How Often Should Dogs Be Vaccinated Against Bordetella?

Bordetella is a gram-negative bacterium that infects a dog’s upper respiratory tract, causing a respiratory disease with characteristic cough. The cough is the main symptom of bordetella, although it can also cause a thick, yellow-green nasal discharge or a mild eye or ear discharge. Symptoms usually develop within 2 weeks of infection and usually last between 1 and 4 weeks. There are two species of Bordetella, viz., B. bronchiseptica and B. parapertussis. Dogs that are commonly infected with B. bronchiseptica are dogs that live in boarding kennels, groomers, daycare centers, and animal shelters. The latter is caused by the presence of B. parapertussis, which is more common in the dogs that live in the same environment as the B. bronchiseptica-infected dogs.

What causes Bordetella in Dogs?

Bordetella bronchiseptica and Bordetella parapertussis are both Gram-negative bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract of dogs. The bacteria are commonly found in the nose and throat of dogs infected with kennels, boarding facilities, and shelters. Dogs that spend a lot of time in these types of places are more likely to get the infection because of the close contact with other sick dogs.

What are the symptoms of Bordetella in Dogs?

Symptoms of bordetella in dogs include a persistent cough, sometimes with a small amount of sputum; a runny nose; a large amount of nasal discharge; and a mild, fever-like body ache.

Bordetella Vaccines

There are currently two vaccines on the market for the prevention of bordetella: Merial’s Dermadine Plus, which is an injectable vaccine, and Merck’s Innotek, which is available in a spray version. Both vaccines protect against the two bordetella species, although each is specific to the species that it is meant to protect against. Both vaccines protect against both B. bronchiseptica and B. parapertussis.

Things to consider before choosing a Bordetella Vaccine

Your dog’s immune system. The immune system is what the vaccines are intended to stimulate. If your dog’s immune system is compromised, the vaccines might not work or may not work effectively.

Prevalence of Bordetella in your area. A lot of people think that bordetella is a disease endemic to boarding kennels and shelters, but the truth is that it is found in a lot of different dogs, including urban dogs. If you live in an area where boarding kennels and shelters are not common, this might mean that your dog does not have a high risk of getting infected. Bordetella is spread through close contact with infected dogs, so if you do not have a lot of contact with boarding kennels and shelters, you might be able to get the infection at home, but it will be much easier to control if you catch it there.

Final words: Should your dog be vaccinated for Bordetella?

If your dog is young, healthy, free of other infections, and has frequent close contact with other dogs, it may be a good idea to vaccinate him or her against bordetella. If your dog is old, sick, or has little contact with other dogs, it is probably not a good idea to vaccinate it against this infection. This is because there is no guarantee that your dog will be the one that gets infected if they are exposed to it.

For a healthy dog, on the other hand, the vaccination is a good way to increase the chance of not catching bordetella. After using a bordetella vaccine for a while, you will also be able to tell if your dog has been vaccinated against it. This is because the vaccination will cause your dog to produce false positive results for other diseases.

Should your dog be vaccinated for Bordetella?

For dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs and spend a lot of time in kennels, boarding kennels, or animal shelters, Bordetella vaccination might be the best option.

Is Bordetella Contagious?

Yes, Bordetella is contagious among dogs.

What is the treatment for Bordetella?

There is no specific treatment for Bordetella in dogs. Doctors recommend that owners keep their dog active and healthy, and encourage the dog to exercise and play as much as possible. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids or phenylbutazone, can be prescribed for a short period of time.

Are there any complications or risks associated with Bordetella?

Bordetella can cause mild fever, runny nose, mild body ache, and diarrhea. It may also cause a cough that lasts between 1 and 4 weeks. It is important to note that this is usually the case for dogs that are infected with B. bronchiseptica. In B. parapertussis-infected dogs, Bordetella does not cause a persistent cough, but a mild one that usually lasts less than 1 week.

Are there any precautions that I can take to prevent my dog from getting Bordetella?

The best way to prevent your dog from catching Bordetella is to vaccinate him or her against it. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time in boarding kennels or dog shelters, where they may be exposed to other dogs that are infected with Bordetella.

If your dog is not vaccinated against Bordetella, it is important to keep him or her away from other dogs that may be infected. Infected dogs may spread the bacteria when they cough, by sneezing or even by breathing on the dog. Infected dogs often have runny nose or a runny eyes, which can be easily treated with eye drops or sunglasses.

Final words: Should your dog be vaccinated for Bordetella?

Vaccinating your dog against Bordetella is important, as it helps prevent your dog from getting sick and having a persistent cough. As with most vaccines, the Bordetella vaccine is most effective if it is given on a monthly basis. If your dog is not currently vaccinated against Bordetella, it is important to vaccinate him or her as soon as possible.

A Tip from Bookmypet:

Most boarding centers ask for vaccinations, including Bordetella. To ensure a smooth check-in when leaving your dog, make sure to have their vaccinations up to date. You can always book a vaccination service through our platform or a consultation if you’re unsure. Hope this helps!