Routine vaccinations are among the most common and valuable ways to protect and keep our pets safe. In today's article, our Monterey Park veterinarians discuss the Bordetella vaccine in dogs and whether or not they can react to it.
Why is the bordetella vaccine important for dogs?
The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is an optional vaccination that provides added protection. Although it is not a mandatory shot, many doggie daycares, dog parks, and obedience classes require dogs to be vaccinated against kennel cough to participate.
Simple respiratory infections can escalate into life-threatening conditions, so it's recommended that your dog be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine if it will be in a social setting to protect both it and the dogs it socializes with.
If you plan to enroll your dog in any program or have them regularly visit a dog park, you should consult your vet about the Bordetella shot.
While the vaccine does not guarantee complete protection, it significantly reduces the risk of Bordetella in dogs and helps lower the chances of life-threatening complications from this respiratory disease.
How often does a dog need a Bordetella shot?
Your veterinarian will recommend a Bordetella booster shot every six to twelve months (this is typically how long a bordetella shot lasts in dogs) based on your pet's risk of exposure to Bordetella.
This vaccination comes in two forms: an intranasal spray your vet will administer into your dog's nose, or an injection. Both are effective. The injectable Bordetella vaccine isn't suitable for dogs younger than eight weeks, but the nasal spray version can be administered to dogs as young as six weeks.
What potential side effects of the Bordetella vaccine might affect your dog?
Just like vaccinations in people, mild adverse reactions are not only possible, but are expected due to vaccination. Reactions are generally mild and short-lived, so while seeing your dog suffering from side effects can be stressful, it's important to remember that they are healthier and safer for it.
Being prepared to care for your pup post-vaccine will make the process less stressful for you and your dog. Below is a list of the most common side effects dogs can experience from the Bordetella vaccination.
Lethargy
The most common reaction to receiving the Bordetella vaccine in dogs is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a mild fever. This reaction arises as a side effect of the dog's immune system working to respond to the vaccine appropriately. These symptoms are quite typical and should only last one or two days.
Lumps & Bumps
If your dog receives the injectable form of the Bordetella vaccine, lumps and bumps can occur around the injection site. A small, firm bump may develop, as well as some tenderness and stiffness in the area. Most likely, these bumps are just the result of skin irritation. However, any time the skin is punctured, there is a possibility of infection. Be sure to monitor the site where the injection was given. Look for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If left untreated, infected areas may lead to more serious conditions.
Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms
If your dog received their Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray, it is common and ordinary for cold symptoms to appear. Adverse reactions to nasal spray Bordetella vaccination include coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.
What should be done if your dog begins coughing after being vaccinated?
Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and short-lived. If your dog demonstrates any of the above symptoms, including a persistent cough, for over a day or two, you should contact your vet for additional medical care. In rare, extreme cases, a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine may require medical intervention.
Can your dog have an allergic reaction to the Bordetella vaccine?
In extremely rare cases, dogs can have an anaphylactic response to vaccination. This is a severe allergic reaction characterized by facial swelling, hives, vomiting, breathing issues, diarrhea, and itchiness in your dog.
This reaction typically occurs within a few minutes or hours of your dog receiving the vaccine, but it can occur as late as forty-eight hours following vaccination.
If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving the Bordetella vaccine, contact your emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.