Kennel Cough Vaccine Side Effects and Risks for Dogs

Kennel cough vaccine side effects can be a concern for many dog owners. The vaccine is generally considered safe, but like any vaccine, it can cause some side effects.

Common side effects of the kennel cough vaccine include mild lethargy, loss of appetite, and a slight reduction in activity. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days.

In some cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, but these are extremely rare. According to the article, only about 1 in 100,000 dogs may experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

As with any vaccine, it's essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule and consult with a veterinarian to minimize the risk of side effects.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs, causing a hacking cough that can last for days to weeks. Most cases resolve with little to no treatment, but others can come severe and lead to pneumonia.

The disease is caused by a combination of pathogens, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, a contagious bacteria that infects the windpipe and bronchial tubes. Bordetella bronchiseptica is just one of the many pathogens that can cause kennel cough.

There are vaccines available for the most common pathogens that cause kennel cough. The DA2PP vaccine provides immunization against adenovirus type 2 and parainfluenza, while a separate vaccine is available to immunize against Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Here are the types of pathogens that can cause kennel cough:

The Bordetella vaccine is considered a core vaccine, which means it’s recommended for all dogs unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate.

Most side effects of the kennel cough vaccine in dogs are short-lived and mild, making them far less dangerous than the illnesses the vaccinations protect them from.

Common side effects include lethargy, poor appetite, and minor pain or swelling at the site of injection, which tend to resolve within one or two days.

A mild cough or sneezing, or lumps and bumps formed around the injection site are possible after vaccination, although they are not common and are short-lived.

Some dogs may also experience a low-grade fever with any vaccination, which is usually nothing to worry about and resolves on its own.

If your dog shows symptoms of an anaphylactic response to the vaccine, such as swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, issues breathing, diarrhea, and itchiness, contact your emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

Here are some common side effects of the kennet cough vaccine in dogs:

Some dogs may experience mild, temporary side effects after getting the bordetella vaccine, such as sniffles or sneezing, mild coughing, temporary loss of appetite or lethargy, and pain or swelling at the injection site.

A low-grade fever is also a possible side effect of the vaccine.

These side effects are usually nothing to worry about and resolve on their own, but if they last longer than 3 days or if your dog experiences a severe reaction, it's essential to consult your vet immediately.

Here are some common side effects to look out for:

Symptoms of the kennel cough vaccine can be similar to a cold, including a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, lasting only a day or two.

If your dog received the Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray, it's common for symptoms of a cold to present themselves, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.

A minor cough or sneezing, or lumps and bumps formed around the injection site are possible after vaccination, although it's not common and is short-lived. Your dog may also experience a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, and possibly a mild fever.

If your dog shows signs of kennel cough after vaccination, monitor their symptoms closely. Keep an eye on their cough, appetite, and energy levels. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Here are some steps to take if your dog shows signs of kennel cough after vaccination:

The Bordetella vaccine is generally a low-risk vaccine. The most common reaction a dog will have after the Bordetella vaccine is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, and possibly a mild fever, which should only last a day or two.

Minor cough or sneezing, or lumps and bumps formed around the injection site are possible after vaccination, but these are not common and are short-lived.

Explore further: Kennel Cough Bordetella

The cost of the Bordetella vaccine can vary significantly depending on your location and the veterinary clinic you visit. Typically, it falls between $20 to $50.

Some factors that may affect the price include the clinic's location, the cost of living in the area, and whether the fee includes a physical exam and consultation cost.

Most pet insurance companies do not cover vaccination costs in their basic coverage.

A fresh viewpoint: Kennel Cough Injection Cost

The Bordetella vaccine is generally a low-risk vaccine, with most common reactions including feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, and possibly a mild fever.

These symptoms are normal and should only last a day or two.

In extremely rare cases, dogs can have an anaphylactic response to vaccination, characterized by swelling in the face, hives, vomiting, issues breathing, diarrhea, and itchiness in your dog.

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving the Bordetella vaccine, contact your emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

Most side effects from vaccines are short in duration and generally mild, making them far less dangerous than the illnesses the vaccinations protect them from.

The majority of side effects dogs get from vaccines are minor and short-lived, lasting only a couple of days.

Some side effects to be aware of include a minor cough or sneezing, lumps and bumps formed around the injection site, and mild side effects following intravenous or intranasal vaccination.

If you're concerned about side effects, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for guidance.

Here are some of the most common side effects pets get after being vaccinated:

It's essential to monitor your dog's symptoms and contact your veterinarian immediately if they persist or worsen.

Your veterinarian can help you decide whether the intranasal vaccine or the shot is best for your pup based on their age, health, and behavior.

If your dog experiences any severe reactions or symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your emergency veterinarian for assistance.

Discover more: Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs

Dogs only need the Bordetella vaccine once yearly, although some veterinarians advise twice yearly vaccinations to ensure maximum protection in high-risk areas.

The frequency of vaccination depends on your dog's risk of exposure to Bordetella. If they're frequently boarded, sent to doggy daycare, or are often around other dogs, they'll need to receive the booster every six months.

If your dog is mostly at home and secluded from other dogs, then receiving the booster every 12 months is acceptable, since their risk of getting kennel cough is low.

Puppies that receive the injectable vaccination will need a booster three to four weeks after the first vaccination—and then a booster each year thereafter.

Some veterinarians recommend a booster vaccine every six months to ensure maximum protection, especially for high-risk dogs.

A different take: Bordetella Vaccine vs Kennel Cough

Bordetella is the most common culprit behind kennel cough, a respiratory infection that can make your dog sound like they're having a coughing fit.

The bordetella vaccine specifically protects your dog from Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can cause kennel cough.

Kennel cough is rarely life-threatening for healthy adult dogs, but it can be quite uncomfortable and lead to secondary infections.

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most common culprit.

While kennel cough can be quite uncomfortable for dogs, it's rarely life-threatening for healthy adult dogs.

The bordetella vaccine specifically protects dogs from the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium, which is a key cause of kennel cough.

Secondary infections can occur if kennel cough is left untreated or if a dog's immune system is weakened.

A persistent cough can put a damper on a pup's zoomies and long walks, making it a nuisance for dog owners.

The bordetella vaccine comes in two main forms: injection and nasal spray. The intranasal option delivers the vaccine through a mist up your dog's nose, providing quick immunity and protection.

Immunity sets in quickly with the nasal spray, but it requires a booster dose every 6 to 12 months. This can be a hassle for some pet owners, but it's a small price to pay for your dog's health.

Discover more: Nasal Discharge Kennel Cough

The injection method involves two shots under the skin, administered two to four weeks apart. This option takes longer to build immunity, but it only needs to be administered once every one to three years.

The intranasal bordetella vaccine is often combined with other necessary vaccinations, making it a convenient option for protecting your dog from multiple illnesses at once.