Summertime is around the corner and with the days warming up, we’re helping you prepare for everything you need for a successful summer.
Are you planning on spending your summer at dog parks or looking to explore new areas with your four-legged travel companion? Whether your pup is going along with you on your adventures or staying behind at a day care or boarding facility, the Bordetella vaccine–or the “kennel cough shot”, as it’s sometimes referred to by–could be the difference between a mild discomfort or a more serious illness. Here’s everything you should know before considering the Bordetella Vaccine.
Why It’s Important
While the Bordetella Vaccine is not considered one of the core vaccines, you should give the vaccine to all puppies and dogs that interact with other dogs. Dogs that are in frequent contact with other dogs–such as in boarding facilities, day cares, dog parks, and groomers–are at risk of developing Bordetella, one of the most common and contagious bacterial pathogens. This bacterium spreads through droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or even from contact with recently contaminated objects. Sometimes, other viruses such as parainfluenza and adenovirus are also involved in the disease we call “kennel cough.” In most cases, dogs recover without serious illness, although the hacking cough can last for many weeks. Kennel cough can also become debilitating and lead to pneumonia, especially in puppies and dogs with weaker immune systems.
While all dogs can receive this vaccine, the most at risk are those that are frequently in contact with other dogs. The highest risk includes social dogs frequently attending dog parks, doggy day care, training classes, boarding, and grooming facilities. Speak with your veterinarian to decide how often your dog needs this vaccination.
What Emancipet Offers
We offer both intranasal and injectable Bordetella vaccines. Intranasal Bordetella vaccination can be administered at 8 weeks of age and is administered as a nasal spray. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended, or as recommended by your veterinarian. The injectable Bordetella vaccination can also be administered at 8 weeks of age, and requires an initial vaccination followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended for both types of vaccine.
This vaccine protects against the most common causes of Kennel Cough, a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. The intranasal vaccine also protects against parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2. Most boarding, grooming, and dog training facilities require proof of vaccination before scheduling services. Check with your facility and your veterinarian several months prior to taking your dog.
Plan ahead and find your local Emancipet clinic to book your pet’s low-cost vaccinations before summer vacation begins!
