The Bordetella vaccine, often called the kennel cough vaccine, helps protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the most common causes of kennel cough. It is a "noncore" vaccine: rather than being given to every dog, it's recommended based on a dog's lifestyle and exposure to other dogs.1,2 This guide explains who needs it, the three ways it's given, how far ahead of boarding to vaccinate, how long it lasts, side effects and how well it works.
For symptoms, treatment and how long kennel cough lasts, see our main guide to kennel cough in dogs.
Bordetella vaccine at a glance
- Who: dogs that board, go to daycare or groomers, visit dog parks, or attend shows and dog sports.2,3
- How: nose drops (intranasal), a liquid in the mouth (oral) or an injection.1,3
- When: plan ahead. Protection takes days to develop, so vaccinating the morning of boarding won't help much.2
- How often: usually once a year, or every 6 months for some high-risk dogs.1,3
What Is the Bordetella Vaccine?
The vaccine targets Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that is one of the main causes of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), better known as kennel cough.3,4 Some versions protect only against Bordetella. Others combine it with canine parainfluenza virus, and some also include canine adenovirus type 2, two other common kennel cough germs.2,1
Does My Dog Need the Bordetella Vaccine?
Vets recommend it case by case. Dogs most likely to benefit include those that:2,3,4
- Stay in boarding kennels or attend doggy daycare
- Visit groomers, dog parks, training classes, shows or dog sports events
- Live in or visit shelters or other multi-dog settings
- Are at higher risk of serious illness, such as puppies and dogs with chronic bronchitis2
Some boarding, daycare and grooming facilities require proof of vaccination before a visit.2 Dogs that rarely meet other dogs may not need it, so talk to your vet about your dog's lifestyle.2
Types of Bordetella Vaccine
- Intranasal (nose drops): a single dose dripped into the nose, often combined with parainfluenza.1,5
- Oral: a single dose given into the cheek pouch.1
- Injectable: given under the skin as two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart.1
Intranasal and oral versions work faster than the injection.2 The injectable form may be preferred if someone in the household has a weakened immune system, because Bordetella can rarely infect people with compromised immunity.3 Ask your vet which form is best for your household.
How Long Before Boarding Should My Dog Get the Bordetella Vaccine?
Immunity takes time to develop, so vaccinate well before your dog's boarding, daycare or show date:2
- Intranasal or oral: protection usually starts within 3 to 5 days, and single-dose intranasal vaccines may protect within 48 to 72 hours.
- Injectable: two doses are needed several weeks apart, with protection from at least 5 days after the second dose.
Check your facility's rules too, because many set their own deadline before a visit.
How Long Does the Bordetella Vaccine Last?
Boosters are generally given once a year.1,2 Some vets recommend boosters every 6 months for dogs at very high risk, such as those that board or attend daycare often.3,2 Your vet will follow the specific vaccine's label.2
Puppies can start as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. Some intranasal vaccines are labeled for even younger puppies, from 3 to 4 weeks.3,2,5 See our puppy and dog vaccination schedule and our page on kennel cough in puppies.
Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects
- Intranasal and oral: some dogs cough or sneeze afterward, especially after nose drops.2
- Injectable: occasionally a small lump or mild soreness where the shot was given.2
- How common: in a study of 9 million doses, fewer than 1% of dogs had any reaction.2
Call your vet if your dog develops a fever, low energy, a poor appetite or a cough that doesn't settle, or any facial swelling or breathing difficulty after vaccination.
Does the Bordetella Vaccine Prevent Kennel Cough?
It helps, but it isn't a guarantee. Kennel cough can be caused by many different viruses and bacteria, and the vaccine doesn't give complete ("sterile") immunity even against Bordetella.2 Vaccinated dogs that do get infected tend to have milder signs and a lower risk of pneumonia,2 and shed fewer bacteria for a shorter time.2,3
Other vaccines help too: the core distemper and adenovirus vaccines, and a canine influenza vaccine where dog flu is circulating.4,1 Learn more about dog flu and the distemper vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bordetella vaccine for dogs?
It's a vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the main causes of kennel cough. It's given as nose drops, an oral liquid or an injection.
Is the Bordetella vaccine necessary?
It's a noncore vaccine, so it depends on your dog's lifestyle. It's recommended for dogs that board, go to daycare or groomers, or mix with many other dogs, and many facilities require it.
How often do dogs need the Bordetella vaccine?
Usually once a year. Some vets recommend every 6 months for dogs at very high risk.
How long before boarding should my dog get the Bordetella shot?
Intranasal and oral vaccines usually protect within 3 to 5 days. The injectable vaccine needs two doses several weeks apart. Check your facility's own deadline.
How long do kennel cough vaccine side effects last?
Some dogs sneeze or cough after an intranasal or oral dose. Call your vet if it lasts more than a few days or your dog seems unwell.
Can a vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?
Yes. The vaccine reduces the risk and severity, but it can't prevent every case, because many different germs cause kennel cough.
Is the oral or intranasal Bordetella vaccine better than the shot?
Intranasal and oral vaccines work faster and need only one dose. The injection needs two doses but may be preferred if someone in your home has a weakened immune system. Your vet can help you choose.
Can cats get Bordetella?
Yes. Bordetella can infect cats as well as dogs. Ask your vet whether your cat needs protection.
Sources and further reading
This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 13, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2022 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines: core and noncore vaccines.
- Johnstone G. Bordetella vaccine for dogs: what to know. American Kennel Club, updated August 2026.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. Bordetellosis (kennel cough), updated November 2025.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough).
- Tonozzi CC. Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis). Merck Veterinary Manual, updated September 2024.
About this article
Last updated : refocused as a dedicated guide to the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, using current AAHA, AVMA, Cornell, Merck and AKC guidance; kennel cough symptoms and treatment are now covered in our main kennel cough guide. Added a key takeaways summary and FAQ.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.
