When it comes to protecting our pets and keeping them safe, one of the most common and useful ways of doing so is through routine vaccinations. In today's article, our Argyle vets discuss the Bordetella vaccine and whether or not your dog can have a reaction to this vaccination.
If your dog is a frequent visitor to social environments such as doggie daycare, the groomers or the dog park then you should consider helping to protect them from contracting kennel cough with the Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing this serious and contagious disease.
If your dog is not as social but you would like to discuss whether or not this vaccination would still be of benefit then please contact our Argyle vets for a consultation.
While the shot's benefits greatly outweigh the risks, there are some side effects that can be alarming to unprepared dog owners.
Why is the Bordetella Vaccine Important For Dogs?
The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is not a mandatory vaccine that they provide with the standard set of shots, it is an option vaccination that you can choose to give your dog for added protection. Even though it is not a core vaccination, many doggy daycares, dog parks, or obedience classes will require your dog to be vaccinated against kennel cough to take part.
Simple respiratory infections can easily evolve into dangerous and life-threatening conditions, so in order to protect your dog and the dogs with whom they frequently socialize, it's recommended that you have the Bordetella vaccine given to your dog if they may ever be in a social setting.
If you intend to enroll your dog in any kind of program outside the home or to be a regular at your local dog park, you should ask your vet about the Bordetella shot for your dog.
The vaccine greatly reduces the chance of Bordetella in dogs. Furthermore, while not 100% effective in preventing infection, the Bordetella vaccine will help reduce the risk of your dog developing life-threatening complications due to this respiratory disease.
When Should You Bring Your Dog in For the Bordetella Vaccine?
Your veterinarian will recommend a Bordetella booster shot every six-to-twelve months based on your pet's risk of exposure to Bordetella.
This vaccination comes in two forms, an intranasal spray that your vet will administer in your dog's nose, and an injection. Both are comparably effective. The injectable Bordetella vaccine isn't suitable for dogs younger than 8 weeks, but the nasal spray version can be administered to dogs as young as 6 weeks old.
What Potential Side Effects of the Bordetella Vaccine Might Your Dog Experience?
Just like vaccinations in people, mild adverse reactions are not only possible but are expected as a result of vaccination. Reactions are generally mild and short-lived, so while it can be stressful to see your dog suffering from side effects, 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 both you and your dog. Below is a list of the most common side effects dogs can experience from the Bordetella vaccination.
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Lethargy
- The most common reaction a dog will have to receive the Bordetella vaccine is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a very 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 normal and should only last one or two days.
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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 that the skin is punctured there is a possibility of infection. Be sure to keep an eye on 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.
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Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms
- If your dog received their Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray, then it is common and ordinary for symptoms of a cold to present themselves. 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?
As a general rule, reactions to the vaccine are mild and short-lived. If your dog demonstrates any of the above symptoms, including a persistent cough, for more than a day or two you should contact your vet to seek 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 swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, issues breathing, 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.