What if
 

I have been checking boarding kennels in my area for “just in case” I have to be hospitalized for a period of time I have a secure place for Cody to stay. Out of the 5 that are fairly close in case of emergency 3 require Bordetella shot, well that wouldn’t work for emergency because Bordetella has to be given two weeks before boarding. Where I live Bordetella is not required for grooming, day care or any training school, only for boarding. I am against giving my kid this shot for many reasons. I will not have him take this shot for “just in case” because “just in case” may not happen this year, and I would not like to give him this shot and a booster shot every year for "just in case".


I came upon 2 boarding kennels that advised me against the Bordetella shot. One owner told me in 20 years of being in business they never had a case of kennel cough, the second kennel owner told me 18 years in business never a case of kennel cough.


What if a boarding kennel told you they did not require the Bordetella shot and advised you against it, would you trust their word or give them the Bordetella shot and booster shot 6 months later as required for most adult dogs anyway.

I don't believe a business never had a case of Kennel Cough in 20 years. I personally would not board my pets in a place where dogs were not vaccinated.

Kennel Cough can be mild, but in some dogs they can get really sick.

Personally, I would put veterinary advice from an employee at a boarding kennel in the same category as pediatric medical advise from an employee at a day care center. In other words, you can’t know the background and experience of that person and/or what personal prejudices might be contributing to their opinion.

That said, there is some legitimate controversy over whether the Bordetella vaccine is protective and necessary. Since there are numerous strains of bacteria that can cause illnesses under the broad umbrella of “Bordetella,” dogs can still get “Bordetella” even if they’re vaccinated. Plus, most Bordetella illnesses are mild and easily treatable. On the other hand, since most dogs get the vaccine via a nasal spray rather than an injection, most side effects are mild, too.

Bottom line, it’s something I always consider on a case by case basis. Two of my dogs have never had a Bordetella vaccine, because I’ve never considered it necessary. Jax did get a nasal Bordetella vaccine when he was about four months old, because he was very small (and I thought probably more susceptible because of his size) and I was hoping to find a puppy class for him. But then the pandemic hit, and I didn’t see any point in getting a booster six months later, since we basically never go anywhere. I didn’t really consider the question of boarding, though, since I had someone lined up to take care of animals if I got sick.

Mine get the nasal boratella every year. Not including current times we go to lots of pet events and go to events and training classes as well as workshops at our locally owned training facility. Joey also got his first on set job in November that was in Georgia and he was around other dogs there and in other dog friendly places. It can take 2 rounds of antibiotics to clear up kennel cough as well as it can lead to pneumonia so I don’t want them to have to go through that if possible. I really doubt a kennel has been open that long without kennel cough. I’m sure people don’t always think to call back and tell them their dog got sick plus it doesn’t sound good for business to say they have had an outbreak. I would talk to your vet and get their opinion on things. I personally would do absolutely anything possible before boarding my dogs because I have heard and seen some absolutely terrible things associated with them. I would look at in home options and sitters.

My sister's dog she rescued from a shelter had kennel cough when she got him, infectecte for a whole month, lost down to skeletal appearance and coughed constantly, despite constant vet car, meds and 24 hour care, struggled to breath. It was awful. I finally gave in and allowed Tibbe to get his Bordatella after seeing how long it took Tavi to recuperate once he had stopped coughing. He was skin and bones for months, yes, months after he was prnounced well, infectiion-free, had little musculature left even, his vet said and I was sure he would die anyway even though he was clear of infection. That disease is no joke and much, much more than a persistent cough. And, thankfully, Tibbe had no reaction to the shot.

Can you just have an in-home dog sitter that can come to your house, if needed? Establish a relationship with a company or person and always keep their # handy. I am not sure I'd be giving bordatella personally if my dog doesn't do kennels, groomers, dog parks, etc, on the regular. Jackson is never boarded and he has a mobile groomer. He did have KC one time years ago and luckily it was mild, but he actually got it after receiving the nasal bordatella. I probably wouldn't get that version of the shot again.

I also highly doubt they've never had one single case of KC in 20 years. Not realistic.