What is a Bordetella vaccine for dogs?

The Bordetella vaccine guards against kennel cough, an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. This illness spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact, making it a serious concern anywhere dogs spend time together. Infected dogs develop a dry, hacking cough that can last weeks, along with nasal discharge and low fever.

The vaccine is typically administered as a nasal spray or injection. Intranasal doses work quickly, stimulating immunity at the site where the bacteria enters the body. Most dogs show protection within days of the spray version. Injected forms may require two doses, spaced weeks apart, for full immunity.

Nearly all dog daycare and boarding facilities require Bordetella vaccination before admission. Group settings with many dogs in close quarters create ideal conditions for transmission, and a single sick dog can infect an entire facility within days. By mandating this vaccine, daycares and boarding centers protect the health of all dogs in their care and prevent operational disruptions from outbreaks. Veterinarians recommend annual boosters for dogs that spend time in group environments, even if they do not attend daycare regularly.