09/03/2026
Did you know...
Bordetella Vaccine Facts 💉
1. It can take up to 72 hours for the vaccine to be effective after it has been administered
2. It's recommended that your dog be vaccinated at least 1 week prior to any potential exposure
3. Even dogs that are vaccinated still have the potential come down with canine cough—it's just typically to a lesser degree
4. The vaccine guards against the bacteria that contributes to canine cough, however, viral components can cause illness that the vaccine doesn't prevent
5. There are 3 ways your dog can receive the Bordetella vaccine: intranasal (directly through the nasal passages), intraoral (directly into the mouth by the cheek), and injectable (injected under the skin, typically along the back)
6. The Bordetella vaccine can be either a live or killed vaccine, depending on the type of vaccination being administered. The intranasal vaccine usually contains a modified live parainfluenza virus and a strain of bordetella. If given via injection, your dog is receiving an inactivated (killed) bacteria into their body
7. If your dog receives the intranasal vaccine, although it doesn't cause canine cough, it can produce symptoms of canine cough like mild coughing and sneezing for a few days following vaccination
8. Vets will oftentimes make a diagnosis based on symptoms and history of exposure, but a culture of nasal discharge can confirm the bacterial agent present that is causing the symptoms and whether or not the infection is bacterial
This is why Dog Star Ranch's policy on the Bordetella Vaccine is as such:
The Bordetella Vaccine should be given no less than 5 days prior to your appointment at the Ranch.
This is a general rule—regardless of how your dog received the vaccine or whether or not they were due for it or if it was being give as a booster—because we're unable to determine whether or not it's a mild reaction to the vaccine or full-blown canine cough which can occur (meaning they were most likely exposed to the disease prior to being vaccinated).
We will continue to leave the decision to have your dog receive the Bordetella Vaccine between you and your vet.
