Bordetella Vaccine & Kennel Cough in Dogs
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The Bordetella vaccine helps protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a leading cause of kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection. It's a non-core (lifestyle) vaccine recommended for social dogs that board, go to daycare, groomers, dog parks, or training classes. It comes as an injection, a nasal spray, or an oral form, and is usually boostered every 6–12 months depending on risk.
What kennel cough is
"Kennel cough," more properly canine infectious respiratory disease complex, is a contagious infection of the airways caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the most common bacterial culprits, which is why the vaccine carries its name — but parainfluenza and adenovirus (covered by DHPP) also contribute.
It spreads easily where dogs gather — boarding kennels, daycare, grooming salons, shelters, dog parks, and shows — through the air, direct contact, and shared surfaces. The classic sign is a loud, honking cough, sometimes with retching, a runny nose, and mild lethargy. Most healthy dogs recover on their own, but it can be more serious in puppies, seniors, and dogs with other health problems, occasionally progressing to pneumonia.
Practical take: Like a human cold, the vaccine reduces risk and severity but doesn't guarantee your dog will never catch it, since several organisms are involved.
Which dogs need it
Bordetella is a lifestyle vaccine — recommended based on exposure risk rather than for every dog. Your vet will likely advise it if your dog:
- Boards or attends daycare (most facilities require it).
- Visits the groomer regularly.
- Goes to dog parks, training classes, or shows.
- Lives in a multi-dog household or shelter setting.
Many boarding and daycare businesses require proof of a current Bordetella vaccine, often given at least a few days to a week before the stay so it has time to take effect.
Forms and schedule
Bordetella comes in three forms, and your vet picks based on your dog and situation:
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Intranasal (nose drops/spray) | Given in the nostrils; provides local protection at the entry point and can act relatively quickly. |
| Oral | Squirted into the cheek; easy to give and well tolerated. |
| Injectable | Given under the skin; often needs a two-dose initial series for full effect. |
Puppies can typically start Bordetella as early as a few weeks old depending on the product. Boosters are usually given every 6 to 12 months for at-risk dogs, and some facilities require the shorter 6-month interval.
Is it safe? Side effects
Bordetella vaccines are generally very safe. Reactions are usually mild:
- Injectable: mild soreness at the site, brief tiredness, or a low fever.
- Intranasal/oral: occasionally a few days of mild sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge as the immune system responds.
Serious reactions are uncommon. Contact your vet if your dog develops facial swelling, hives, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or ongoing vomiting. If cough symptoms are strong or last more than a few days after a nasal vaccine, check with your vet to rule out an actual infection.
Staying protected and on schedule
Because boosters come around often and facilities set their own timing rules, it's easy to arrive for boarding only to find the vaccine has lapsed. To avoid that:
- Note the exact date given and the required booster interval for the places you use.
- Schedule the booster with a buffer of several days to a week before any boarding or daycare stay.
- Keep proof of vaccination handy.
- Beyond the vaccine, limit contact with visibly sick, coughing dogs.
Tracking your dog's Bordetella date and booster reminders in one place means you're always ready when a facility asks for proof — and never turned away at check-in.
Never get turned away at boarding again
Tavi keeps your dog's Bordetella and other vaccine dates with booster reminders in one place, so you always have current proof ready before daycare or boarding. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog really need the Bordetella vaccine?
It depends on lifestyle. Bordetella is a non-core vaccine recommended for social dogs that board, attend daycare, visit groomers, go to dog parks, or take training classes. Most boarding and daycare facilities require it. Dogs with little exposure to other dogs may not need it, so ask your vet what fits your dog.
How often does the Bordetella vaccine need to be given?
For at-risk dogs, Bordetella boosters are usually given every 6 to 12 months. Some boarding and daycare facilities require the more frequent 6-month interval. Your vet will set the schedule based on your dog's exposure and the requirements of the places you use.
How long before boarding should my dog get the Bordetella shot?
Many facilities require it at least a few days to a week before boarding so it has time to take effect, and some require a minimum number of days. Check the specific requirements of your facility and schedule the vaccine with a buffer, rather than right before drop-off.
Can a vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?
Yes. The Bordetella vaccine reduces the risk and severity but doesn't guarantee full protection, because kennel cough is caused by several bacteria and viruses, not just Bordetella. A vaccinated dog can still catch it, though usually with milder illness. Limiting contact with coughing dogs also helps.
What are the side effects of the Bordetella vaccine?
Most reactions are mild. The injectable form may cause brief soreness, tiredness, or a low fever, while nasal or oral forms can cause a few days of mild sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but warrant prompt veterinary care.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA); American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); Merck Veterinary Manual; VCA Animal Hospitals; American Kennel Club (AKC)