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Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The Bordetella vaccine protects against one of the main bacterial causes of respiratory infection in dogs, but not all causes of kennel cough, so some vaccinated dogs can still get mild illness.
- Not every dog needs this vaccine. Your vet will help you decide based on your dog's lifestyle and how much contact they have with other dogs.
- The Bordetella vaccine is given orally, making it one of the easiest vaccines for dogs to tolerate.
If you've heard the term "kennel cough" and wondered whether your dog needs a vaccine for it, you're asking the right question. The answer depends on your dog's lifestyle, and it's worth understanding what the Bordetella vaccine actually does before assuming it's required.
Here's what our vets want you to know.
What Is Bordetella and How Is It Different from Kennel Cough?
Bordetella is a type of bacteria that commonly causes respiratory infections in dogs. It spreads easily between dogs and is one of the key players in what most people call kennel cough.
Kennel cough, though, is more of an umbrella term. It refers to a broader complex of respiratory infections, some caused by bacteria and some by viruses. The Bordetella vaccine targets the bacterial component of that complex, not the viral. That means it won't prevent every case of kennel cough, and some vaccinated dogs can still develop mild respiratory illness. It's not a flaw in the vaccine. It's just the nature of what it protects against.
Does Every Dog Need the Bordetella Vaccine?
No. The Bordetella vaccine isn't recommended for every dog, and whether your dog needs it comes down to their lifestyle.
Our vets will ask about how much contact your dog has with other dogs, including dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming appointments, training classes, or doggy daycare. The more your dog mingles with other dogs, the higher their risk, and the more sense it makes to vaccinate. If your dog is mostly a homebody with limited exposure to other animals, it may not be necessary.
This is a decision you'll make together with your veterinarian based on your dog's individual situation. If you have questions before your next appointment, Modern Animal All Access and Essential members can connect with our team anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
How Is the Bordetella Vaccine Given?
This is where the Bordetella vaccine stands out from most others. Rather than an injection, it's an oral vaccine. Your vet simply squirts the liquid inside your dog's mouth. That's it.
Most dogs tolerate it easily, and the whole thing takes just a few seconds. If your dog has anxiety around needles or injections, this is genuinely one of the more stress-free vaccines we offer.
How Often Does My Dog Need to be Vaccinated against Bordetella?
The Bordetella vaccine is typically boostered once a year. If your dog is newly starting the vaccine or hasn't had it recently, your vet will let you know if a catch-up schedule applies.
It's worth noting that some boarding facilities and groomers require proof of a current Bordetella vaccine before they'll accept your dog. If that's part of your routine, staying current is especially important. You can check your dog's vaccination status anytime in the Modern Animal app, so you're never caught off guard.
What Does the Bordetella Vaccine Cost?
The Bordetella vaccine is one of the more affordable vaccines we offer. Costs can vary slightly depending on your dog's overall visit and any other care recommended at that appointment.
For a full breakdown of vaccine pricing, visit modernanimal.com/pricing. Everything is listed transparently so you know what to expect before you come in.
Talk to Your Vet About What's Right for Your Dog
The Bordetella vaccine is a simple, low-stress way to reduce your dog's risk of respiratory infection, but whether it makes sense for your dog depends on how they spend their time. Your vet is the right person to help you weigh that.
If you're not sure where to start, book a wellness visit at Modern Animal and we'll walk through your dog's vaccine needs together. And if a question comes up in the meantime, our team is here around the clock through virtual care.
