Bordetella for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

What is Bordetella?

Bordetella bronchiseptica, commonly known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract in dogs. It is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica, and spread through direct contact with an infected dog, or contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

Signs and Symptoms of Bordetella in Dogs

The primary symptom of bordetella is a persistent cough. Other symptoms may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Eye discharge

Diagnosis of Bordetella in Dogs

Bordetella is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and a physical examination. A veterinarian may also perform a tracheal wash, which involves flushing the trachea with saline and collecting the resulting fluid to examine for the presence of Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Treatment of Bordetella in Dogs

Treatment for bordetella typically involves antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotic is doxycycline. Other antibiotics that may be used include amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

In addition to antibiotics, cough suppressants and expectorants may be used to relieve symptoms.

Prevention of Bordetella in Dogs

The most effective way to prevent bordetella in dogs is vaccination. The Bordetella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the immune system to protect against infection.

Other preventive measures include:

• Isolating infected dogs
• Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces
• Avoiding contact with dogs that are coughing

Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs

The Bordetella vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect dogs from kennel cough. The vaccine is typically administered nasally or orally.

Nasal vaccines are more effective than oral vaccines, but they can cause mild side effects, such as sneezing and coughing. These side effects usually resolve within a few days.

Oral vaccines are less effective than nasal vaccines, but they do not cause any side effects.

The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for all dogs that are at risk of exposure to kennel cough. This includes dogs that are:

• Kenneled
• Boarded
• Groomed
• Shown
• Trained

The vaccine is also recommended for dogs that live in areas where kennel cough is common.

Bordetella Vaccine Efficacy

The efficacy of the Bordetella vaccine is high. Studies have shown that the vaccine is 90-95% effective in preventing kennel cough.

However, the vaccine does not guarantee that a dog will not get kennel cough. Some dogs may still get the infection, but it will be milder and less severe.

Bordetella Vaccine Duration of Immunity

The duration of immunity provided by the Bordetella vaccine is about 1 year. This means that dogs need to be vaccinated annually to maintain immunity.

Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects

The Bordetella vaccine is generally safe. However, some dogs may experience mild side effects, such as:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

These side effects usually resolve within a few days.

Bordetella Vaccine Contraindications

The Bordetella vaccine is not recommended for dogs that are:

• Less than 6 weeks old
• Pregnant
• Nursing
• Immunosuppressed

Bordetella and Other Respiratory Infections

Bordetella can increase a dog's susceptibility to other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. This is because bordetella can damage the respiratory tract, making it more vulnerable to other infections.

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Bordetella in Dogs

Here are some tips and tricks for preventing bordetella in dogs:

• Vaccinate your dog annually.
• Avoid contact with dogs that are coughing.
• Isolate infected dogs.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Boost your dog's immune system with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

Pros and Cons of the Bordetella Vaccine

Pros:

• Safe and effective
• Protects against kennel cough
• Reduces the severity of kennel cough
• Prevents the spread of kennel cough

Cons:

• May cause mild side effects
• Does not guarantee that a dog will not get kennel cough
• Requires annual vaccination

FAQs about Bordetella in Dogs

Q: What is bordetella?
A: Bordetella is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract in dogs, commonly known as kennel cough.

Q: What are the symptoms of bordetella in dogs?
A: The primary symptom of bordetella is a persistent cough. Other symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, lethargy, and eye discharge.

Q: How is bordetella diagnosed in dogs?
A: Bordetella is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and a physical examination. A veterinarian may also perform a tracheal wash to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: How is bordetella treated in dogs?
A: Bordetella is typically treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Q: How can I prevent bordetella in my dog?
A: The most effective way to prevent bordetella in dogs is vaccination. Other preventive measures include isolating infected dogs, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and avoiding contact with dogs that are coughing.

Q: Is the bordetella vaccine safe?
A: Yes, the bordetella vaccine is generally safe. However, some dogs may experience mild side effects, such as sneezing and coughing.

Q: How long does the bordetella vaccine last?
A: The bordetella vaccine provides immunity for about 1 year. This means that dogs need to be vaccinated annually to maintain immunity.

Call to Action

If you are concerned that your dog may have bordetella, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can