The importance of vaccinating your dog against bordetella is often understated. Here at Leesville Animal Hospital, we take routine vaccinations for all pets very seriously and one of the most important vaccinations for dogs who spend time in kennels is the Bordetella vaccination.
What is Bordetella?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that is commonly the cause of respiratory disease in dogs. While this bacteria can also affect other animals it is most commonly known for its role in kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Bordetella bronchiseptica is just one of the bacteria and viral sources of kennel cough.
Contagion and Why Vaccinating Your Dog Against Bordetella is Important!
Bordetella is a particularly contagious respiratory illness which is why it is so commonly contracted in situations where many dogs are kept together in close confines. This is why kennels and boarding facilities require that your dog is kept up to date on the bordetella vaccination because protecting your dog also protects other dogs from exposure.
Generally, the bordetella virus causes minimal respiratory problems for healthy dogs and when dogs contract the illness they can be treated for symptoms and recover quickly. For dogs with underlying health concerns, very young or senior dogs, however, bordetella can cause complications that may even lead to death.
The bordetella vaccination can be given intranasally or subcutaneously and is recommended for dogs that spend a lot of time in social situations, spend time in boarding kennels, visit daycare or have any significant exposure to other dogs. If you have any questions about whether your dog is a good candidate for the bordetella vaccination ask one of our veterinarians at your dog’s next checkup!
Not sure when your dog’s last Bordetella vaccination was? Just give us a call and we’ll help you to find out! You can reach us at (919) 887-8808 or drop by our clinic at 9309 Leesville Animal Hospital, Raleigh, NC 27613.
