At Vets to Pets, our goal is to elevate pet care by combining veterinary expertise with empathy and education. From routine wellness exams to compassionate end-of-life care, our Fear Free, in-home approach helps pets feel calm while giving owners confidence and peace of mind.

Preventive care is essential for keeping dogs healthy, and one vaccine that often comes up in conversations with pet owners is the Bordetella vaccine, which protects against kennel cough, which is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

What is Bordetella?

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that infects a dog’s respiratory tract, causing inflammation and a persistent cough. While mild cases may resolve on their own, more severe infections can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and serious complications, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing health conditions.

Kennel cough spreads easily through dog-to-dog contact in places like boarding facilities, daycare centers, grooming salons, and dog parks. It can also be transmitted via shared water bowls or toys and through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Even vaccinated dogs may occasionally develop a mild form of the illness, but vaccination significantly reduces both the severity of symptoms and the risk of spreading the infection.

Bordetella Vaccination Options

There are two primary forms of the Bordetella vaccine. The intranasal or oral vaccine is administered as a mist into the nose or mouth and provides rapid local immunity in the respiratory tract. The injectable vaccine, given under the skin, offers systemic immunity.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

  • Dogs that attend boarding, daycare, or grooming facilities
  • Dogs that frequently socialize with other dogs
  • Puppies and senior dogs who are more vulnerable to complications
  • Dogs traveling to high-risk areas or dog shows

Vaccination is not considered “core,” but it is strongly recommended for any dog at risk of exposure.

Vaccination Schedule

  • Puppies: Begin at 6 to 8 weeks (depending on your veterinarian’s guidelines).
  • Adult dogs: Typically receive an annual booster if risk persists, though some formulations may provide protection for 6 or 12 months

Why Vaccination Matters

Bordetella vaccination helps prevent severe respiratory illness, reducing the risk that your dog will develop serious complications. It also helps protect other dogs by lowering the likelihood of transmission in communal settings. Beyond health benefits, vaccination supports overall wellness, helping avoid disruptions to boarding, daycare, travel plans, and social interactions.

At Vets to Pets

We take a personalized approach to vaccination, considering your dog’s lifestyle, exposure risk, and health history. Bordetella protection allows dogs to safely enjoy social interactions while minimizing the risk of preventable illness. If your dog spends time around other dogs, scheduling a Bordetella vaccination is a simple step that can make a significant difference in their health and the health of the community. At Vets to Pets, we’d be happy to discuss this vaccine at your next wellness appointment!