Vaccinations and preventive care help protect your pet from serious diseases and illnesses, some of which are highly contagious. In today's post, our Astoria vets discuss the Bordetella vaccine for dogs, how often they're needed and what to do if your dog has a reaction to the vaccine.
What is Bordetella?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that's linked to canine respiratory disease. It is part of the canine infectious respiratory complex, which is also referred to as keennel cough, infectious tracheobronchitis, or upper respiratory infection. Bordetella is the most common cause of kennel cough in dogs.
How the Bordetella Vaccine Protects Your Dog
If you often take your dog to places like the dog park or groomer, our vets recommend that you consider protecting them from contracting kennel cough with the Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine decreases your dog's risk of contracting this serious and contagious disease.
How long does Bordetella last in dogs?
While a mild to moderate case may last 6 to 10 days, the condition can quickly progress and become life-threatening when not treated right away.
Why is the Bordetella vaccine so important?
Unlike other vaccinations such as the rabies vaccine, the Bordetella shot is a lifestyle (optional) vaccine for dogs. This means that you can choose for your dog to have it for added protection based on their risk level. Even though it is not a core vaccination, many dog parks, doggy daycares, or obedience classes require dogs to be vaccinated against kennel cough to take part. The vaccine protects both your dog and dogs with whom they frequently socialize.
Simple respiratory infections like Bordetella can easily become more serious and even turn life-threatening, so it's recommended that you have your dog vaccinated against Bordetella if they may ever be in a social setting.
If you intend to enroll your dog in any program outside the home or to be a regular at your local dog park, we recommend asking your vet if your pooch should have the Bordetella shot.
The vaccine greatly reduces the risk of Bordetella infections in dogs. Furthermore, while the Bordetella vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing infection, it will help reduce your dog's risk of developing life-threatening complications as a result of contracting this respiratory disease.
Even if you don't bring your dog out to socialize with other dogs but are still thinking of having your vet administer this vaccine to your pup, please contact our Astoria vets. While the shot's benefits significantly outweigh the risks, unprepared dog owners may be alarmed if their dog experiences some side effects.
How often does a dog need a Bordetella shot?
Your veterinarian may recommend bringing your pup in for the Bordetella vaccine every 6 to 12 months based on your dog's risk of exposure to this respiratory illness.
The Bordetella vaccine is available as an intranasal spray that your vet will administer into your dog's nose, or as an injection. Both of these options are equally effective. The injectable Bordetella vaccine isn't appropriate for dogs younger than eight weeks. However, the nasal spray can be administered to dogs as young as six weeks old.
What are the potential side effects of the Bordetella vaccine?
Can a dog have a reaction to the Bordetella vaccine? Just like vaccinations in people, mild adverse reactions are not only possible but are to be expected. These are not necessarily serious allergic reactions but more like mild side effects. The side effects of dog vaccinations like the Bordetella vaccine are generally mild and short-lived, so while seeing your dog suffering from side effects can be stressful, it's important to remember that they are healthier and safer for them.
Below is a list of the most common side effects dogs can experience from the Bordetella vaccination.
Fever & Lethargy
After your dog receives the Bordetella vaccine, they may experience malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a mild fever. This reaction arises as a side effect of the dog's immune system working to respond to the vaccine appropriately. These symptoms are quite normal and should only last one or two days.
Bumps on Your Dog's Skin
If your dog receives the injectable form of the Bordetella vaccine, lumps and bumps can occur around the injection site. A small, firm bump may develop, as well as some tenderness and stiffness in the area. Most likely, these bumps are just the result of skin irritation. However, any time the skin is punctured, there is a possibility of infection. Be sure to monitor the site where the injection was given. Look for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If left untreated, infected areas may lead to more serious conditions.
Coughing, Sneezing & Other Cold-Like Symptoms
If your dog received their Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray, it is common and ordinary for cold symptoms to present themselves. If your dog is coughing, sneezing, or experiencing a runny nose after receiving the Bordetella vaccine or nasal spray, there is typically no cause for alarm, as most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.
When is veterinary care needed for a vaccine reaction?
Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and short-lived. If your dog demonstrates any of the above symptoms, including a persistent cough, for over a day or two, you should contact your vet for additional medical care. In rare extreme cases, a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine may require medical intervention.
Can dogs have an allergic reaction to the Bordetella vaccine?
In extremely rare cases, dogs can have an anaphylactic response to vaccination. This is a severe allergic reaction characterized by facial swelling, hives, vomiting, breathing issues, diarrhea, and itchiness in your dog. This reaction typically occurs within a few minutes or hours of your dog receiving the vaccine, but it can occur as late as forty-eight hours following vaccination. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving the Bordetella vaccine, bring your dog to a veterinarian for emergency care as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.