Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough — formally called infectious tracheobronchitis — is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is rarely life-threatening in healthy adult dogs but is extremely uncomfortable and spreads with alarming speed through groups of dogs. The disease is caused by a complex of pathogens working together, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica (the bacterium the vaccine targets) alongside viruses like canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2.

The hallmark sign is a harsh, honking cough that owners sometimes describe as their dog having "something stuck in their throat." The cough can persist for weeks even without worsening and is often followed by gagging and a white foam discharge. In puppies, elderly dogs, or immunocompromised pets, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia.

How Does Kennel Cough Spread?

The organisms responsible for kennel cough spread through:

• Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing dogs
• Direct nose-to-nose contact with infected dogs
• Shared water bowls, toys, and surfaces
• Contaminated hands and clothing of handlers

Any environment where dogs congregate — boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, training classes, veterinary waiting rooms, and dog shows — creates ideal conditions for spread. This is why the vaccine is considered essential for social dogs.

The Bordetella Vaccine: Forms and Administration

The Bordetella vaccine is unique in that it comes in three delivery forms:

• Intranasal (IN): A liquid squirted directly into the nostrils. Stimulates local immunity in the respiratory tract quickly — protection can develop within 3–5 days. Preferred for rapid protection before boarding or events.
• Oral: A liquid administered into the mouth. Also stimulates mucosal immunity and is well-tolerated by most dogs.
• Injectable: A subcutaneous injection. Builds systemic immunity and is sometimes preferred for dogs that resist nasal or oral administration.

Most boarding facilities and groomers require the intranasal or oral form because it works faster than the injectable. Check the specific requirements of your facility when booking. Book a vet appointment at Happy Paws to get your dog vaccinated before their next boarding stay.

Vaccination Schedule and Frequency

• Puppies (as young as 3–4 weeks): The intranasal and oral forms can be given as early as 3–4 weeks. More commonly started at 6–8 weeks.
• Initial series: One dose of intranasal or oral (or two doses of injectable 2–4 weeks apart).
• Boosters: Annually for most dogs. Every 6 months for dogs with frequent, high-risk exposure (regular boarding, daycare, shows).

Note: the vaccine reduces severity and duration of disease but does not guarantee complete prevention. Because the bacteria mutates and the respiratory immune response is not permanent, kennel cough can still occur in vaccinated dogs — though typically with much milder symptoms. Track due dates in My Pets on TailRounds so you are never caught unprepared before a boarding stay.

Treatment and What to Do If Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough

Most healthy adult dogs recover from kennel cough in 1–3 weeks without treatment. Your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant, antibiotics (to address the Bordetella bacterial component), and rest. Keep the dog away from other dogs during recovery to prevent spreading the infection. Puppies, seniors, and immunocompromised dogs should always be seen by a vet, as they are at greater risk of pneumonia. Use the TailRounds AI Triage tool to assess your dog's symptoms if you are unsure whether the cough is kennel cough or something more serious.