How often has it happened
to all of us. Your vacation plans are all set and your
luggage is packed, and your passport is up to date. The only
problem is the fact you’re your loyal pet will not be able
to make this trip with you. He will need to remain behind,
yet you do not want him to spend a whole week all by himself
at home. After all, dogs are pack animals and loneliness can
cause some serious depression in a dog. Yet none of your
friends or family members is willing or able to take in your
companion, and so you are contacting the local kennels to
ask about having your dog boarded in your absence. No matter
whom you speak to, everyone always asks if your canine
friend’s Bordetella vaccine is up to date, and you are
beginning to wonder just what it is that they are asking
you.
Bordetella is often referred to as kennel cough since it is
a respiratory disease. A bacterial infection, it may occur
when dogs are kept in close contact with other dogs, such as
a boarding kennel, during a dog show, or even at the groomer.
A vaccination usually conveys the immunity needed to help
your canine meet and greet other dogs without picking up
bacteria.
You know that your pet has picked up a case of kennel cough
if you suddenly hear him cough repeatedly. The inflammation
of the windpipe as well as the air passages will result in
frequent coughing spells, some of which will be followed up
by vomiting. Dog lovers are quick to point out usually a
case of kennel cough is relatively harmless and actually
goes away on its own within a couple of weeks. Yet this
should not lure you into a lax habit when it comes to
vaccinating your canine friend! As a matter of fact, some
dogs do develop serious complications that may actually
result in life-threatening conditions. In addition to the
foregoing, if you fail to vaccinate your dog, and even if
she or he comes through a bout of kennel cough with no
problem, he will still be a carrier and infection other dogs
that may not be so lucky. Here the old adage that an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure most certainly does
apply!
Fortunately, an intranasal vaccination will protect your dog
against Bordetella. The vaccine is also available as an
injection, and some vets do prefer to give it via the
needle. If you anticipate exposure to other dogs, perhaps
you are planning to enter your dog at the local dog show or
you may need to board her or him briefly while you are away,
it is a good idea to give your dog a booster vaccination at
least one week ahead of time. Otherwise, you can simply
include this vaccination during your regular annual vet
visit.
Of course, other than preventing your dog from catching this
very contagious disease, there is another good reason why
this particular dog vaccination is a good idea: you and your
veterinarian will be able to exclude Bordetella infection
from the list of culprits if your canine companion suddenly
suffers from an inexplicable cough. Keeping in mind that
coughing may be a sign of allergies, bronchitis, and even
throat irritation after prolonged time periods of barking,
it will help your vet to determine which route to take when
treating your pooch.
As you can see, pet owners, or pet parents as some like to
be called, have the important responsibility of ensuring
their dog’s continued health, and a simple vaccination goes
a long way in stacking the deck in her or his favor. Much
like human influenza, however, it is important to note that
a Bordetella vaccination does not guarantee your dog’s
immunity from the bacteria. As a matter of fact, if your dog
becomes exposed to it too soon after vaccination, odds are
that immunity has not yet built up. Similarly, if your dog
has already been exposed to the bacteria, then a vaccination
will be too little too late. It is important at that point
to find out where the dog has become infected and the
facility that they may have an outbreak on their hands. At
the same time, alert your veterinarian to the exposure and
have your dog treated
