Should Your Dog Get the Kennel Vaccine

Kennel cough is a dreaded disease that dog parents never wish on their beloved pets. The cough is when one or more types of bacteria and viruses floating around in the respiratory tract. What’s more, is that it can be transmitted from dog to dog rather quickly.

Before you fill with worry for your dog’s sake, let us calm your nerves: The disease is hardly ever fatal. With that being said, vaccination is not a must, but it is a decision you’ll have to make on behalf of your dog. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of the kennel vaccine so you can make the right decision for your dog’s health.

What Dogs Should Get the Vaccine?

If your dog commonly comes into contact with other dogs, you’ll want to get him or her vaccinated. Why? Because kennel cough spreads the same way that the common cold is spread in humans, meaning it’s an airborne disease.

If you answer “yes” to the question “does my dog come into contact with other dogs?” it’s time to head to the veterinarian’s office and get your dog healthy bet getting the kennel vaccine ahead of time.

Are Some Dogs More Prone to Getting Kennel Cough?

Let’s start with puppies. Puppies immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to not only kennel cough but to all illnesses out there. So, you’ll want to keep in mind that until your puppy has reached six months old, he or she may have the unfortunate chance of coming down with a cold such as this.

Short-nosed dogs are at high risk for developing respiratory diseases; however, they are not at a higher risk of developing kennel cough compared to other dogs.

You’ll want to take the kennel cough vaccine into careful consideration if your dog generally has a weakened immune system, such as those that are pregnant or those that have a chronic disease.

How Often Does Your Dog Need to Get the Vaccine?

There are different types of kennel vaccines, meaning you’ll have to speak to your veterinarian about the frequency. Typically, the vaccines will last anywhere from six months to one year.

When considering the kennel vaccine, you’ll want to take into account how your dog will react to the administration of the medication. There are various routes to which administration of the vaccine can occur. They are as follows:

–    Intranasal – These do not require a booster series in the first year

–    Intravenous – These do require a booster series the first time your dog is vaccinated

If your dog is not up to date on his or her vaccines, it is wise to catch him or her up approximately ten days before being in close quarters with other dogs.

Now that you know all of the necessary information to make the most appropriate decision, it’s time to think through everything. Keep in mind, the kennel vaccine does not have harmful side effects; the worst that can happen is your dog coming down with a mild case of the kennel cough. Severe reactions are not common.

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