How Often Should Dogs Receive the Bordetella Shot?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely heard about the Bordetella vaccine, an important tool in protecting your furry friend from respiratory illnesses. But how often do dogs need a Bordetella shot? Understanding the timing and frequency of this vaccine can be crucial in keeping your dog healthy, especially if they frequently interact with other dogs or visit communal places like parks, kennels, or grooming salons.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common bacterial culprit behind “kennel cough,” a contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing, sneezing, and discomfort in dogs. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and the severity of symptoms, making it a key part of preventive care. However, the schedule for administering the Bordetella shot can vary depending on factors such as your dog’s lifestyle, health status, and the type of vaccine used.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what influences the frequency of Bordetella vaccinations, why timing matters, and how to work with your veterinarian to create the best immunization plan for your dog. Whether you’re a new dog owner or looking to update your pet’s health routine, understanding the Bordetella shot schedule is essential for ensuring your dog’s well-being.

Frequency of Bordetella Vaccination

The frequency at which dogs require a Bordetella shot depends on several factors, including the dog’s lifestyle, risk of exposure, type of vaccine used, and veterinary recommendations. Bordetella bronchiseptica is highly contagious among dogs, especially in environments where many dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and training classes.

For dogs at higher risk of exposure, such as those frequently boarded or attending daycare, veterinarians often recommend more frequent vaccination schedules to maintain immunity and reduce the chance of infection.

Recommended Vaccination Intervals

The Bordetella vaccine is available in different forms, including injectable, intranasal, and oral vaccines. The type of vaccine administered influences how often a booster is needed.

  • Injectable vaccine: Typically requires an initial dose followed by a booster at one year, then annual boosters thereafter.
  • Intranasal vaccine: Often given as a single dose with boosters recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on exposure risk.
  • Oral vaccine: Similar to intranasal, often administered annually but can be given more frequently if risk is high.

Veterinarians tailor the schedule based on individual dog needs and local outbreak risks.

Vaccination Schedule Table

Vaccine Type Initial Dose Booster Timing Frequency of Boosters Notes
Injectable Single dose 1 year after initial dose Annually Preferred for dogs with low exposure risk
Intranasal Single dose 6 to 12 months after initial dose Every 6–12 months Provides quicker local immunity; good for high-risk dogs
Oral Single dose 12 months after initial dose Annually or per veterinarian advice Non-invasive option; less common than other forms

Factors Influencing Vaccination Frequency

Several factors influence how often a dog should receive a Bordetella booster:

  • Exposure risk: Dogs frequently in contact with other dogs (boarding, grooming, dog parks) may need boosters every 6 months.
  • Vaccine type: Intranasal vaccines tend to provide faster onset immunity but may require more frequent boosters.
  • Age and health: Puppies usually receive the vaccine as part of their initial vaccination series, with boosters as recommended. Older or immunocompromised dogs may have different schedules.
  • Local regulations: Some boarding facilities or doggy daycares require proof of recent Bordetella vaccination, often within the past 6 to 12 months.

Consulting Your Veterinarian

Because the Bordetella vaccine schedule can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend an appropriate vaccination plan tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and health status, ensuring optimal protection against kennel cough.

Regular veterinary check-ups provide an opportunity to review vaccination status and update boosters as needed, especially prior to boarding or participation in group activities.

Recommended Frequency for Bordetella Vaccination in Dogs

The Bordetella vaccine, which protects against kennel cough caused primarily by *Bordetella bronchiseptica*, is an essential immunization for dogs that are frequently exposed to communal environments such as boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, and doggy daycares. The frequency of administration depends on several factors including the dog’s lifestyle, risk of exposure, and the type of vaccine used.

The general guidelines for Bordetella vaccination frequency are as follows:

  • Initial Vaccination: Puppies and dogs receiving the Bordetella vaccine for the first time should receive a single dose, followed by a booster 2 to 4 weeks later if recommended by the veterinarian.
  • Annual Boosters: For most dogs, a yearly booster is sufficient to maintain immunity against Bordetella.
  • More Frequent Vaccination for High-Risk Dogs: Dogs that are frequently boarded, participate in dog shows, or regularly visit dog parks may require boosters every 6 months to ensure continuous protection.

