When Should A Dog Get Kennel Cough Vaccine

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces. When a dog gets infected with kennel cough, they will develop symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and a dry hacking cough. Kennel cough is caused by different viruses but the most common are canine adenovirus type I (CAV-1) and canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV). The best way to prevent your dog from getting kennel cough is to vaccinate them against it.

Is it necessary to have kennel cough vaccine?

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). Additionally, dogs with weaker immune systems (including senior dogs and young puppies) should get the vaccine.^[1]

How often does kennel cough vaccine need to be given?

Kennel cough vaccine lasts 12 months – so should be repeated every year. Like any vaccine, the kennel cough vaccine doesn’t give 100%, guaranteed protection, however, it does significantly reduce the chance that your dog will catch kennel cough and reduces symptoms if they do catch it.^[2]

How long does kennel cough vaccine last for dogs?

The kennel cough vaccination is designed to last about 12 months.^[3]

Is there a season for kennel cough?

The holiday season is filled with fun and merriment, but it is also the season for kennel cough in dogs. With many people traveling and boarding their dogs over the holidays, it raises the number of dogs getting sick. Before we go too much further, you should know that kennel cough isn’t as scary as it sounds.^[4]

How do dogs catch kennel cough?

The infection of this canine cough is spread through airborne droplets from other dogs coughing or sneezing in close proximity. Dogs catch Kennel Cough when they inhale bacteria or viruses into their respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).^[5]

How do dogs get kennel cough at home?

Causes of Kennel Cough A healthy dog can get kennel cough by inhaling aerosolized bacteria or viruses from an infected dog. The bacteria and/or virus can be spread from an infected dog through coughing or sneezing, and dogs can also get it from infected objects (toys, food/water bowls).^[6]

How do I know if my dog has kennel cough?

The first signs of kennel cough The most distinctive symptom of kennel cough is a loud, hacking cough or retch. Other common symptoms are runny nose, eye discharge, and sneezing. In more severe cases, or if left untreated, kennel cough can cause decreased appetite, lethargy, depression, and fever.^[7]

How long does kennel cough last on grass?

Bacteria, like Bordetella, can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, ready and waiting to be transmitted to another unsuspecting host to continue the cycle of infection.^[8]

How much is a kennel cough shot?

Additionally, the Bordetella vaccine is available to you as a single service for just $40.^[9]

Do dogs need kennel cough vaccine every year?

If your dog primarily stays at home, only going for an occassional walk, their risk for catching kennel cough is low. As such, they should only have the booster given once every 12 months. However, it is still important to give the booster even if your dog’s risk is low.^[10]

Can humans catch kennel cough from their dog?

Things to remember about kennel cough Because kennel cough is contagious to humans, catching kennel cough from a dog is possible. However, the people most at risk are those with an underlying medical condition. Even then, it is still unlikely to develop symptoms.^[11]

Will kennel cough go away by itself?

Kennel cough can usually go away on its own – most cases will clear up within three weeks and shouldn’t need any treatment at all. If your dog seems otherwise perky and is eating well, you should be able to use home remedies to make your dog more comfortable.^[12]