Bortadella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

The doggie day care requires this vaccine and we did give it to our Brody last year when he was about 5 months, but I have always thought that he had a reaction to it that has left him with a little cough after he runs very hard or when he gets very excited. What are others thoughts about this vaccine? He's due for another shot and I guess I'll get it because we do use doggie day care and kennel services - not a lot - but we do use them (he LOVES doggie day care!)

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on February 13, 2010 at 9:49am

We had to get it for Gibson because of a corgi meetup he was going to at a doggy daycare, and I will never make him get it again. He actually got kennel cough from the vaccine (which is a common 'side effect', like getting the flu from a flu shot). We had to spend almost $250 for the shot + vet visits and antibiotics to make him healthy again. I just do not trust it...

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 13, 2010 at 10:46am

We have always done this with ours because we travel with them and many places require you to walk your dogs in one area. We do the nasal one not the shot. I have never had a problem but am sure there are cases with side effects. Unfortunately kennel cough can be a real serious problem which is why everyone requires it. It is very hard to stop the spread once it starts and dogs with other health issues can be at risk. Just like flu shots with humans.

Permalink Reply by Alice on February 13, 2010 at 1:13pm

The vet tech told me that if Finn were to get kennel cough we would notice the symptoms and it is treatable and not comething that's going to kill him. If it were something that could go unnoticed and cause permanent damage I would have gone with the vaccine.

Permalink Reply by Alice on February 13, 2010 at 1:10pm

Finn had it when he was a puppy but it was given innthe nose. I know it also comes as a shot but the nasal form is supposed to be more effective. It needs to be given yearly and since we don't board Finn we optd not to get it again when he turned a year old. However, from everything I've read on dog vaccines, the Bordetella one has the least amount of side effects. It seems unlikely that your pup would have a problem with it but you can always consult your vet about your concerns. If Brody did indeed have an adverse reaction, I'm sure the vet could provide something for you to give the day care noting that he is unable to receive the vaccine. It's worth aking about.

Permalink Reply by Alice on February 13, 2010 at 1:19pm

I just saw this site:
http://www.kennelcoughtreatment.org/bordetella-vaccine
It only talks about the shot, not the nasal vaccine, but it does indicate that it can have side effects. It also talks about how mild kennel cough actually is and that dogs don't even require treatment to overcome it. If it is so mild then why is such a big deal being made about Bordetella?

Permalink Reply by Julie on February 14, 2010 at 1:57pm

Thanks, Alice. Brody had the nasal, too, so with the info you've provided, it is probably more my imagination and nothing else. I'll speak with the vet.

Permalink Reply by Julie on February 14, 2010 at 2:00pm

Also, thanks to everyone else's comments. I wonder if he had a reaction and has a lingering cough. I'll check with the vet.

Permalink Reply by Alice on February 15, 2010 at 11:44am

Yes, it never hurts to ask. :)

Permalink Reply by Renee Kovacs on February 19, 2011 at 6:17pm