Bordetella Vaccine - Kennel Cough Preventative by Penny DiLoreto

The Bordetella vaccine is commonly given to dogs to prevent kennel cough. I put emphasis on the word "prevention" because like the flu shot in humans, the Bordetella vaccine is a prevention - not a cure. All my puppies receive their first Bordetella vaccination at 8 weeks (before they leave my care) and all my adult dogs receive boosters every 6 months.

I follow this schedule (which my veterinarian recommends) because my dogs live in a group environment. Most boarding facilities and groomers also require proof of Bordetella vaccination, within the last 6 month, before they will allow a dog in their facilities.

I have read that some people believe that kennel cough is not life threatening, is self-curing, and self-limiting and therefore they do not believe in vaccinating their pets with the Bordetella vaccine. I, on the other hand, believe in the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure."

I have personally seen cases where a simple bout of Kennel Cough left untreated soon developed in to more serious conditions such as upper respiratory infection and in some cases pneumonia. Both of these conditions are serious, cost hundreds of dollars in medical bills, and caused their owners heartbreak as they watched their beloved pet suffer.

Kennel cough is highly contagious among dogs and can be spread at such places as dog parks, dog beaches, groomers, boarding kennels, and other common meeting areas. Because of this, I highly recommend that you check with your veterinary clinic and have your dog vaccinated according to their instructions.

The Bordetella vaccine comes in two forms; a nasal drop and a vaccine that is injected. The nasal form goes to work faster but also diminishes faster. The injection form goes to work slower but also diminishes slower.

If you are thinking about medicating your dog yourself, you can purchase the nasal form of the Bordetella vaccine at several online pet medication websites. The treatment comes in two parts – part one is sterile water that is mixed with the dry Bordetella vaccine (the second part). Once the two parts are mixed together the solution is squirted into one nostril of your dog (no need to do both nostrils) and that's it. Don't be surprised if your dog sneezes some of it out, this is normal, and is anticipated therefore treatment quantity is a little more than is actually needed.

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