Bordetella Vaccine Killed My Dog

If you take your dog to dog daycare or boarding facilities, one of the requirements that are needed to leave your dog is a certificate showing that your dog is vaccinated against Kennel cough disease. Also, dogs that interact with others in parks are highly recommended for the Bordetella vaccine because they are at a high risk of getting the disease. If you decided to take your dog for the Bordetella vaccine only for your dog to have adverse side effects that resulted in death, you might be having very many questions in mind. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog. I’m hoping that all the pleasant memories you have of them will bring you some comfort.

In this article, we will discuss more on the Bordetella vaccine more and how such instances can be prevented in the future.

What Is Bordetella?       

Kennel cough, or Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a bacterium that can affect canines’ upper respiratory systems. It has even been reported to occasionally affect humans, but it is the most prevalent bacterial infection in dogs. It can be spread through physical contact or the air and is extremely contagious.  

Although it is not a major health risk for healthy adult dogs, puppies or canines with underlying medical conditions may experience serious illnesses or even death due to a weakened immune system.

It can take up to four weeks for kennel cough in puppies and adult dogs to go away. The most common symptom is dry coughing. The disease is often treatable with simple over-the-counter drugs.  

However, considering that it can be fatal in puppies, it may be best to give your canine the Bordetella vaccine.

Examples of places where there is a lot of dog contact and where Bordetella is spread are the park, doggie daycare, and boarding facilities

Fortunately, most dogs with the illness do not typically experience severe symptoms. However, in puppies and older, immunocompromised canines, kennel cough can develop into fatal bronchopneumonia or chronic bronchitis. It’s crucial to get your dog vaccinated because it can place some dogs at significantly greater risk.

What is the Bordetella vaccine for dogs?

The Bordetella vaccine was developed as a preventative strategy to protect dogs from the disease.

The Bordetella vaccine doesn’t always require injection, unlike the majority of other vaccines.

The vaccine comes in two distinct forms. Intranasal Vaccine and Injectable Vaccine.

Intranasal Vaccine: The intranasal Bordetella vaccine is safe for puppies as early as three weeks old. The protection lasts for roughly a year. Four days after the vaccine injection, a strong immune reaction is anticipated. Adenovirus and Parainfluenza vaccines are also included in some intranasal Bordetella immunizations.

Injectable Vaccine: After four months of age, puppies can receive an injection of Bordetella vaccination. To increase immunity, two dosages spaced about a month apart are required. Boosters are typically given yearly.

Although the Bordetella vaccine is effective in both forms, intranasal administration is preferred because it produces a stronger immune response and targets the virus’s typical site of entry. But the intramuscular one is also efficient.

It’s essential to keep in mind that while the vaccine will protect your dog from Bordetella, it won’t offer assurance against kennel cough because that condition can still arise from other illnesses.

Bordetella Vaccine Killed My Dog

It is highly unlikely that the Bordetella vaccine caused your dog’s death. This is because each vaccine is thoroughly tested for safety before being made available to the general population. There is always a chance that the dog could experience side effects from a vaccination. However, it’s also critical to keep in mind that, for the vast majority of dogs, the advantages of receiving a vaccination vastly outweigh the dangers of contracting a disease instead.

It is more likely that a dog will experience more severe negative effects if he was ill, pregnant, immunocompromised, or had a previous adverse vaccine response.

It’s a good idea to schedule your pet’s vaccination when you know you’ll be home and able to observe him.

Does your dog need the Bordetella vaccine?

This has been a debatable issue for a long time. Many people think that the vaccine is not necessary because the majority of kennel cough cases can be readily treated with over-the-counter cold medications, while other cases may resolve on their own. Additionally, you might be unsure whether a Bordetella vaccination is necessary if your canine spends most of its time indoors and hardly ever interacts with other dogs.  

The dogs most likely to contract kennel cough are those that frequently interact with other dogs, such as those that visit dog parks, classes, doggy daycare centers, and boarding facilities. These dogs may benefit from the vaccination.

You must show evidence that your dog has received the vaccine four to five days before he checks into a kennel or visits a groomer.

To find out whether the vaccination is required for your canine, you should consult your veterinarian.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of The Bordetella Vaccine In Dogs?

It is not only possible but also common for dogs to experience mild adverse reactions from vaccinations. Although seeing your pet react to vaccination may be upsetting, it’s essential to keep in mind that the majority of these reactions are mild and generally temporary. If you are aware of potential adverse vaccine reactions and what to do if your dog begins displaying more serious symptoms, getting vaccinated against Bordetella can be less stressful for both you and your canine.

Lethargy

The sensation of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort is the most frequent adverse reaction to the Bordetella vaccine for dogs, and these symptoms are frequently accompanied by a very low-grade fever. The word “off” is commonly used to describe this feeling. Through this reaction, your dog’s immune system is properly reacting to the vaccine. These symptoms are completely normal and should only last one or two days. Call your veterinarian if, after a few days, your dog’s energy level has not returned to usual.

Lumps & Bumps

Lumps and bumps may appear after giving your dog the injectable Bordetella vaccine, particularly close to the injection site. There may also be some tenderness and stiffness in the region, as well as a small, firm bump. These bumps appear as a result of your dog’s immune system responding quickly to the injection site’s discomfort.

