Bordetella
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| Kennel cough is like the common cold, and there are so many variations of it that the vaccine is only good against a few varieties. A healthy dog nromally doesn't get really sick if he gets it, anyway. just coughs alot and sounds awful. However, in some cases it can develope into phnemonia (sp), so I find that vets proscribe antibiotics right away, whether the dog need it or not.
My dogs don't go to kennels, either, so don't get the vaccine, but we are now considering getting jsut for Bosley, as we are taking him to the leash-free parks, now, and if he does get it will more than likely share it with his canine siblings, and I don't need 3 dogs coughing all nite LOL But if the exposure is limited, personally, I wouldn't bother. |
| The bordatella vaccine is ineffective according to most studies, about half the dogs who are vaccinated get it anyway if exposed. A dog who is healthy and has a strong immune system naturally usually won't get it even if exposed. The vaccine itself is not without risk as well, so in my opinion, if there is no greater risk of exposure (such as kenneling or obedience classes etc) then I wouldn't give it. |
| Thanks. This is basically the same advice I got from my vet last spring with the Lepto vaccine. So many strains, the vaccine is only made to battle one strain.
In the US most kennels require the Bordatella before boarding. But I am going to resist and wait to update this until if /when I have to use a kennel again. |
| So a little update. I talked to my vet today about updating the Bordatella.
She said that if he is exposed to other dogs (park, kennel, groomer, etc.) I should think about getting it. As Bosley's Mom said previously, "Kennel Cough" is like the common cold for dogs, but it can manifest into something more serious (or cure on its own). I also asked her to compare to Lepto, which they have not recommended I get in the past because of the numerous strains. She said it is true to a point, and that I could get the Bordatella and he still could catch it, but use it now as a preventative if he is "at risk" (park, kennel, groomer, etc.). I asked how prevalent it is and she responded that they see about 5 or 6 cases of kennel cough a week at my vet. After the conversation, I am going to hold off for now. Though we are at the dog park once every couple of weeks, the only exposure we have to other dogs is on our walks in the neighborhood (which we live in the city, so that is 3 or 4 times a day). And he is groomed at someone's house so he is only has contact with her own dog. When it is time for our annual shots, I may just go ahead and get it (what's another $20-$30 at vaccine time?  ) |
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