Question:
Hmmm.....someone asked me an interesting question and I have been ruminating about it ever since. In our off leash dog parks, as is the likelihood in most municipalities, dogs are required to be fully vaccinated. BUT they are not required to have bordatella, or proof there of, and this is not one of the vaccines that shows on your tag persay.

So, why not? If kennel cough presents itself in kennel situations or close contact situations, (I'm speculating here), and bordatella is required before any dog can be boarded at such a facility, why isn't it necessary at dog parks?

It may very well be in some areas, but how does one prove that one's dog has had this "immunization" anyway? unless one carries the piece of paper provided by the vet......

Remember I am not a veterinarian here, just a dog owner who got asked to look into this.....figured someone here may have a solid answer.

Thanks!

Answer:
Being that bordetella is caused by a bacteria, the odds of it surviving on grass or sidewalk in the sun, rain, snow, etc long enough to infect another dog who is passing by are slim. In a kennel setting, especially where the dogs are in close contact or the kennel floor/walls are cement (which is porous, and when humid and warm can really grow bacteria easily), the risk is very high and it becomes much harder to get the bacteria out once an infected dog sneezed and coughed all over a kennel.

I brought my doggies to a dog park every day for 3 years without ever getting the shot and my doggies never got the bacteria either. Honestly, unless you're going to a kennel or day care or another place where dogs who might be sick come in close contact, I don't think it's necessary. I think we give enough shots as it is without adding the "luxuries". Of course, if your dog is elderly and in contact with a lot of dogs, the risk is higher for a secondary infection if the dog gets it, so in that case, a shot would be crucial.

Answer:
Bordatella is not a mandatory vaccine for dogs b/c it only works on 'some' straings of kennel cough and only lasts so long in the dogs system. The only time I would recommend for a dog to be vaccinated with bordetella is if you are planning on boarding him/her and only vaccinate him n between 1-2wks PRIOR to boarding no earlier or later than that. Also, when dogs do come in contact with another dog that has kennel cough, chances are ur dog might get it, but usually dogs only get it once in their life... kinda like chicken pox... it can happen again, but they build up a certain immunity towards the disease..even when different strains are present. All my dogs have had it and never had it again, and I have NEVER vaccinated them against it...Kennels say you have to do it, but that still does not always protect your pet. If your dog starts coughing up phlegm and dry heaving after boarding or if in contact with many other dogs then I would recommend to get him to your vet and they will put him on antibiotics (broad range one) and he will be just fine...

cheers!

petlover007

Answer:
Thanks to both of you for your great informative answers. That is why I came here to ask, as I know that with the vast collective knowledge on here, I'd get the right answer to any question I pose.

Many thanks!

Lezzpezz

Answer: