How Do Dogs Get Bordetella and What Can Pet Owners Do?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Care & Daily Living

If you’re a dog owner or enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of Bordetella—often referred to as “kennel cough”—and wondered how our canine companions actually contract this contagious respiratory infection. Understanding how dogs get Bordetella is crucial for protecting their health, especially if they frequently interact with other dogs or visit communal spaces like parks, grooming salons, or boarding facilities. This common yet sometimes misunderstood illness can spread quickly, making awareness and prevention key.

Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacterium responsible for the infection, thrives in environments where dogs are in close contact. While it’s often associated with kennels and shelters, the ways dogs can pick up this infection extend beyond these settings. The transmission dynamics involve more than just direct contact, and factors like a dog’s immune system and exposure to other respiratory pathogens can influence susceptibility.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the various pathways through which dogs can contract Bordetella, the typical environments where the risk is heightened, and what dog owners should watch out for. By gaining a clearer picture of how this infection spreads, you’ll be better equipped to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

How Dogs Get Bordetella

Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs, spreads through direct and indirect contact. Dogs commonly contract Bordetella when they inhale contaminated airborne droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing infected animals. This makes environments where many dogs congregate—such as kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and veterinary clinics—high-risk locations for transmission.

The bacteria can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces and objects. Sharing water bowls, toys, or bedding with an infected dog can facilitate the spread of Bordetella. Additionally, the bacteria can survive for short periods on surfaces, increasing the risk of indirect infection.

Certain factors contribute to the likelihood of a dog contracting Bordetella:

  • Close proximity to infected dogs
  • Poor ventilation in indoor settings
  • Stress or weakened immune system
  • Lack of vaccination against Bordetella
  • High-density dog populations

The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 14 days, during which a dog may carry and spread the bacteria without showing symptoms.

Transmission Mode Description Examples
Airborne Droplets Inhalation of bacteria-laden droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing infected dogs. Dog parks, boarding facilities, training classes
Direct Contact Physical interaction with an infected dog, such as nose-to-nose contact or licking. Playdates, grooming sessions
Fomites (Contaminated Surfaces) Contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with Bordetella bacteria. Shared water bowls, bedding, toys

Preventing Bordetella infection involves minimizing exposure to these transmission routes, particularly in settings where dogs gather. Understanding how the bacteria spread helps pet owners and caretakers implement effective hygiene and vaccination protocols to reduce the incidence of kennel cough.

Transmission of Bordetella in Dogs

Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary bacterium responsible for canine infectious tracheobronchitis (commonly known as kennel cough), is highly contagious. Dogs contract Bordetella through several direct and indirect modes of transmission, primarily involving respiratory secretions.

Key transmission pathways include:

  • Airborne droplets: When an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks, it releases respiratory droplets containing the bacteria into the air. Nearby dogs can inhale these droplets, facilitating infection.
  • Direct contact: Close physical interaction such as playing, grooming, or sniffing can transfer bacteria from an infected dog’s nose or mouth to another dog.
  • Contaminated surfaces: Shared environments like kennels, dog parks, grooming tools, water bowls, and bedding can harbor Bordetella bacteria. Dogs touching or licking these contaminated surfaces may become infected.
  • Carrier dogs: Some dogs may carry Bordetella without showing symptoms, unknowingly spreading the bacteria to others.

Transmission is most common in environments where multiple dogs congregate, particularly those with poor ventilation or overcrowding.

Risk Factors That Facilitate Bordetella Infection

Several factors increase a dog’s likelihood of contracting Bordetella bronchiseptica. Understanding these helps in managing and preventing outbreaks.

Risk Factor Description Impact on Transmission
High-density dog populations Places like kennels, shelters, dog daycares, and training facilities where many dogs are housed or gather closely. Increases exposure due to proximity, elevating transmission rates.
Poor ventilation Indoor or confined spaces lacking adequate airflow. Allows respiratory droplets to linger, facilitating airborne spread.
Stress and immunosuppression Factors like travel, recent surgery, or illness that weaken a dog’s immune system. Reduces ability to fight off infection, increasing susceptibility.
Inadequate vaccination Dogs unvaccinated or overdue for Bordetella vaccination. Leaves dogs vulnerable to bacterial colonization and disease.
Young or elderly dogs Age-related immune system differences. Both age groups are more prone to infection and severe symptoms.

