Here at Summit Veterinary Care, we work hard to create an experience where pets feel safe and owners feel heard. Our commitment to fear-free practices and community involvement shapes every aspect of our Bristow clinic.

Preventative care is a cornerstone of keeping dogs healthy and happy. One vaccine that often comes up in conversations with pet owners is Bordetella, the primary cause of kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection.

What is Bordetella?

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that infects the respiratory tract of dogs, causing inflammation and a persistent cough. While mild cases can resolve on their own, severe infections can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and serious complications, especially in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with preexisting health conditions.

Kennel cough is easily spread through:

• Dog-to-dog contact (boarding, daycare, grooming, dog parks)
  
• Shared water bowls or toys
  
• Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
  

Even vaccinated dogs can occasionally contract a mild form of the disease, but vaccination significantly reduces the severity and risk of transmission.

Bordetella Vaccination Options

• Intranasal or Oral vaccine: Administered as a mist into the nose or mouth, it provides rapid local immunity in the respiratory tract.
• Injectable vaccine: Administered under the skin, provides systemic immunity.

Your veterinarian will recommend the best form based on your dog’s risk factors and lifestyle.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

• Dogs that attend boarding, daycare, or grooming facilities
  
• Dogs that frequently socialize with other dogs
  
• Puppies and senior dogs who are more vulnerable to complications
  
• Dogs traveling to high-risk areas or dog shows
  

Vaccination is not considered “core,” but it is strongly recommended for any dog at risk of exposure.

Vaccination Schedule

• Puppies: Begin at 6–8 weeks (depending on your veterinarian’s guidelines).
  
• Adult dogs: Typically receive an annual booster if risk persists, though some formulations may provide protection for 6 or 12 months
  

Why Vaccination Matters

1. Prevents severe illness: Reduces the chance your dog develops serious respiratory infections.
   
2. Protects other dogs: Vaccinated dogs are less likely to spread Bordetella in communal settings.
   
3. Supports overall wellness: Avoids disruption to boarding, daycare, and travel plans due to illness.
   

At Summit Veterinary Care

We take a personalized approach to vaccinations. Bordetella protection is recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle, exposure risk, and overall health. Our goal is to keep dogs healthy, happy, and able to safely enjoy social interactions — without the stress of preventable illness.

If your dog spends time around other dogs, scheduling a Bordetella vaccination is a small step that can make a big difference in their health and the health of dogs in your community.