what is kennel cough vaccine

The Bordetella vaccine, also known as the kennel cough vaccine, is given to both puppies and adult dogs to help ward off a frequent illness known as kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be spread from dog to dog through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs. The Bordetella vaccine is a non-core vaccine usually given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. The vaccine is administered by vets as a squirt in the nose. Not all dogs need this vaccine, but it is strongly recommended that you give your dog a Bordetella booster every six months if you take your dog to places where other dogs frequently mingle, including dog parks, outdoor shopping centers that allow dogs, or restaurants that allow dogs. If your dog primarily stays at home, only going for an occasional walk, their risk for catching kennel cough is low, and they should only have the booster given once every 12 months.