Dog owners want to keep their precious pups as healthy as possible, which is why vaccines are so important; especially the kennel cough vaccination. While most canine vaccinations are designed to prevent contagious diseases, some pet parents wonder if it’s possible for dogs to get kennel cough from the vaccine itself. Let’s dive into this topic a little deeper and explore the facts about canine vaccines and kennel cough, and what to do if you have an infected dog.
Vaccines 101
Vaccines are designed to stimulate a dog’s immune system. By giving your pup certain shots, you can help them build immunity against certain contagious diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Vaccines protect your pup by introducing a weakened form of the virus or bacteria into their system so that they can develop antibodies that will fight off the real thing should they come into contact with it in the future. If you are looking for more in-depth explanations or still aren’t sure about any injectable vaccine, please seek medical advice from your veterinarian.
How Does the Vaccine Work?
The kennel cough vaccine uses an inactive form of the virus to stimulate your dog’s immune system and help it build up antibodies against future exposure to the disease. The purpose of this is not just to protect against kennel cough but other viral infections like canine parainfluenza as well. While there are some risks associated with any type of vaccination, these risks are minimal compared to those posed by leaving your dog unprotected from these illnesses. Dogs without this core vaccination are at higher risk of developing kennel cough symptoms or other simple respiratory infections.
What Are The Risks?
The most common side effect associated with the kennel cough vaccine is mild soreness at the injection site, which should resolve on its own in a few days. In extremely rare cases, more serious reactions such as facial swelling or hives may occur, but these reactions are usually short-lived and require no treatment beyond a dose of antihistamines given by your veterinarian. Please note the above symptoms can be a sign of either the possibility of infection or an anaphylactic response to the vaccine. If your pup shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, you should take them to your vet or an emergency veterinarian right away.
It is also important to note that while it is possible for vaccinated dogs to become infected with kennel cough, they will typically experience milder symptoms than unvaccinated dogs and recover much more quickly. While a dog may experience serious conditions to the vaccine, most of the time, it will suffer mild adverse reactions in response to the vaccine. The best way to ensure your pup is okay is to keep an eye on them for a few hours of your dog getting an injectable bordetella vaccine or bordetella booster shot.
Why Should I Vaccinate My Dog?
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and safe from dangerous viruses and illnesses like kennel cough. Not only do vaccines provide protection against diseases like kennel cough, but they also reduce your pet’s risk of developing other health issues down the line such as heartworm or Lyme disease. Additionally, if you ever plan on taking your dog to places where he could be exposed to large numbers of other dogs (like a boarding facility, training classes, your local dog park, or a dog daycare), having him vaccinated will make sure he stays safe from illness even when surrounded by large numbers of dogs.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory illness caused by either the Bordetella bronchiseptica or parainfluenza virus. Signs of kennel cough can be characterized by a dry hacking cough (usually associated with irritation in the respiratory tract); however, some pups may also experience sneezing, runny eyes or nose, or a very mild fever. Fortunately, kennel cough is rarely life-threatening; however, it can be highly contagious among other pups in close quarters such as shelters or boarding facilities. This is why many veterinarians recommend vaccinations for kennel cough prior to boarding your pup or taking them out in public areas where there may be direct contact with lots of dogs and unprepared dog owners. Training your dog to listen, come, and stay when you want them to is also important. This will help ensure your pet’s safety.
Can Dogs Get Kennel Cough From the Vaccine?
The short answer is no—dogs cannot get kennel cough from the vaccine itself because no live viruses are used in its creation. However, there are two types of kennel cough vaccines available for dogs—live attenuated vaccines (intranasal) and killed vaccines (injectable). The live attenuated version contains weakened strains of Bordetella bronchiseptica which may cause mild reactions in some animals such as coughing or sneezing; however, this is not true kennel cough as these symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few days without treatment. The killed vaccine does not contain live organisms so there is no risk of infection when administering it to your pup. As long as you keep up with regular vaccination boosters, your pup should stay protected against kennel cough and other contagious illnesses like it!
Can Vaccines Prevent Kennel Cough?
The good news is that there are vaccines available to help protect your pup against kennel cough. These vaccines protect against several of the viruses and bacteria that cause this illness; however, they do not provide complete protection against all strains of the virus or bacteria that cause kennel cough. As such, it is possible for your pet to still contract the illness even after being vaccinated.
How to Reduce Your Dog’s Risk of Getting Kennel Cough
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to reduce your pup’s risk of getting kennel cough. Make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date; make sure they stay away from other animals who may be sick; keep them away from areas where other dogs have been; avoid overcrowded environments; ensure they get regular exercise; clean their bedding regularly; use preventative medications like antibiotics if needed, and make sure their living environment is free from irritants like smoke or dust mites that could exacerbate symptoms if they do become sick with kennel cough. Seek medical intervention when necessary to prevent life-threatening complications or secondary infections. Be mindful of these precautions and your pup should remain healthy!
But What About Vaccine Shedding?
Vaccine shedding occurs when a vaccinated dog sheds small amounts of virus particles following vaccination; however, these particles are not infectious and do not cause disease in other animals or humans. Vaccine shedding should not be confused with true shedding which occurs when an animal infected with a virus sheds large quantities of virus particles that may be capable of infecting other animals or humans. In summary, there is no risk associated with vaccinating your pet against kennel cough—it will only help protect them from getting sick!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Keeping your pup safe and healthy requires regular veterinary visits and proper vaccinations given at the right time during their life stage. One of these vaccines often recommended for dogs is a booster shot for kennel cough; however, many pet parents don’t realize that this particular shot does not actually contain any live viruses—meaning that your pup won’t get sick from receiving this type of vaccine! If you’re wondering if canine vaccines could make your pup sick, rest assured knowing that they won’t—as long as you continue to take them in for regular check-ups and booster shots! Be sure to give them plenty of treats to make up for the pokes and prods!