However, whenever the skin is punctured, there is a danger of infection. Keep a close eye on the region where the injection was given. Watch out for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, and discomfort. If left untreated, infected regions may develop more serious conditions. If you notice that the area is becoming redder or if any of the signs listed above appear, call your veterinarian.

Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms

This reaction might happen frequently if your dog got the Bordetella vaccine as a nasal spray. Your canine may display several signs of a cold after receiving the Bordetella vaccination, including coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. Most dogs with these signs recover within a day or two. If your dog displays more severe symptoms or does not get better within a few days, it’s time to contact a vet.

Serious Reactions to Vaccinations

The majority of vaccination-related responses are mild and mostly pass quickly. However, more severe reactions could occasionally happen and necessitate urgent medical attention.

The most regular of these incredibly rare reactions is anaphylaxis. Your dog may experience facial swelling, hives, vomiting, breathing issues, diarrhea, and itching as a result of this serious allergic response. It may take up to 48 hours for this reaction to manifest in your dog, but it typically happens soon after vaccination. If your dog exhibits any anaphylaxis symptoms after getting the Bordetella vaccine, contact your emergency veterinarian right away.

Can I Prevent My Dog From Having A Reaction To The Bordetella Vaccine? 

The long-term health and well-being of your dog are protected by vaccinations, which stop illnesses from ever developing in the first place. And there is very little chance that the vaccination will cause your dog any severe side effects.

Having said that, always let your veterinarian know in advance if your canine has previously experienced a negative reaction to a vaccine, whether it be for Bordetella or another illness. To reduce risks, they might suggest skipping a particular vaccination in the future—especially if it’s an optional vaccine like the Bordetella vaccine.

There is a slight increase in the chance of vaccine adverse reactions when several vaccinations are given at once. This may be particularly dangerous for smaller dogs. To help reduce the risk of reactions, your veterinarian might suggest giving your dog’s Bordetella vaccine separately from any other necessary vaccinations for several days.

Does My Dog Have Kennel Cough From The Vaccine?

The Bordetella vaccine stimulates the immune system of your canine to produce antibodies against the Bordetella bronchiseptica kennel cough bacteria. Kennel cough signs may appear when the live vaccine is used or when the body is producing antibodies to the live or killed vaccine. Usually, the response is much milder than the disease itself, and it goes away without any further problems.

If a canine contracts full-blown kennel cough after getting the vaccine, it was probably because they were exposed to the illness before getting the shot, and they got sick before their immune system had a chance to produce antibodies from the shot. Furthermore, it needs to be understood that kennel cough disease has viral components.

The vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause kennel cough, but the virus that causes kennel cough can still cause sickness, which the vaccine cannot shield against.

In addition, if your dog develops kennel cough several weeks or months after vaccination, the vaccine may have worn off, as it may only remain effective for six months after administration, or it may have been administered or stored incorrectly, making it ineffective. It is more likely that the vaccine won’t work or that your dog will experience side effects if their immune system is already weak.

You should consult your veterinarian to find out if your dog has a full-blown case of kennel cough or is simply having side effects if they experience severe and persistent kennel cough symptoms after receiving the vaccination. Based on the symptoms and history of exposure, your doctor will determine whether your pet has kennel cough. If the infection is bacterial, a culture of nasal discharge will confirm the bacterial agent present that is causing the symptoms.  

How do I treat my dog’s kennel cough from the vaccine?

Fortunately, even if your dog develops symptoms of kennel cough due to the vaccine or in rare conditions a disease, it is not severe and most canines recover without any problems.

Below are some of the actions you can take to lessen your pet’s symptoms:

• Instead of a collar, which can cause coughing by applying weight to the trachea, use a harness.
• To humidify the air, a vapor shower might be useful.
• Enhance your dog’s immune system by giving him a type of vitamin C, and feeding him a high-protein diet.
• Give your dog honey to reduce coughing.

Your vet might prescribe an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory drug, or oral cough suppressant for managing infections and symptoms,

Alternatives To Giving Your Dog The Bordetella Vaccine

The good news is that there are records showing that dogs who have never received a kennel cough vaccination can live long, healthy lives without contracting the disease. How is it that your dog is one of them? Here are some methods for preventing kennel cough naturally:

Pre- and probiotics

The beneficial microbes that reside in your dog’s gut, known as probiotics, get nourishment and support from prebiotics. However, probiotics and prebiotics not only support your dog’s immune system but also it’s gut health. A healthy digestive system means that your dog is receiving all the vitamins and minerals he needs from his diet to keep her immune system strong and guard against illnesses like kennel cough.

Mushrooms

More specifically, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms have excellent immune-boosting qualities. Additionally, they have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and support liver, cardiac, and lung health.

Herbs

Herbs have amazing immune-boosting properties, particularly echinacea, and rosehips. Specifically, echinacea can support the slowing of cancer cell growth.

Homeopathic Nosodes

Nosodes are safe treatments given by integrative or holistic practitioners. Unlike typical vaccines, they are given orally rather than intravenously and contain no harmful chemicals or additives.