How often should my dog get their Bordetella Vaccine?

Brook Farm Veterinary Center’s records show it's time for your dog to get their Bordetella vaccine.  Dogs who are often in social settings should receive the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months to maintain a high level of immunity. Bordetella helps prevent the spread of germs that cause canines to cough.  

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Bordetella is an upper respiratory infection that affects dogs and puppies. It is also commonly known as "kennel cough," although a big misconception is that dogs with Bordetella infection must have been boarded in a kennel to get it! When your dog has symptoms of kennel cough, you might think they have something stuck in their throat. Symptoms of acute infectious tracheobronchitis, (ITB), or kennel cough include a honking cough that may be accompanied by retching. Infected dogs may also sneeze frequently, much more than normal.

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Kennel cough is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by viruses (adenoviruses, influenza viruses) or bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica). Direct contact with an infected dog (such as touching noses or barking through fences) or contact with contaminated surfaces can transmit the infectious agents. If your dog boards, grooms, goes to the park, attends obedience class, or is anywhere where dogs congregate, your dog is at risk of contracting kennel cough.  Additionally, your dog is at risk of exposure if any of your neighbors' dogs board, groom, go to the park, etc., because the neighbors' dogs can expose YOUR dog just by touching noses!

When it comes to the Bordetella vaccine, duration of immunity studies have shown that the antibodies given by the vaccine only last a total of 6-10 months. Therefore, we recommend that your dog should be vaccinated every six months against Bordetella.  We like to consider this a more affordable form of "pet insurance." Another great thing about this vaccine being needed every 6 months is that it’s administered as a nose drop so your dog is not subjected to any discomfort.  Your pet may feel as if they swallowed a tiny bit of water, but we promise  it doesn’t hurt. As a fear free certified practice, Brook Farm Veterinary Center we have modified our procedures, handling, and facilities to help your pet feel safe and comfortable while in our care. 

In puppies, Bordetella vaccine is typically administered twice in the early stages of life, one at 10 weeks and another at 14 weeks. After that, we recommend that the vaccine be administered to your pet every 6 months.