The bordetella bacteria is a microbe that causes kennel cough in dogs. The bacteria infection can be prevented through a vaccine. The vaccine is given to puppies intranasally, so it's limited pain for the pet.
Significance
Although kennel cough is not a dangerous or serious illness, bordetella also causes more serious disease, which is why the vaccine is implemented. The bordetella bacteria also causes endocarditis and meningitis.
Age
The bordetella vaccine is approved for puppies at least four weeks old. The vaccine is usually required in shelters or boarding houses. Most require paperwork that the dog has received the vaccine.
Implementation
The bordetella vaccine is administered intranasally, so there is no pain for the dog. The dog is held still and the vet sprays the left nostril with the vaccine. Subsequently, a second spray is administered in the right nasal.
Side Effects
The bordetella vaccine is a live attenuated dose. Live attenuated vaccines are the best for immune responses, but this means minor symptoms similar to the disease are displayed. The dog may have a cough while the immune response is elicited.
Considerations
The vet may administer other vaccines at the same time as bordetella. Other vaccines administered during a puppy visit with the vet is distemper, parainfluenza and parvo virus.
