Is Bordetella vaccine necessary for dogs? The Bordetella vaccine can prevent kennel cough. It is administered by vets as a squirt in the nose. Not all dogs need this vaccine, but we recommend it for social dogs and any dogs who will be boarded (most boarding facilities require proof of a recent Bordetella vaccine).
How can a dog get Bordetella? Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is easily spread from dog to dog through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs — a bit like how the common cold is spread in grade schools.
Is Bordetella in dogs fatal? In healthy adult dogs, Bordetella usually causes no more than a mild, self-limiting illness. In puppies or in dogs with other underlying health issues, however, it can cause severe illness (such as pneumonia) or even death in rare cases.
How often does a dog need a Bordetella shot? How often does a dog need a Bordetella shot? Your vet 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.