The most common side effect when a dog receives the Bordetella vaccine is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a mild fever. Vaccinating your dog has numerous advantages that exceed any side effects. Some dog infection vaccines, such as Bordetella, also known as “Kennel Cough,” may cause adverse reactions in your dog.

To maintain their health and happiness, dogs with social lives are more likely to contract Bordetella from daycare facilities or a trip to a dog park. So they should get a vaccination against Bordetella.

The Bordetella vaccine tends to cause side effects, a significant factor in resistance. We’ll discuss the adverse effects of the Bordetella vaccine for dogs in this article to assist you in determining whether or not you should get it for your dog.

side effects of bordetella vaccine
Chihuahua dog receiving Bordetella vaccine. image credit: San Roque Pet Hospital

Table of Contents

What is Bordetella?

Kennel cough, or Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a bacteria that can affect dogs’ upper respiratory systems. Also, it has been reported to harm people sometimes. Yet it is the most common bacterial illness in dogs.

Bordetella is contagious and can be spread through contact or the air. However, it is not a significant health risk for healthy adult dogs. Puppies or dogs with underlying medical conditions may experience serious diseases or even death due to a weakened immune system.

Dry coughing is the usual kennel cough symptom in puppies and adult dogs. And can take up to four weeks to go away. The illness is frequently treatable with specific over-the-counter drugs.

However, giving your dog the Bordetella vaccine is recommended because it can harm puppies.

The Bordetella Vaccine

To prevent the transmission of infection, dogs who spend time in daycares, shelters, or training sessions should have the Bordetella vaccination. Due to how quickly the illness can spread.

See also
What Is Mange And What Does It Look Like On A Dog?

Also, many training facilities and kennels require confirmation of vaccinations before admitting dogs. The vaccination is given alongside the other essential shots pups need throughout their first year.

side effects of bordetella vaccine
A bordetella vaccine. image credit: Sky Lake Animal Hospital

Why should my dog receive a Bordetella Vaccine?

The Bordetella vaccine is sometimes considered an option rather than a mandatory vaccination. Many dog daycares and dog parks will demand that your dog be vaccinated against kennel cough to participate.

Infections of the respiratory system are potentially severe and life-threatening illnesses. Therefore, you should include the Bordetella injection in your dog’s preventive care routine to protect them and the dogs they interact with.

The vaccination significantly lowers the possibility of canine Bordetella. Furthermore, the vaccine reduces life-threatening complications should a dog receive a Bordetella vaccination. However, the vaccine is not 100% successful in preventing infection.

How often does a dog require a Bordetella vaccine?

Depending on your dog’s risk of vulnerability to Bordetella, your vet should advise a booster dose of the vaccine every six to twelve months.

See also
Petting Dogs: Do Dogs Love Petting?

This vaccination comes in two forms: an injection and an intranasal spray that your vet will give directly into your dog’s nose. Both are equally efficient.

While you give the nasal spray version of the Bordetella vaccine to your dog when there are six weeks old, the injectable version is only appropriate for dogs older than eight weeks.

The side effects of the Bordetella Vaccine on Dogs

Similar to vaccinations given to humans, mild reactions are possible and expected after immunization. Even though it can be upsetting to watch your dog experience adverse effects. Also, it’s crucial to remember that your dog will benefit from it by being more beneficial.

Both you and your dog will experience less stress if you are prepared to care for your puppy after a vaccination. Dogs who receive the Bordetella vaccination may encounter the following list of side effects:

Side Effects Of  Bordetella Vaccine: Lethargy

The most common side effect of the Bordetella vaccine for dogs is a feeling of malaise, sleepiness, or pain, which is frequently accompanied by a very moderate temperature.

See also
My Dog Is Not Growing - 5 Reasons Why

Also, the dog’s immune system is trying to react to the vaccine, and as a result, this reaction develops as a side effect. These symptoms should only last one or two days and are perfectly natural.

Bumps & Lumps

If your dog received the Bordetella vaccine by injection, it might develop lumps and bumps near the injection site. Also, a tiny, firm bump could develop along with discomfort and stiffness in the area.

Although skin irritation is probably the cause of these pimples, an infection is always possible each time there is a puncture in your dog’s skin. You must check for any signs of redness, swelling, discomfort, or discharge at the injection site. Untreated infections run the risk of worsening existing issues.

Side Effects Of Bordetella vaccine: Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms

Cold symptoms are common and expected to develop in dogs who received their Bordetella vaccination as a nasal spray. Coughing, sneezing, and running nose are side effects of the Bordetella nasal spray vaccine. The majority of dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.

See also
My Dog Does Not Follow Me Around Anymore

Serious Reactions to Vaccinations

The majority of vaccination-related symptoms are mild and often pass quickly. However, more severe responses tend to happen and require immediate medical attention.

According to Mayoclinic, Anaphylaxis is the most common of these rare reactions. And the symptoms of a severe allergic response in your dog include swelling of the face, rashes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, and itching. Your dog experiences this reaction shortly after receiving the vaccine, although it might take up to 48 hours to show.

Suppose your dog displays any anaphylactic symptoms after receiving the Bordetella vaccine. Contact your emergency vet immediately.

Is it possible to stop my dog from reacting to the Bordetella vaccine?

By preventing diseases from ever developing in the first place, vaccinations protect your dog’s long-term health and well-being. Additionally, there is a slight chance that your dog will experience an adverse reaction after vaccination.

You should always inform your vet if your dog has ever had an adverse reaction to a vaccine, whether for the Bordetella vaccine or one for a different disease.

See also
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Are Eggs Safe For Dogs?

Also, they might suggest not using a particular vaccination in the future to reduce risks. Particularly for an optional vaccine like Bordetella. When your dog receives many vaccinations at once, there is a slight increase in the chance of vaccine responses, and this is especially possible with tiny dogs.

Your vet might advise administering your dog’s Bordetella vaccination separately from any other shots they require over the course of several days to lessen the potential adverse reactions.

Previous articleBest US Teddy Bear Dogs: The Cuddliest Dog Breeds
Next articleCavapoochon Dog Breed: History, Facts, Characteristics