bordetella

[sims822257]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I know *exactly* what you mean, bc I'm the same way - and it can get confusing. Even w/ my own health. I drink Diet Coke - and there are valid studies that say it's bad - and there are just as many that say it's harmless. So, I feel like I study nutrition/health (human, canine) as much as I can - balance it all out as best I can - throw in some hope and positive thinking - mix it up - and hope we all come out the other side in good health (paws crossed).

Great analogy. Your too funny...some would say your a HOOT. LOL... All joking aside I agree with you.

[SladesMommy]

I don't give it to any of mine, unless I absolutely have to. Its something that is easily treatable so I'd rather take the chance that they get KC then give them the shot. THere are so many different forms of Kennel cough and bordtella doesn't cover them all.

My bichon, who rarely had shots lived til 20. IMO vets overvaccinate!

[Suzy]

We go to daycare, the dog park, and the groomer-so it's required.

But...I have a friend who has a mini-schnauzer who got KC, and it took MONTHS to clear up. The poor thing coughed, sneezed, and hacked horribly-they ended up taking him to 3 vets and then to a University vet program...all agreed it was KC, and just a tough strain. She spent so much money, let alone all the time she was worrying about what was wrong with little Gus He did eventually get better, but it was awful for them both to go through it.

The chi I had got KC twice too-we didn't vaccinate for it since we never took her much further than the backyard or for short walks, but somehow, she did contract it. I'm guessing from going to the vet for a checkup, or possibly from the neighbor dog. It was no fun to deal with it, and I felt so bad for her when she was sick

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Suzy

We go to daycare, the dog park, and the groomer-so it's required.

But...I have a friend who has a mini-schnauzer who got KC, and it took MONTHS to clear up. The poor thing coughed, sneezed, and hacked horribly-they ended up taking him to 3 vets and then to a University vet program...all agreed it was KC, and just a tough strain. She spent so much money, let alone all the time she was worrying about what was wrong with little Gus He did eventually get better, but it was awful for them both to go through it.

The chi I had got KC twice too-we didn't vaccinate for it since we never took her much further than the backyard or for short walks, but somehow, she did contract it. I'm guessing from going to the vet for a checkup, or possibly from the neighbor dog. It was no fun to deal with it, and I felt so bad for her when she was sick

Suzy i hate disagreeing with you.. lol... but i gotta put my two cents in Last year Layla had the vaccine AND had kennel cough. When i went to the vet.. like.. what the hell.. she HAD the shot.. he told me it was a lot like the flu.. you can get the flu shot.. and still get the flu.. there are so many different strands. Kennel cough was horrible Like Suzy said, she was up all night coughing and wheezing and it was a mess... she was on antibiotics and it took over a month to clear up. But since layla has such extreame reactions to vaccines.. i'll still not get it this year... and just hope she doens't get it again!!!!

[tumismom]

i have them done every six months for my girls. They go to daycare and playgroups so it is a must and plus i want to be safe than sorry.

[Suzy]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

Suzy i hate disagreeing with you.. lol... but i gotta put my two cents in Last year Layla had the vaccine AND had kennel cough. When i went to the vet.. like.. what the hell.. she HAD the shot.. he told me it was a lot like the flu.. you can get the flu shot.. and still get the flu.. there are so many different strands. Kennel cough was horrible Like Suzy said, she was up all night coughing and wheezing and it was a mess... she was on antibiotics and it took over a month to clear up. But since layla has such extreame reactions to vaccines.. i'll still not get it this year... and just hope she doens't get it again!!!!

It's ok to agree to disagree, LOL

In your case, with Layla, I agree that it's not the best choice for her. With Emma and Milli, I have to get it in order for them to go everywhere they go

And you're right-it IS like the flu shot, one shot doesn't prevent all strains of it. They can still get KC sometimes even if they have the vaccine...but the chances of getting some strains of it will be lower if they DO get the vaccine. In our case, since Emma and Milli are exposed to so many dogs at the park and at daycare, it gives me a little peace of mind for them to have the vaccine.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Suzy

It's ok to agree to disagree, LOL

In your case, with Layla, I agree that it's not the best choice for her. With Emma and Milli, I have to get it in order for them to go everywhere they go

And you're right-it IS like the flu shot, one shot doesn't prevent all strains of it. They can still get KC sometimes even if they have the vaccine...but the chances of getting some strains of it will be lower if they DO get the vaccine. In our case, since Emma and Milli are exposed to so many dogs at the park and at daycare, it gives me a little peace of mind for them to have the vaccine.

For sure. I should have mentioned in my post that if you are bringing your dogs to high risk areas (like the groomers.. where Layla got KC) you should really think about having it... to me the pros out weigh the cons... KC is horrible.. and i hope we never have to go through it again!!

It WOULD be our luck that we would get that ONE or two strands that aren't covered in the vaccine