Why Your New Pup Should Get The Bordetella Vaccine
If you have recently adopted a new puppy, then you will need to have your dog vaccinated. There are a number of vaccines that are considered essential, and these include distemper, rabies, parvovirus, and hepatitis. These vaccines will be provided to your canine on a vaccination schedule that begins when your puppy is six to eight weeks old. There are some suggested or optional vaccines outside of the core or essential ones. One of these vaccines is for bordetella. The bordetella vaccine is something that you should strongly consider. Keep reading to understand why.
Kennel Cough May Be Deadly
Dogs are susceptible to infectious diseases, just like humans. Some of these diseases can be caused by bacterial infections, and this is the case when it comes to infectious tracheobronchitis. Infectious tracheobronchitis is a lung infection that is commonly referred to as kennel cough. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transferred very easily from dog to dog, regardless of breed. There are several different microorganisms that can cause infectious tracheobronchitis. Viruses like parainfluenza, adenovirus, and mycoplasma can cause the illness, and so can bacteria like bordetella bronchiseptica. The bordetella bacteria is the most common bacteria that causes kennel cough.
Viruses will cause a lung infection that can last several days. However, a bacterial infection can last several weeks. While antibiotics can be provided to your puppy to help clear up the lung infection, complications are common when dogs are very young or old. Pneumonia is a complication that is likely and can result in the hospitalization of your puppy.
If your dog develops pneumonia, then they will have a very hard time breathing, and they may become extremely lethargic. Lack of appetite and a high fever may also be noted. If the pneumonia progresses, then a septic infection can form, and oxygen levels in the blood can drop significantly. These complications can greatly increase fatality risks. You should invest in a bordetella vaccination while your dog is still young to help reduce serious health problems.
Your Dog May Need The Vaccine
If you intend on bringing your dog to a doggy daycare center, a boarding facility, a kennel, or even a groomer, you may need to have your dog vaccinated for bordetella before you can bring them to these facilities. Kennel cough is extremely contagious and can be caught if an infected dog sneezes or coughs and releases microorganisms into your dog's mouth or nose. A dog with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough every few minutes, and a nearby dog will inhale viral or bacterial microorganisms. The microorganisms will then attach to the tissues that line the lungs. The infection process is easy and quick, and one sick dog can spread the disease to dozens of others within a matter of hours.
To help prevent widespread illness, many businesses that cater to dogs will only accept canines that have been fully vaccinated. While bordetella is not on the list of essential vaccines, it is generally required if your dog is going to be in a large group with other canines.
Not only are vaccines typically required if you want services for your pup, but vaccines need to be administered in advance. It can take up to 14 days for vaccinations to take effect fully. This means that a groomer or kennel may require your dog to have the vaccination administered a full two weeks before your pup will be accepted into the facility. Getting the vaccine early will help to reduce long waiting periods.
New puppies are exciting and fun. They also require a great deal of care, and making sure your dog is fully vaccinated is extremely important. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian about all non-essential pet vaccinations, like bordetella, that may be right for your dog.
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