Barking, Sniffling, and Sneezing: What You Need to Know About the Bordetella Vaccine
Imagine bringing your playful pup to doggie daycare — a whole day of play with his four-legged friends. But just a few days later, the coughing starts. A deep, honking, persistent cough that keeps him — and your whole family — up at night.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we see it every year: dogs exposed to kennel cough, officially known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It’s a common, highly contagious illness — and fortunately, one we can help prevent with a simple Bordetella vaccine.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a broad term for a contagious respiratory infection that spreads rapidly among dogs, especially in close quarters like boarding facilities, grooming salons, training classes, shelters, or even playdates at the park. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main bacterial culprits — and the one the Bordetella vaccine targets directly.
Symptoms usually include:
- A loud, hacking cough (often described as “goose honk”)
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Lethargy or mild fever in some cases
While mild in many healthy dogs, kennel cough can develop into pneumonia or more severe illness — especially in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised pets.
How Is It Spread?
Kennel cough spreads easily through airborne droplets, direct nose-to-nose contact, or shared items like water bowls, toys, or bedding. It’s so contagious that even brief exposure in a public space can be enough for unvaccinated dogs to pick it up. That’s why vaccination is key — especially if your dog socializes in any way.
Who Should Get the Bordetella Vaccine?
At PetMed of Key West, we strongly recommend the Bordetella vaccine for:
- Dogs who attend daycare or group training
- Dogs who visit boarding facilities or stay at pet hotels
- Dogs who are groomed professionally
- Dogs who go to dog parks, pet stores, or community events
- Puppies and adolescent dogs, as their immune systems are still developing
Even if your dog just occasionally interacts with other pups, vaccination provides peace of mind and protection.
How Often Is the Vaccine Needed?
Your dog’s vaccine schedule depends on your dog’s lifestyle and risk level:
- Initial vaccination: Usually given as early as 6 weeks old.
- Booster: Typically recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on your dog’s exposure risk and what local facilities (like groomers or boarding kennels) require.
Some daycares and boarding facilities require Bordetella vaccination within the past 6 months, so it’s always a good idea to check before a visit or overnight stay.
Not Just for Boarding
Despite its nickname, “kennel cough” doesn’t only happen in kennels. We’ve seen dogs catch it at parks, pet-friendly hotels, or even training classes. That’s why at PetMed, we talk about Bordetella vaccination with every dog owner, not just those planning to travel. Because dogs are social creatures, and even friendly interactions can lead to unexpected illness.
Keep the Tail Wags, Skip the Cough
Kennel cough may not sound serious — until your dog is the one coughing all night, refusing meals, or developing a fever. With something this contagious, prevention really is easier (and more affordable) than treatment.
If your dog is overdue for their kennel cough vaccination, or you’re not sure whether it’s been done, call us today at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque. We’ll help you determine the right vaccination schedule for your dog’s lifestyle and get them protected before the next big adventure.
Because your dog deserves a life full of play — not coughs.