Vaccination against kennel cough in a dog - what you need to know about it? When should I get my dog vaccinated? How much does it cost?

Additional vaccinations are those that are advised for an animal if there is a high risk of contact with an infectious agent, but are not required. A vaccination against kennel cough in dogs is an example of such a vaccination.

Kennel cough in dogs - what do you need to know about it?

Kennel cough refers to infectious bronchitis and tracheitis in dogs. It receives its name from the fact that it is found in large groups of dogs. It is worthwhile to vaccinate the dogs that will stay in the animal hotel or attend competitions and exhibitions. Because infection is so common, the disease can spread quickly. A tiring, choking cough is a typical symptom; there may also be exudation from the nasal cavity and conjunctiva, a lack of appetite, a weakened condition, and a fever. It is a polyetiological disease, meaning that it is caused by a variety of microorganisms. The most frequent are Bordetella bronchiseptica and type 2 adenovirus, as well as mycoplasma, herpesvirus, and coronavirus. Vaccination does not provide complete protection, but it does reduce the risk of developing the disease and the incidence of the acute disease.

Vaccination against kennel cough in dogs - vaccination schedule 

If the dog comes into contact with a large number of other dogs (at a hotel, exhibition, or competition) or if there is an increase in the incidence of this disease in the area of residence, vaccination against kennel cough is recommended. Vaccination decisions should always be made in collaboration with a veterinarian. Vaccination is available in intranasal and injection forms and can come in a variety of combinations depending on the amount of antigen contained. Preparations on the market provide varying levels of protection and number of doses. Vaccinations should not be started before the animal is 6-8 weeks old. Immunity may last for up to a year after just one dose, depending on the preparation, but there are also products that require multiple doses. During a preventive visit, the doctor will inform you of all the details of a given preparation.

 Vaccination against kennel cough in dogs – contraindications 

Vaccinations are not recommended due to the dog's uncertain immunological state. The vaccination process should be delayed if the animal is depressed, weak, or has a confirmed infection, such as a urinary, digestive, or respiratory infection, or if immunological deficits are found. In this case, make an appointment to your veterinarian to have your pet examined and a new vaccination schedule established. 

Vaccinations should not be given to puppies under the age of six weeks. Maternal antibodies provide early protection for the majority of animals. These antibodies block the antigens in the vaccination, preventing the development of vaccine immunity. Ideally, the first two shots are given between 6 and 8 weeks of age. A veterinarian should assess each case separately since animals with weak maternal immunity may be more vulnerable to illness.

During the appointment, please let the veterinarian know if you have seen your pet exhibit an unusual reaction to medicine or have reason to believe it could.

What is the procedure for vaccination against kennel cough in dogs?

The vaccination procedure includes a pre-vaccination visit, the vaccine, and its administration. The veterinarian will conduct a clinical examination and evaluate your pet's immunological condition during this visit. The vet will give the patient the proper dose of the vaccination if there are no contraindications. Any commercially available preparations may be used by the physician. The administration of vaccines for infectious diseases other than kennel caugh is not included in this service.

The vet will ask you to stay at the clinic for the next 15 minutes after the vaccination to check for any possible allergic reactions. Swelling, which may or may not be in the area of the body where the preparation was administered, redness, scratching, or sudden weakness of the pet may indicate an incorrect reaction to vaccination. If any of these symptoms occur, please notify your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The visit should conclude with the veterinarian entering the following information in the pet's health book:

• the date of vaccination;
• the identification data (name, initials, or code) of the person administering the vaccination;
• the vaccine label, batch number, expiry date, producer’s name;
• and the location and route of vaccine administration.

Please remember that it takes about 21 days following vaccination for protective immunity to develop!