The importance of vaccines is undeniable in both human and veterinary medicine. Vaccines for dogs have been used for years to prevent diseases as serious, contagious and potentially deadly as parvovirus or distemper. Other diseases, for example the one known as kennel cough or leishmaniasis, have had to wait longer until the use of effective vaccines against them is extended.
Below, in this article on our site in collaboration with VETFORMACIÓN, we review the most relevant information about the vaccines for kennel cough, frequency, side effects and contraindications By taking the VETFORMACIÓN ATV course you will be able to delve into this and other fundamental issues for canine he alth.
What is the kennel cough vaccine for?
First of all, you have to know what kennel cough is to understand the importance of having a vaccine against it. Thus, kennel cough is the name given to a disease that affects the canine respiratory system, causing clinical signs such as a characteristic dry and persistent cough.
In general, in he althy adult dogs it is considered a mild pathology, but the problem lies in its high contagiousness Dogs can simply contract it when contacting sick individuals in the park or in any other place where several specimens are concentrated, such as kennels, hence its common name, residences or dog shows. In other words, it is a disease that can affect any dog. That is why we should more correctly call it infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory complex (CRIC).
Sometimes, especially in more vulnerable animals, such as puppies, the disease can be complicated by secondary infections and cause fever, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, nausea, loss of appetite and even pneumonia. Some specimens will require hospitalization and may even die In addition, it should be known that although it is a disease that is triggered by different viruses and bacteria, alone or in combination, such as the virus of parainfluenza or adenovirus, among all the pathogens, the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica stands out, which can be transmitted to people with a compromised immune system. Therefore, there is a potential zoonotic risk.
The kennel cough vaccine protects against the main agents that cause this pathology. Thus, vaccinated dogs will not get sick or they will get sick slightly For all the data presented, it is recommended to vaccinate, at least, dogs from communities or those that are are going to leave in kennels or want to sign up for a competition.
How often is the kennel cough vaccine given?
Currently, there are three types of kennel cough vaccines distinguished by their mode of administration. Thus, one is applied by intranasal route, another by subcutaneous injection and the third is intraoral,but not usually used in Spain.
Intranasal has the advantage that it requires only one dose to achieve immunity and that it occurs after three days against Bordetella bronchiseptica. Against parainfluenza you have to wait until three weeks The injectable vaccine needs two doses separated by 2-4 weeks, although good protection is achieved with the first vaccination and immunity is obtained after approximately two weeks since the primary vaccination.
But how long does the kennel cough vaccine last? Whether it's intranasal or injectable, you need revaccinated every year to maintain immunity. The choice of one or another vaccine is at the discretion of the veterinarian, after assessing the situation of the dog. For example, in households with immunosuppressed people, the injectable vaccine is recommended because the intranasal vaccine must prevent them from coming into contact with the vaccinated dog for up to six weeks after vaccination. The reason is that, during this time, the dogs shed the vaccine strain of Bordetella bronchiseptica and can transmit it to these people.
Kennel Cough Vaccine Contraindications
The intranasal kennel cough vaccine cannot be given to puppies less than three weeks old The injectable can be given to puppies from four weeks, if their dams have not received this vaccine, or to puppies six weeks of correctly vaccinated mothers. However, there are variations depending on the manufacturer, as some vaccines cannot be given to puppies younger than eight weeks Therefore, you should always consult your veterinarian so that advise us the best vaccination schedule.
It is not recommended to vaccinate sick specimens or those treated with immunosuppressive drugs or antibiotics. In conclusion, the canine tracheobronchitis vaccine is reserved for he althy and properly dewormed dogs. Some vaccines are also suitable for pregnant or lactating female dogs. The intranasal vaccine cannot be administered together with intranasal treatments.
Kennel Cough Vaccine Side Effects
Normally, vaccines do not produce any adverse reaction in dogs, but in some cases, especially in younger or more susceptible puppies, runny nose may occur and ocular, sneezing or coughing 24 hours after application. Some dogs may also vomit or be lethargic Your vet will need to assess the need for treatment. On the other hand, the formation of a nodule, edema and alopecia may be noted at the point of inoculation when opting for the injectable vaccine. It usually goes away in 1-2 weeks.
Kennel Cough Vaccine Reaction
A small percentage of dogs may experience a hypersensitivity reaction to this vaccine, developing a angioedema , which the vet will have to deal with. In addition, in a smaller number of cases, a severe hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis may occur, requiring urgent veterinary intervention. That is why the administration of vaccines is the exclusive responsibility of these professionals.
Now that you know how the kennel cough vaccine works and how important it is to prevent this disease, don't hesitate to go to your trusted veterinary clinic to establish the best vaccination plan and Of course, go to periodic reviews. Keep in mind that these reviews not only help against this pathology, but also allow us to identify any he alth problem in time and thus establish a better diagnosis and prognosis.