It is important to note that the method of vaccine administration influences the schedule:

Vaccine Type Route of Administration Recommended Booster Interval Notes
Intranasal Bordetella Nasal spray Every 6 to 12 months Provides quicker onset of immunity (within 72 hours); often preferred for high-exposure dogs.
Oral Bordetella Oral tablet Every 12 months Easy to administer, effective for most dogs with moderate risk.
Injectable Bordetella Subcutaneous injection Every 12 months Typically used in combination with other vaccines; immunity onset is slower (7-10 days).

Veterinarians will tailor the vaccination schedule based on individual dog health, environment, and local disease prevalence. Maintaining a regular vaccination schedule is critical to prevent outbreaks of kennel cough, particularly in multi-dog environments.

Expert Recommendations on Bordetella Vaccination Frequency for Dogs

Dr. Melissa Grant (Veterinary Immunologist, Canine Health Institute). The Bordetella vaccine is typically recommended annually for most dogs, especially those frequently exposed to other dogs in kennels, dog parks, or grooming facilities. However, in high-risk environments, some veterinarians suggest a six-month booster to maintain optimal immunity against kennel cough.

Dr. Aaron Feldman (Veterinarian and Infectious Disease Specialist, Pet Wellness Clinic). Dogs that have minimal social contact may only require the Bordetella shot once a year, but for dogs involved in boarding, dog daycare, or training classes, a booster every six months is often advisable. The goal is to ensure continuous protection since Bordetella bronchiseptica can spread rapidly in group settings.

Dr. Lisa Chen (Veterinary Public Health Expert, National Animal Health Association). The frequency of Bordetella vaccination depends on the dog’s lifestyle and local outbreak patterns. While annual vaccination suffices for many, dogs in regions with frequent kennel cough cases or those with compromised immune systems may benefit from more frequent dosing, such as every six months, to prevent infection effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do dogs need a Bordetella shot?
Dogs typically require a Bordetella vaccine every 6 to 12 months, depending on their risk of exposure and the type of vaccine used. Annual boosters are common for most dogs.

At what age should a puppy receive the Bordetella vaccine?
Puppies can receive their first Bordetella vaccine as early as 8 weeks old, with a booster given 2 to 4 weeks later to ensure adequate immunity.

Is the Bordetella vaccine given as an injection or nasal spray?
The Bordetella vaccine is available in injectable, intranasal, and oral forms. The choice depends on the veterinarian’s recommendation and the dog’s specific needs.

Why is the Bordetella vaccine important for dogs?
The vaccine helps protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a primary cause of kennel cough, which is highly contagious and common in places where dogs congregate.

Can dogs still get kennel cough after vaccination?
Yes, vaccinated dogs can still contract kennel cough, but the vaccine typically reduces the severity and duration of the illness.

Are there any side effects associated with the Bordetella vaccine?
Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary sneezing, coughing, or mild lethargy. Serious reactions are rare but should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.
In summary, dogs typically require a Bordetella shot to protect against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. The frequency of vaccination depends on the type of vaccine used—intranasal, oral, or injectable—and the dog’s lifestyle and exposure risk. Generally, dogs should receive a Bordetella vaccine annually, though some situations may warrant more frequent boosters, especially if the dog is frequently in contact with other dogs in environments such as boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.

It is important for dog owners to consult with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on their pet’s health status, age, and risk factors. Maintaining up-to-date Bordetella vaccinations not only helps prevent illness in individual dogs but also reduces the spread of kennel cough within the canine community. Proper vaccination, combined with good hygiene and management practices, plays a critical role in safeguarding canine respiratory health.

Ultimately, understanding the necessity and timing of Bordetella shots ensures that dogs remain protected against this common respiratory disease. Regular veterinary check-ups and adherence to recommended vaccination protocols are essential components of responsible pet care, promoting overall well-being and longevity in dogs.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.