarding facilities, as these activities increase their risk of contracting contagious respiratory diseases.
