Bordetella & your dog: What we recommend
A balanced, layered approach to respiratory health
Bordetella is one of those topics that sparks a lot of confusion—and a lot of strong opinions. As a training and boarding facility that works with dogs from all over the country, we get questions about it constantly. So let’s slow this down, strip out the noise, and talk about what actually matters for your dog’s health.
This is not a fear-based conversation. It’s a practical one.
Table of Contents
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Introduction: Why Bordetella Matters for Dog Owners
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What Is Bordetella and What Causes “Kennel Cough”?
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Our Recommendation at Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp®
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Intranasal vs. Injectable Bordetella Vaccine
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Annual Vaccination: Why Once Per Year Is Enough
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Understanding Vaccine Limitations
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What to Look for in Boarding & Daycare Facilities
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How We Protect Dogs at Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp®
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Natural & Supplemental Immune Support Strategies
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When to Seek Veterinary Support
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Final Thoughts: A Balanced, Layered Approach
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FAQs
Introduction: Why Bordetella Matters for Dog Owners
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacteria most commonly associated with “kennel cough,” a contagious upper respiratory condition seen in dogs who share airspace—boarding, daycare, training facilities, grooming salons, and even busy parks.
Most healthy adult dogs recover just fine. But understanding when vaccination makes sense, which option is best, and what else matters beyond vaccines is where responsible ownership really shows up.
What Is Bordetella and What Causes “Kennel Cough”?
“Kennel cough” isn’t a single disease—it’s a syndrome. That means it’s often caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, not Bordetella alone.
Common contributors include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Adenovirus
- Other respiratory pathogens
That’s why no vaccine can offer 100% prevention—and why immune health and environment matter just as much as shots.
Our Recommendation at Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp®
At Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp®, we require the intranasal Bordetella vaccine, given once per year, for dogs participating in boarding or social programs.
We do not recommend routine Bordetella vaccination for dogs who are not exposed to group environments.
This approach balances:
- Real-world risk
- Immune system health
- Practical protection
Intranasal vs. Injectable Bordetella Vaccine
Why We Prefer Intranasal
The intranasal vaccine is delivered directly to the mucosal surfaces of the nose and throat—exactly where Bordetella typically enters the body.
Benefits include:
- Faster local immune response
- Fewer systemic side effects
- Strong mucosal protection
Potential Side Effects of Injectable Options
Injectable Bordetella vaccines act systemically and are more likely to cause:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- General immune stress
This is why we choose the intranasal option whenever possible.
Annual Vaccination: Why Once Per Year Is Enough
In healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is rarely dangerous. Over-vaccinating, however, can place unnecessary strain on the immune system.
For most dogs:
- Once per year is sufficient
- Only vaccinate when exposure risk exists (boarding, daycare, training)
Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance if your dog has underlying health concerns or special risk factors.
Understanding Vaccine Limitations
It’s important to be honest here:
✔️ The Bordetella vaccine reduces severity
✔️ It does not prevent all strains
✔️ Vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough
That’s not failure—that’s biology. Which is why layered protection matters.
What to Look for in Boarding & Daycare Facilities
Vaccination policies alone don’t keep dogs healthy. Air quality is a huge—and often overlooked—factor.
When evaluating a facility, ask about:
- Ventilation systems
- Air exchange rates
- Use of HEPA or negative-air filtration
- Cleaning protocols
- Stress management and dog density
How We Protect Dogs at Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp®
We use CleanShield HEPA 550 Air Scrubber Negative Air Machines in our indoor training and boarding areas. These machines use three-stage filtration and are designed to reduce airborne particulates and contaminants.
Do they guarantee zero transmission? No system can promise that.
But combined with:
- Intranasal Bordetella when required
- Strong ventilation
- Cleaning protocols
- Stress reduction
They are an important piece of a multi-layered defense strategy.
Natural & Supplemental Immune Support Strategies
Technology and vaccines help—but health starts inside the dog.
Support immune resilience with:
- High-quality, species-appropriate nutrition
- Probiotics (gut health = immune health)
- Vitamin C, when appropriate
- Veterinary-guided herbal support (like echinacea)
- Stress reduction (chronic stress suppresses immunity)
- Routine exercise and fresh air
Avoid unnecessary vaccinations and support the body you already have.
When to Seek Veterinary Support
If your dog shows:
- Persistent coughing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Labored breathing
Isolate them from other dogs and call your veterinarian promptly. Early support prevents spread and speeds recovery.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced, Layered Approach
There is no single magic solution.
The smartest approach to Bordetella and respiratory health includes:
- Vaccination when appropriate
- Clean air and good facility practices
- Stress management
- Strong immune foundations
That’s not overreaction.
That’s leadership.
FAQs
1. What exactly is Bordetella?
A bacteria commonly associated with kennel cough, a contagious respiratory condition.
2. Is kennel cough dangerous?
Usually mild in healthy adults. Puppies, seniors, and immune-compromised dogs need closer monitoring.
3. Why do you recommend intranasal Bordetella?
It targets the entry point of infection and causes fewer systemic side effects.
4. How often should my dog get the Bordetella vaccine?
Once per year—and typically only if boarding, attending daycare, or required.
5. Can vaccinated dogs still get kennel cough?
Yes. Vaccination reduces severity, not all exposure.
6. Does Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp® require Bordetella?
Yes, we require the intranasal version for dogs in our programs.
7. Do air scrubbers prevent kennel cough completely?
No, but they significantly improve air quality and reduce risk as part of a layered approach.
8. What should I look for in a boarding facility?
Ventilation, HEPA filtration, sanitation protocols, stress-aware staff, and reasonable vaccination policies.
9. How can I naturally support my dog’s immune system?
Quality food, probiotics, appropriate supplements, exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding unnecessary vaccines.
10. What should I do if my dog starts coughing?
Isolate them from other dogs, support hydration and rest, and contact your veterinarian.
