What Happens If Your Dog Doesn't Get the Bordetella Vaccine?
The Bordetella vaccine plays a critical role in preventing kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. Caused primarily by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica—often in conjunction with viruses like the canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2—kennel cough spreads rapidly in environments where dogs are in close contact.
Why the Vaccine Matters
Dogs frequently exposed to communal settings—like dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, or boarding facilities—are at a much higher risk of contracting and spreading kennel cough. The Bordetella vaccine is designed to:
- Reduce the risk of contracting kennel cough.
- Minimize symptom severity if infection occurs.
- Limit disease spread in high-density dog environments.
Without vaccination, these protections are absent, leaving dogs vulnerable to an easily transmittable illness.
Transmission Without Vaccination
Dogs contract Bordetella primarily by inhaling infectious airborne particles. Transmission is especially likely in crowded or poorly ventilated areas through:
- Direct contact with contaminated dogs.
- Shared use of bowls, bedding, or toys.
- Exposure to droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Dogs who are unvaccinated have no immunological defense against the bacterium, making infection likely upon exposure.
Potential Symptoms in Unvaccinated Dogs
If your dog is unvaccinated and contracts kennel cough, symptoms can range from mild to severe:
- Persistent, dry, hacking or honking cough
- Nasal discharge and sneezing
- Retching, gagging, or vomiting
- Decreased appetite and lethargy
- Mild fever or eye discharge in more advanced cases
While most healthy adult dogs might only experience mild symptoms, the consequences are more serious for:
- Puppies, whose immune systems aren’t fully developed
- Senior dogs, who may be more susceptible to complications
- Immunocompromised dogs or those with other health conditions
In these groups, kennel cough can progress to bronchopneumonia or chronic bronchitis.
Treatment in Absence of Vaccination
Unvaccinated dogs showing signs of kennel cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Treatment typically includes:
- Rest and supportive care
- Antibiotics in bacterial infections
- Cough suppressants for symptom relief
- Isolation from other dogs to prevent transmission
- Use of a harness instead of a collar to reduce throat irritation
Additional measures, such as using a humidifier, may help ease respiratory discomfort.
Risks of Spreading Disease
One major risk of not vaccinating is the potential for your dog to spread infection to other dogs. Facilities like kennels often require proof of Bordetella vaccination. Unvaccinated dogs may not be allowed to participate in social or communal activities, thereby limiting their interaction and exercise opportunities.
Vaccine Options and Timing
For puppies, intranasal or oral Bordetella vaccines can be given as early as 3 to 8 weeks. Injectables are typically started around 6 to 8 weeks, often with a booster 3–4 weeks later. For adult dogs, annual boosters are standard, although high-risk dogs may need them every six months.
Side Effects and Cautions
Most dogs tolerate the vaccine well. Mild effects can include:
- Sneezing or brief nasal discharge (especially after intranasal administration)
- Soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever or lethargy
On rare occasions, more serious reactions may occur. Always consult your veterinarian to determine if your dog should receive the vaccine, especially if they are sick, immunocompromised, pregnant, or have vaccine sensitivities.
Community Health Implications
Vaccinating your dog is not only a personal choice—it’s a community health decision. By opting out, your dog can become a vector for the disease, impacting dogs that are too young, old, or ill to be vaccinated themselves.
Conclusion
Skipping the Bordetella vaccine puts your dog at significant risk of kennel cough, especially if they frequently interact with other dogs or visit communal facilities. While not life-threatening in most cases, the illness can be uncomfortable and occasionally dangerous. Vaccination provides a layer of protection that promotes your dog’s health and helps prevent community outbreaks. Talk to your veterinarian about the best vaccination schedule based on your dog’s specific needs and lifestyle.
