Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of several bacteria and viruses that contribute to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as “kennel cough.” While many dogs recover with supportive care, some—especially puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying medical conditions—can develop more serious respiratory illness.
Because Bordetella spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact between dogs, exposure is common anywhere dogs socialize. Boarding facilities, groomers, doggy daycare, obedience classes, dog parks, dog shows, and even routine veterinary visits may increase a dog’s risk. Vaccination helps reduce both the likelihood and severity of illness, making it an important part of preventive care for many active, social dogs.
Which Dogs Benefit Most?
Our veterinarian may recommend Bordetella vaccination for dogs that:
- Stay at boarding facilities
- Visit grooming salons
- Attend doggy daycare
- Participate in training classes
- Compete in dog sports or conformation events
- Visit dog parks or frequently interact with other dogs
- Visit veterinary hospitals regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
- My dog doesn’t stay at a boarding facility. Do they still need Bordetella? Maybe. Dogs that visit groomers, daycare, training classes, dog parks, or dog shows may still benefit from vaccination.
- Can my dog still get kennel cough after being vaccinated? Yes. Because kennel cough can be caused by several different bacteria and viruses, no single vaccine prevents every case. However, Bordetella vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and often decreases the severity and duration of illness if exposure occurs.