Why Do Dogs Need the Shot Called Bordetella?

If your buddy frequents the groomer, doggie day care, dog parks or overnight boarding facilities, your veterinarian will recommend he receive the bordetella vaccine. The bordetella vaccine prevents spread of canine infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly referred to as kennel cough -- an illness that causes dogs to have hacking coughs and runny noses.

Kennel cough transmits among dogs in a similar way as the common cold transmits in humans. Canines can contract the bacteria or virus that causes kennel cough through direct contact or the air. The bordetella vaccine prevents your dog from contracting the most common cause of kennel cough -- the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. The bordetella vaccine comes in two forms: subcutaneous injection and intranasal drops, and will need annual boosters. Most healthy adult dogs experience mild illness and are able to fight the bordetella infection on their own; however, puppies or dogs with health issues can become severely ill and can even die as a result of the highly contagious bordetella infection. Consult your veterinarian about whether the bordetella vaccine is right for your dog; essentially, if your dog's ever going to be around other people's dogs, the dog should be vaccinated for bordetella.