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Bordetella…The Misunderstood Vaccine

It’s a common comment heard in many veterinary hospitals…”We don’t need the kennel cough vaccination…we never board or kennel our dog.” Despite the owner’s insistence that their pet isn’t at risk, most people would be surprised to find out that this disease can be found in a wide variety of places...

Kennel cough can be caused by a wide variety of organisms, including canine adenoviruses, canine distemper virus and a bacterial species that goes by the name of Bordetella bronchiseptica. Other viruses, such as canine herpesviruses or reoviruses are also thought to contribute to the disease and it is not uncommon to see more than one pathogen involved.

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Bordetella - a.k.a. Kennel Cough What you NEED to Know!

Kennel cough is not unlike the common cold amongst humans, but as most any vet will tell you this upper respiratory infection is classified as a virus and bacterial infection. It causes the trachea & bronchi to become inflamed making for a potentially stuffed-up and coughing doggy. It is also highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated dogs, senior dogs and puppies. Dogs can contract kennel cough from another dog's infected bodily secretions like drinking from the same water bowl or drooling while wrestling with each other.

Bordetella 101: Kennel cough and your dog

Kennel cough, or tracheobronchitis, is an infectious bronchitis that could be compared to a cold with a scratchy throat in people. The most common symptom of canine kennel cough is a harsh, hacking cough that sounds as if something is stuck in your dog’s throat. While it may sound as if your dog could cough up a lung, in general, kennel cough isn’t serious and it usually resolves on its own, just as the common cold does with people. Unfortunately for the concerned pet owner, this can take days to weeks. You will notice in most cases, despite the hacking cough, that your dog will want to eat, drink, and play normally. This annoying cough is most commonly caused by highly contagious bacteria; in other cases, the cause can be viral

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that is typically part of a complex of respiratory diseases that results in what is commonly known as “kennel cough” in dogs. This is a bit of a misnomer as a dog certainly does not need to be in a kennel situation to be exposed. Infected dogs will demonstrate signs of an upper respiratory infection including a dry hacking cough (some patients will even bring up phlegm or appear to be vomiting), nasal discharge, watery eyes, as well as a decreased appetite and energy level.

Bordetella in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

If your dog is suffering from a gnarly cough, Bordetella could be the cause. Luckily, humans can't get Bordetella from dogs. But because the bacteria can live on surfaces, it's possible for humans to spread the bacteria from an infected dog to another, so it's important to disinfect your hands, water bowls and toys if you suspect your dog is infected.

Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs: What to Know

The Bordetella vaccine is a noncore vaccine usually given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. Canine facilities, such as dog daycare centers, boarding kennels, shows, dog parks, and training classes often require dogs to have the vaccine. This is because Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs.

Bordetella Vaccine For Kennel Cough In Dogs

The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is considered a core vaccine, which means it’s recommended for all dogs unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate. Depending on how the vaccine is administered, puppies should be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks of age, with two boosters given over the course of the following two months. After, dogs are recommended to receive a Bordetella booster every year.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach: Dogs Infected with Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8)

Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine influenza virus (CIV) are common causes of infectious tracheobronchitis and, occasionally, pneumonia. Combined, these and other pathogens cause the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), often referred to as kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis.

Does My Dog Need The Bordetella Vaccine?

The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is a non-core vaccine, meaning it’s not necessary for every dog. “I don't think that all dogs absolutely need it,” Dr. Schwartz explained. “But if they go to training classes or daycare or go to dog parks or are boarded frequently or at all, they should have it.”

Why dogs with Bordetella shouldn't go to the park

Suppose your pup just got back from a brief stay at their boarding facility, and while they’re getting adjusted to being back in their space, you notice they have a developing cough. You might be familiar with kennel cough, an easily-spreadable upper respiratory infection, but have you heard of Bordetella? This bacterial condition actually causes kennel cough and is super contagious among pets.