The Bordetella vaccine helps protect your dog against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the main causes of kennel cough, and most daycares, boarding kennels and groomers ask for it because the illness spreads fast wherever dogs share space. It's a lifestyle (non-core) vaccine, so whether your dog needs it depends on how much time they spend around other dogs. Your vet makes that call.
Just got an email from a daycare saying your dog needs it before Monday? You've probably got questions. What does it actually cover? Why is there a nose drop, a mouth drop and a needle? How far ahead should you book? Here are the answers, from the Merck Veterinary Manual and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines.
What does the Bordetella vaccine protect against?
The Bordetella vaccine targets one bacterium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, a common cause of kennel cough. Kennel cough itself has several causes, though. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 2, canine influenza and, less often, canine distemper virus, and notes that dogs are often infected with more than one at a time.
That's why some Bordetella vaccines come combined with parainfluenza, and why the core distemper and adenovirus vaccines help too. It's also why a vaccinated dog can still come home coughing. The vaccine just doesn't cover every cause.
The Bordetella vaccine protects against one main cause of kennel cough, not all of them, so a vaccinated dog can still get a cough.
Why daycares, kennels and groomers ask for it
They ask because kennel cough spreads quickly among dogs in close quarters. The Merck Veterinary Manual names veterinary hospitals, daycare, boarding facilities and kennels as the places it moves fastest. If every dog through the door is vaccinated, an outbreak is less likely, so many businesses make it a condition of entry.
Each one sets its own rules, like how recent the vaccine has to be, or whether it must be given a certain number of days before your dog's first visit. Ask for the requirements in writing and pass them to your vet. Most places will also want proof of rabies and core vaccines; our guide to proof of rabies vaccination for daycare and boarding covers the paperwork.
Intranasal, oral or injectable: the three forms
Bordetella vaccines come in three forms, and your vet picks one based on your dog, the product and how soon you need protection.
| Form | How it is given | What the sources say |
|---|---|---|
| Intranasal | Drops into the nose | Merck describes a live, avirulent intranasal vaccine, including a combined Bordetella and parainfluenza product given once to puppies over 3 weeks old |
| Injectable | A needle under the skin | Merck describes a parenteral subunit vaccine made from a bacterial extract |
| Oral | Liquid given by mouth | A 2025 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found a combined oral Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccine prevented disease for at least one year |
WSAVA's guidelines note that many non-core vaccines protect for about a year, which is why Bordetella is often given yearly to dogs who keep going to daycare or boarding. Your vet will tell you how often yours needs it. If your dog has ever reacted to a vaccine, or treats any hand near their nose like a personal insult, mention it before the appointment so your vet can choose the best form.
Does your dog need the Bordetella vaccine?
Your vet decides, based on how your dog lives. The Merck Veterinary Manual says vaccines like Bordetella matter in certain areas and that your vet will recommend vaccines based on where you live and what your dog does. WSAVA lists Bordetella among the non-core vaccines.
If your dog goes to daycare, boards, takes group classes, sees a groomer or is a regular at the dog park, expect your vet to recommend it. If your dog meets other dogs on walks, travels, or you're about to move, it's worth talking through. And if your dog rarely meets other dogs at all, it may matter less, though your vet might still suggest it.
Puppies, older dogs and dogs with other illnesses are the ones most likely to get seriously sick from kennel cough, so bring up any health conditions when you discuss it. Our core vaccines for dogs guide explains where Bordetella fits next to the vaccines every dog needs.
If your dog starts coughing
Kennel cough usually sounds like a goose honk, sometimes followed by retching or gagging, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. It starts 5 to 10 days after contact with an affected dog, usually eases within the first 5 days, but often hangs on for 10 to 20 days.
Keep your dog away from other dogs, daycare included, and let the daycare know. Call your vet to ask whether your dog should be seen, and mention the cough before you arrive so they can keep your dog apart from other patients.
Get to a vet promptly if your dog has a fever, thick nasal discharge, seems depressed, stops eating or has a wet, productive cough. Merck says those signs suggest pneumonia, which is more likely in puppies. If your dog is struggling to breathe, go to a vet or emergency clinic now.
Questions people ask
Is the Bordetella vaccine the same as the kennel cough vaccine?
Mostly, yes. People call it the kennel cough vaccine because Bordetella bronchiseptica is a main cause of kennel cough, but kennel cough has several causes and the vaccine covers only Bordetella, or Bordetella plus parainfluenza in combined products.
How often does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?
Often once a year for dogs who keep going to daycare or boarding, but follow your vet's advice. WSAVA notes that many non-core vaccines protect for about a year.
Can my dog still get kennel cough after the vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine targets Bordetella bronchiseptica, while kennel cough can also be caused by viruses like parainfluenza, adenovirus 2 and canine influenza.
Which is better, intranasal, oral or injectable Bordetella?
There's no single best form for every dog. Your vet chooses based on your dog's age, health and temperament, the products available and how soon protection is needed.
Does my puppy need the Bordetella vaccine before puppy class?
Ask your vet and the class organizer, since many classes require it. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that a combined intranasal Bordetella and parainfluenza product can be given once to puppies over 3 weeks old, so age is rarely the barrier.
How far ahead should I vaccinate before daycare or boarding?
Ask the daycare what they require, then ask your vet how long the chosen product takes to protect. Book the vet visit well before the first daycare day so you aren't scrambling the night before.
The short version
The Bordetella vaccine is a lifestyle vaccine that guards against one main cause of kennel cough, not every cause. If your dog does daycare, boards or mixes with lots of dogs, your vet will likely recommend it, as a nose drop, a mouth drop or a needle.
Keep the certificate handy, because someone will ask for it. The free PetGrid app stores your dog's vaccines, sends reminders before the next one is due, and makes a vaccine card your daycare can scan.
Keep your pet's records, vaccines and visits in one safe place. The PetGrid app is free for pet owners, with or without a clinic.
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