Our veterinarians in Torrance have provided information on potential side effects that dogs may experience after receiving the Bordetella vaccine. It is crucial to vaccinate your dog to ensure their health and well-being.
If your furry friend is a social butterfly and frequents doggy daycare or the dog park, they may be at a higher risk of contracting bordetella, also known as kennel cough. Therefore, it is recommended that they receive the Bordetella vaccine to prevent it. However, if your dog spends most of their time indoors, it is best to consult with your vet to determine if the Bordetella vaccination is necessary. Although the benefits of the shot are significant, there is still a slight chance of side effects, which may catch some dog owners off guard.
Why Vaccinate Your Dog Against Bordetella
It's important to note that while the Bordetella vaccination is not mandatory, many places such as obedience classes, dog parks, and doggy daycares will require your dog to be vaccinated against kennel cough in order to participate. Respiratory infections can easily turn into severe and life-threatening conditions, which is why it's best to include the Bordetella shot in your dog's preventative care plan to keep them and their furry friends safe.
If your dog is going to participate in any program outside of your home or become a regular at the local dog park, it's wise to consult with your vet about the Bordetella shot. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it greatly reduces the chance of Bordetella in dogs and is guaranteed to decrease the likelihood of serious symptoms or life-threatening complications if your vaccinated dog contracts an infection.
How Often Dogs Need the Bordetella Shot
Your veterinarian may suggest administering the bordetella booster shot to your furry friend every six-to-twelve months, depending on their exposure to the illness. There are two options for this vaccination: an injection or an intranasal spray. Your vet will administer the chosen method, both of which are similarly effective. However, the injectable version is not recommended for puppies under 8 weeks old, while the nasal spray can be given to those as young as 6 weeks old.
The Side Effects of the Bordetella Vaccine in Dogs
It is common for people to experience mild adverse reactions after vaccination. Similarly, dogs may also exhibit certain side effects that are generally mild and short-lived. Though it can be concerning to see your furry friend suffer, it's important to remember that vaccination ultimately makes them healthier and safer. To make the post-vaccine care less stressful for both you and your dog, it's recommended to be prepared.
The following list outlines the most common side effects that dogs may experience after the Bordetella vaccination:
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Lethargy
- The most common reaction a dog will have to receive the Bordetella vaccine is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a very mild fever. This reaction arises as a side effect of the dog's immune system working to respond to the vaccine appropriately. These symptoms are quite normal and should only last one or two days.
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Lumps & Bumps
- If your pooch has been given the Bordetella vaccine through an injection, they may develop bumps and lumps around their injection site. A small, firm bump could arise, in addition to a bit of tenderness and stiffness around the location. These bumps are most likely the result of skin irritation, but any time your dog's skin receives a puncture there is the potential for infection. You need to monitor the injection site, watching for signs of redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If infections go untreated they could result in more serious problems.
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Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms
- If your dog received their Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray, then it is common and ordinary for symptoms of a cold to present themselves. Adverse reactions to nasal spray Bordetella vaccination include coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Most dogs recover from these symptoms within a day or two.
If Your Dog is Coughing After the Bordetella Vaccination
Generally, vaccination reactions are mild and short in duration. If your dog exhibits any of the side effects detailed above, including a persistent cough for more than one or two days, contact your veterinarian to get medical care for your pooch. In rare extreme situations, dogs can develop a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine that needs immediate veterinary care.
Potential Allergic Reactions to the Bordetella Vaccine
In rare instances, dogs may experience an anaphylactic reaction to the Bordetella vaccination. This severe allergic reaction in dogs causes facial swelling, hives, vomiting, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and itching. Usually, this reaction happens within a few minutes to hours after vaccination, but it can also occur up to forty-eight hours later. If your dog displays any signs of anaphylaxis after receiving the Bordetella vaccine, it is important to contact your emergency veterinarian immediately.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.