Kennel Cough and the Bordetella Vaccine: What Dog Owners Should Know This Spring

The weather is finally turning. Dogs are back out at the park, stopping to greet neighbours on walks, heading to daycare and the groomer again after months of winter. More time outside with other dogs is one of the best parts of spring. It is also a good reason to check in on your dog’s vaccines, particularly one that often gets overlooked: the Bordetella vaccine, which protects against kennel cough.

If you have not thought about it in a while, here is a clear rundown of what kennel cough actually is, how it spreads, and what vaccination can do.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough, also called canine infectious respiratory disease or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious bronchitis of dogs. The most recognizable sign is a harsh, hacking cough that owners often describe as sounding like something is stuck in their dog’s throat.

In uncomplicated cases, an otherwise healthy dog will cough frequently but still feel relatively normal. No fever, no listlessness, just a lot of coughing for a week or two. Most cases are uncomplicated, and many resolve on their own.

That said, kennel cough is not always mild. When certain infectious agents are involved, or when a dog is young, stressed, or not in peak health, the illness can progress to pneumonia. Signs that warrant a vet visit sooner rather than later include loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and reduced activity.

What causes it?

Kennel cough is typically not caused by a single organism. It usually involves a combination of bacteria and viruses working together, which is part of why it is so common and why no single vaccine covers it completely.

The classic combination behind uncomplicated kennel cough involves Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria alongside a virus such as parainfluenza or adenovirus type 2. Other infectious agents, including canine distemper virus, canine influenza, and mycoplasma, can also be part of the picture and are more likely to lead to serious complications.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial culprit and the one the Bordetella vaccine targets directly. One of the reasons it is so effective at causing illness: it can bind directly to the cilia lining the respiratory tract and disable them within hours of first contact, which allows it to travel deeper into the airways unimpeded.

How does it spread?

An infected dog sheds bacteria and viruses through their respiratory secretions. These become airborne and can be inhaled by other dogs nearby. Transmission can also happen through shared objects like food bowls, toys, and bedding.

A few things increase a dog’s vulnerability. Crowding, poor ventilation, stress, cold temperatures, heavy dust exposure, and cigarette smoke can all compromise the respiratory tract’s natural defences, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to take hold.

The incubation period is two to fourteen days. Dogs are typically sick for one to two weeks. After recovering, they can continue to shed Bordetella organisms for one to three months, which is worth keeping in mind if your dog has recently been sick around others.

Despite its name, kennel cough does not only happen in kennels. It circulates anywhere dogs spend time together: dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, veterinary waiting rooms, and casual neighbourhood meetups. If your dog is social, they have some level of exposure.

What the vaccine does

Vaccination for kennel cough is available for Bordetella bronchiseptica specifically, as well as a few of the viruses that contribute to the illness. The core distemper and parvo combination vaccine that most dogs receive (DHPP) already covers adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and distemper. The Bordetella vaccine is an additional step that covers the bacterial piece.

The Bordetella vaccine comes in three forms: intranasal (given as drops in the nose), oral, and injectable. Each has slightly different considerations, and your vet can advise which is most appropriate for your dog

• The intranasal vaccine can be given as early as three weeks of age. It stimulates immunity right at the site where infection would try to take hold and generally provides a solid immune response within four days. Some dogs experience mild, temporary sneezing or nasal discharge in the week after receiving it, which clears on its own.
• The oral vaccine can be given to puppies as young as eight weeks. It is administered with a syringe just inside the cheek and is given annually.
• The injectable vaccine is often a good fit for dogs who may not tolerate having their muzzle approached. Puppies need two doses given approximately a month apart after four months of age, with annual boosters after that.

One important note: the Bordetella vaccine does not guarantee your dog will never get kennel cough. Because the illness involves multiple organisms, vaccinated dogs can still be exposed to others that no vaccine covers. What the vaccine does is significantly reduce the risk of infection from Bordetella bronchiseptica and can minimize the severity of illness if infection does occur. Dogs who have recovered from a natural Bordetella infection are typically immune to reinfection for six to twelve months, similar to the protection vaccination provides.

When to talk to your vet

If your dog is coughing but otherwise acting normally, they may have an uncomplicated case that resolves on its own. It is still worth calling your vet to describe what you are seeing, especially if your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has any underlying health conditions.

If your dog has a fever, seems lethargic, has stopped eating, or is showing any difficulty breathing, get them seen promptly. Those signs can indicate a more serious progression.

One other thing to keep in mind: vaccination is not helpful in a dog who is already incubating an illness. If your dog is currently unwell, wait until they have fully recovered before booking a vaccine appointment.

Checking your dog’s Bordetella status

If you are not sure when your dog last received the Bordetella vaccine, now is a good time to find out. Protection typically lasts around twelve months, though some facilities ask for more recent vaccination, within the last six months, particularly for boarding or daycare. It is worth checking before you book a stay or drop-in.

Your veterinarian can advise on whether a booster makes sense based on your dog’s lifestyle, age, and health history.

Wellness services at PHS

The Peterborough Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic at the Peterborough Humane Society offers affordable wellness services for dogs and cats in our community. If cost has been a barrier to keeping your pet’s care up to date, we encourage you to reach out.

To book an appointment or learn more, visit peterboroughhumanesociety.ca/clinic or call us at 705-775-9034.

Spring is a good time to take stock of where your dog is at. A quick call to your vet or our clinic team is always a good place to start.