Mechanism of Infection in Dogs

Once Bordetella bronchiseptica reaches a dog’s respiratory tract, it attaches to the cilia lining the trachea and bronchi. The bacteria secrete toxins that impair the normal function of these cilia, which are responsible for clearing mucus and debris.

This leads to:

  • Accumulation of mucus in the airways.
  • Irritation and inflammation of the respiratory lining.
  • Development of the characteristic dry, hacking cough.

These pathological changes facilitate bacterial colonization and secondary infections, exacerbating clinical signs and increasing the risk of transmission to other dogs.

Environmental Persistence and Indirect Transmission

Bordetella bronchiseptica can survive outside the host for variable periods depending on environmental conditions:

Condition Survival Time Implications
Moist surfaces Up to several hours Higher risk of transmission via contaminated water bowls, toys, or bedding.
Dry surfaces Minutes to an hour Lower survival but still possible risk in high-traffic areas.
Airborne droplets Minutes Rapid transmission in close quarters; emphasizes importance of ventilation.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of shared dog environments are critical in reducing indirect transmission risks.

Expert Perspectives on How Dogs Contract Bordetella

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinary Infectious Disease Specialist, Canine Health Institute). “Dogs primarily contract Bordetella bronchiseptica through airborne transmission when they are in close contact with infected dogs. This bacterium spreads rapidly in environments such as kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities where respiratory secretions are easily exchanged.”

Michael Thompson (Certified Veterinary Technician and Canine Respiratory Health Researcher). “Exposure to contaminated surfaces and shared water bowls can also facilitate the spread of Bordetella among dogs. Stressful conditions and overcrowding increase susceptibility, making prevention and vaccination crucial in multi-dog settings.”

Dr. Laura Nguyen (Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, State University College of Veterinary Medicine). “Bordetella infection often occurs when a dog’s immune system is compromised or when they are introduced into new social environments. Understanding the modes of transmission helps veterinarians recommend effective strategies to minimize outbreaks.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bordetella in dogs?
Bordetella is a bacterial infection commonly known as kennel cough, affecting the respiratory system of dogs.

How do dogs typically contract Bordetella?
Dogs contract Bordetella through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Can Bordetella spread in places other than kennels?
Yes, Bordetella can spread in any environment where dogs are in close proximity, such as dog parks, grooming salons, and daycare facilities.

Are puppies more susceptible to Bordetella infection?
Puppies are generally more susceptible due to their developing immune systems and lack of prior exposure or vaccination.

How long is a dog contagious after contracting Bordetella?
Infected dogs can be contagious for up to two to three weeks, even if symptoms are mild or absent.

What preventive measures reduce the risk of Bordetella transmission?
Vaccination, avoiding crowded dog areas during outbreaks, and maintaining good hygiene in shared spaces help reduce transmission risk.
Dogs typically contract Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacterium responsible for kennel cough, through direct contact with infected dogs or exposure to contaminated environments. This highly contagious respiratory infection spreads easily in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and training facilities. Transmission occurs via airborne droplets, close physical interaction, or contact with contaminated surfaces, making prevention and early detection crucial.

Understanding the modes of transmission highlights the importance of vaccination and good hygiene practices in reducing the risk of Bordetella infection. Vaccines are available and recommended for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs or are boarded regularly. Additionally, minimizing exposure to high-risk environments and promptly isolating infected dogs can significantly limit the spread of the disease.

In summary, Bordetella is primarily spread through close contact and contaminated surroundings, emphasizing the need for proactive preventive measures. Dog owners and professionals should remain vigilant about vaccination, environmental cleanliness, and monitoring for symptoms to protect canine health and curb outbreaks effectively.

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.