How Kennel Cough Vaccine Protects Your Dog

Kennel cough is a respiratory illness in dogs that can be caused by several germs, including bacteria and viruses. The Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria is the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough. The illness is highly contagious and can be spread through direct dog-to-dog contact or by sharing contaminated objects. Dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in boarding or social settings are particularly at risk. Kennel cough can cause an unmistakable honking cough, a runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a low fever. While it is typically not life-threatening in healthy adult dogs, it can be fatal in puppies and older or immunocompromised dogs. To prevent kennel cough, a Bordetella vaccine is available and typically given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs. The vaccine can be administered through injection or as a nasal spray, and it helps to reduce the severity of the illness if contracted.

How effective is the kennel cough vaccine?

Kennel cough is an all-encompassing term used to depict a multitude of highly contagious respiratory illnesses. 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.

The Bordetella vaccine is used to reduce the risk of kennel cough in dogs. It is a safe and somewhat effective vaccination that should be given by a veterinarian every 6 to 12 months if your dog is ever around other dogs not living in your home. The vaccine comes in multiple different forms, including an injectable vaccination, an oral vaccination, or a nasal vaccination.

The Bordetella vaccine is fairly effective at preventing infections caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs. However, it is important to note that not all cases of kennel cough are caused by this bacteria. Some cases are caused by other bacteria or viruses, such as the parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, or canine parainfluenza virus-2. Therefore, even vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough from another source.

The effectiveness of the Bordetella vaccine also depends on the timing of the vaccination. It is recommended that dogs receive the vaccine at least a few days to a week before being exposed to other dogs, as it takes time for the vaccine to become effective. Additionally, the vaccine should be administered annually or every six months, depending on the dog's risk factors, to ensure ongoing protection.

Overall, while the Bordetella vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing kennel cough, it is still recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. It can help reduce the risk of infection and protect against one of the most common causes of kennel cough.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The Bordetella vaccine is considered safe, but it can produce some mild side effects. Serious reactions are rare. The most common side effect is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a very mild fever. This reaction is a result of the dog's immune system working to respond to the vaccine. These symptoms are normal and should only last a day or two.

If your dog receives the injectable form of the vaccine, lumps and bumps can arise near the injection site. A small, firm bump can develop, along with tenderness and stiffness in the area. These bumps are usually caused by skin irritation, but any time the skin is punctured, there is a risk of infection. Keep an eye on the injection site for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If untreated, infected areas can lead to more serious conditions.

If your dog receives the vaccine as a nasal spray, it is common for them to develop cold symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.

In extremely rare cases, dogs can have an anaphylactic response to the vaccine. This severe allergic reaction is characterised by swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, and itchiness. This type of reaction generally occurs within a few minutes or hours after receiving the vaccine but can occur as late as 48 hours after vaccination. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Can dogs get kennel cough from the vaccine?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is easily spread from dog to dog. It is usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are confined, such as kennels, doggy daycare, dog parks, or training classes. Kennel cough itself is not fatal, but it can lead to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs.

The Bordetella vaccine is usually given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. It helps to ward off kennel cough by protecting against the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the most common bacterial agent responsible for the illness. However, it's important to note that the vaccine only protects against this specific bacteria and not all the infectious agents that can cause kennel cough.

So, can dogs get kennel cough from the vaccine? While it is rare, dogs can develop symptoms of kennel cough after receiving the vaccine, especially if it is a live vaccine. The vaccine stimulates the dog's immune system to produce antibodies, which can result in the appearance of mild kennel cough symptoms. These symptoms are usually much less severe than the actual illness and typically go away after a few days without the need for veterinary attention.

If your dog experiences severe or lingering kennel cough symptoms after being vaccinated, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian. They can diagnose kennel cough based on symptoms and exposure history, and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

How is kennel cough transmitted?

Kennel cough is transmitted when dogs come into direct contact with each other. The disease is usually spread in areas where large numbers of dogs are confined, like kennels, doggy daycare, dog parks, and training classes. It can also be transmitted indirectly, through contaminated surfaces and objects such as food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs. Dogs with kennel cough are contagious for 6 to 14 weeks and can spread the disease even when their symptoms have dissipated.

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of bacterial and viral factors. The most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes inflammation of the dog's upper respiratory system. This inflammation leads to coughing and illness and can expose dogs to secondary infections. The most common viruses associated with kennel cough are parainfluenza, adenovirus, pneumovirus, and canine influenza.

The Bordetella vaccine is usually given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. The vaccine can be administered as an injection under the dog's skin or through the nose. It is important to note that even vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, as the vaccine only guards against the bacterial component of the disease. The vaccine also does not protect against all the different viruses that can contribute to the development of the illness. Additionally, the vaccine is only effective for about 6 months, so annual vaccines may not provide adequate protection.

How to treat kennel cough?

Kennel cough, or canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is usually not serious, and most dogs will recover within 1 to 3 weeks without treatment. However, in some cases, it can progress to life-threatening pneumonia, so it is important to monitor your dog's symptoms and seek veterinary care if necessary. Here are some ways to treat kennel cough:

• Supportive care at home: This includes rest, nutrition, and hydration. Keeping your dog's airways moist can also help. You can do this by sitting with them in the bathroom while you shower or using a humidifier in their sleeping area.
• Cough suppressants: Your veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant to help reduce the frequency of coughing. However, keep in mind that coughing is a way for your dog to expel mucus and infectious agents, so decreasing the cough can sometimes be counterproductive.
• Antibiotics: While most causes of CIRD are viruses, secondary bacterial infections can occur, especially in puppies and dogs with weak immune systems. Antibiotics can help prevent the progression to more serious diseases and shorten the shedding period (the time a dog is contagious).
• Oxygen therapy: If your dog has developed pneumonia, oxygen therapy may be required as part of their treatment.
• Avoid irritants: During your dog's recovery, avoid exposing them to household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and dust, as these irritants can prolong their recovery.
• Use a harness instead of a collar: Using a collar and leash can place extra pressure on the trachea, inducing coughing. It is recommended to switch to using a harness during walks while your dog is recovering from kennel cough.
• Vaccination: While vaccination does not guarantee protection against kennel cough, it can help reduce the likelihood and severity of the disease. The Bordetella vaccine is typically given to dogs frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings.

Frequently asked questions