How long after the Bordetella Vaccine can I board my dog

How long after the Bordetella vaccine can I board my dog with the correct Bordetella vaccine schedule?

Vaccinations are one of the most important requirements of a dog boarding facility. Apart from core vaccines like Parvo, they also require non-core vaccines like Bordetella. However, because non-core vaccines are not as significant, they are often overlooked. 

But at the boarding centers, you have to provide a record of Bordetella vaccines along with other vaccines. However, we also know that vaccinations take some time to show their effectiveness. Now this leads to a question: How long after the Bordetella vaccine can I board my dog?

In this article, I will explain the basics of the Bordetella vaccine and its schedule along with the time it takes to show its effect. So, continue reading.

Understanding the Bordetella Vaccine

Kennel cough is a kind of bronchitis that has several causes, one of which being the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Bordetella affects the respiratory systems of dogs and can lead to pneumonia. While it is usually non-lethal, there are certain outliers.

Though Bordetella vaccinations can lower the chances of dogs getting kennel cough, they are not effective. Kennel cough can also be caused by other reasons, such as the parainfluenza virus. Nonetheless, obtaining the Bordetella immunization reduces the obvious signs of kennel cough and speeds up recovery.

How long does the kennel cough vaccine take to work?

The kennel cough vaccination doesn't provide immediate protection; it takes a few days to become effective. Specifically, the intranasal vaccine needs 3-5 days to start working, and the injectable one requires even more time.

The onset of immunity for the intranasal Bordetella vaccine can be as swift as 48-72 hours, but it is crucial to remember that dogs aren't entirely shielded from Bordetella until 72 hours after receiving the booster vaccine.

A kennel cough vaccine normally protects for twelve months. As a result, pet owners should plan and ensure their dogs get vaccinated a few days before any potential exposure to other dogs or boarding facilities.

Additionally, it is wise to check with the kennels beforehand, as some may have specific requirements for vaccination boosters.

How long does the kennel cough vaccine last?

You can give your dog the Bordetella bronchiseptica nasal vaccine as early as three weeks old, and it protects for approximately one year.

Is Bordetella a Core Vaccine?

The Bordetella vaccine isn't considered a fundamental vaccine for dogs. Essential vaccines are those suggested for all dogs, regardless of their way of life, unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate.

Examples of fundamental vaccines include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies. In contrast, nonessential vaccines are recommended for certain dogs based on their way of life, location, and risk of exposure.

The Bordetella vaccine falls into the nonessential category and is typically administered to dogs frequently in contact with others, such as in boarding or social environments. This vaccine helps prevent kennel cough, a highly contagious condition among dogs.

Adult dogs should receive a booster shot of the Bordetella vaccine every six to twelve months, depending on their risk factors. If you board your dog, take your dog to doggy daycare, or enroll your dog in training classes, the facility will most likely require your dog to receive a booster shot every six months.

Vaccine Administration

There are two types of Bordetella vaccinations for dogs: intranasal and injectable. Intranasal vaccinations are provided to dogs as nose drops, whereas injectable vaccines are administered beneath their skin via subcutaneous injections.

Bordetella Vaccination Schedule

The vaccination schedule for Bordetella can vary somewhat depending on the source, but the general guidelines are as follows:

• Puppies should receive the injectable form of the Bordetella vaccine when they are between 6 to 8 weeks old.
• A second injectable booster shot is necessary 4 weeks after the initial dose, typically when the puppies are between 10 to 12 weeks old.
• If you have acquired a puppy that hasn't received these injections or if you're uncertain, they will need two rounds of booster shots to ensure complete protection.
• For adult dogs, it is advisable to provide a booster form of the Bordetella vaccine every 6 to 12 months, depending on the dog's risk factors.
• Facilities like boarding kennels may have required a booster within the last six months.
• If your dog goes to a boarding facility, doggy daycare, or participates in training classes, these places will likely mandate a booster shot every six months.

Most veterinarians recommend giving the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months to maintain a strong level of immunity, especially for dogs that frequently interact in social settings. 

The vaccine assists in managing and preventing the spread of the bacteria responsible for canine cough. Even if a vaccinated dog contracts canine cough, it will likely have a milder form that resolves more quickly compared to an unvaccinated dog. So in any case it is beneficial.

Do dogs feel unwell after kennel cough vaccine?

Yes, dogs can feel unwell after the kennel cough vaccine but not always. The most common response seen in dogs after receiving the Bordetella vaccine, also known as the kennel cough vaccine, is a sense of not feeling well, tiredness, or mild discomfort, often accompanied by coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

These signs are generally mild and brief, and most dogs recover from them within a day or two. In exceptional cases, a severe adverse reaction to the vaccine may necessitate medical attention.

Nonetheless, the advantages of vaccinating your dog almost always outweigh any potential adverse effects they might experience from these vaccinations.

If your dog displays any of the aforementioned symptoms, including a persistent cough lasting more than a day or two, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian for further medical assessment.

Signs of Kennel Cough in Dogs

The most common clinical indication of kennel cough is a strong cough, often described as resembling a "goose honk." Other symptoms of kennel cough include sneezing, a runny nose and eyes, enlarged tonsils, wheezing, fatigue, decreased appetite, a mild fever, and a sudden shift in air temperature.

Occasionally, the cough may be followed by retching or gagging. The indications of kennel cough are generally mild, but in severe situations, dogs may develop pneumonia or other complications. 

If you suspect that your dog may have kennel cough, it is crucial to reach out to your veterinarian for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.