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If you’ve ever taken your dog to the park, a boarding kennel, or the groomer, you’ve probably heard about the Bordetella vaccine. At Ecopetessentials, we believe every pet parent deserves to know what’s best for their furry friends, and understanding the Bordetella vaccine is a key part of that. This simple vaccination can help protect your pup from a common but contagious illness known as kennel cough.
Let’s start with the basics: what is Bordetella? Bordetella bronchiseptica is a type of bacteria that affects a dog’s respiratory system. It’s one of the main causes of kennel cough, a condition that makes dogs develop a dry, hacking “honking” cough. You can think of it as the dog version of a bad cold, except it spreads much faster. Dogs can catch Bordetella easily when they’re around other dogs. These places can be shelters, doggie daycare, training classes, or even playdates at the park. The bacteria spread through sneezing, coughing, or shared toys and bowls. That’s why the kennel cough vaccination, also called the canine Bordetella vaccine, is so important for social pups.
The Bordetella vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent kennel cough in dogs. It helps your dog’s immune system recognize and fight off the bacteria before it can cause illness.
There are three main ways your dog can receive the vaccine Bordetella:
Puppies usually start their kennel cough immunisation between 6 to 8 weeks old, with booster shots given as they grow. Adult dogs typically need a booster once a year, but your vet might recommend it every six months if your dog is frequently around other pets.
Puppies are more vulnerable to illness because their immune systems are still developing. The kennel cough vaccine for puppies helps protect them early on, reducing their risk of catching the disease during training or socialization. Without vaccination, puppies exposed to Bordetella can develop serious symptoms like coughing fits, fever, congestion, and loss of appetite. Getting the canine cough vaccination early gives your little one a healthier start. You can improve your pup’s immunity by feeding them 10 Good and Healthy Foods for Dogs.
Many pet parents ask, “How often should dogs get the Bordetella vaccine?” The answer depends on your dog’s lifestyle.
So, how long is the Bordetella vaccine good for? Typically, protection lasts up to a year, but high-risk dogs benefit from more frequent updates.
The Bordetella vaccine is generally very safe. Some dogs may have mild side effects, such as temporary redness at the injection site, sneezing after a nasal dose, or slight tiredness for a day or two. These reactions are normal and short-lived. If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling or difficulty breathing), contact your vet right away, though such cases are extremely rare. You can also get Best Cough Medicine for Dogs to Help Them Heal Better in case of regular coughing.
Getting your dog the Bordetella for dogs vaccine offers many benefits:
It’s one of the simplest ways to make sure your furry friend stays healthy, especially in places where dogs interact often.
The Bordetella vaccine acts as a shield for your pet’s respiratory system. It prevents bacteria from taking hold, keeping coughing and other symptoms away. When combined with the dog distemper vaccine, it builds an even stronger layer of protection against serious respiratory diseases. If you’ve ever wondered what is the kennel cough vaccine called, the answer is simple, it’s often just referred to as the Bordetella vaccine or canine Bordetella vaccine. Some people even call it the kennel cough jab, but whatever the name, the goal is the same: keeping your pet safe.
So, what does Bordetella do for dogs? It keeps them healthy, social, and ready for every tail-wagging adventure. Whether you’re a new pet parent or an experienced dog lover, the Bordetella vaccine is one of the best preventive steps you can take. At Ecopetessentials, we care about keeping your pets protected with the right guidance and high-quality products. You can talk to your vet about vaccination Bordetella and make sure your furry friend stays protected from kennel cough year-round. Because when it comes to your dog’s health, prevention is always the best medicine, and Ecopetessentials is here to help every step of the way.
FAQs:
➥Is Bordetella the same as kennel cough?
Yes, Bordetella is another name for kennel cough. Kennel cough (also known as Bordetella bronchiseptica) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs and sometimes cats.
➥Are Bordetella and distemper the same thing?
No, Bordetella and distemper are not the same. The Bordetella vaccine (also called the kennel cough jab) protects against a bacterial infection, while the DHPP vaccine—a combination vaccine—protects dogs from multiple viruses, including distemper and parvovirus. Your vet can help you plan both the canine Bordetella vaccine and dog distemper vaccine schedules.
➥What vaccines are given for Bordetella?
The most common Bordetella vaccine used by veterinarians is Vanguard® B Intranasal, which protects dogs as young as three weeks old. This kennel cough vaccine for puppies is easy to administer and provides strong protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica.
➥Is Bordetella a two-part shot?
It depends on the type of Bordetella vaccine your dog receives. The intranasal (IN) vaccine requires only one dose, which is ideal for busy pet owners or shelters. However, the subcutaneous vaccine (the one given under the skin) is a two-part shot, with the second dose given 2–4 weeks after the first. After that, boosters are recommended every 6 to 12 months to maintain protection.
➥Is the Bordetella vaccine necessary for dogs?
The Bordetella vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine, meaning not every dog absolutely needs it. However, it’s strongly recommended for dogs that visit boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, or training classes.
Isla Bennett loves Misty, her two-year-old British Shorthair. And she wants to help other pet parents make sustainable choices that are good for their pets and the planet. She writes about easy ways to care for animals using green products. Isla believes that happy pets and a healthy earth go hand in hand. Her goal is to make pet care simple, fun, and eco-friendly. She also gives you insights about different pet Breeds and traits!
