Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs: What to Expect

The Bordetella vaccine helps protect dogs from kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease common in places like kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons. While it’s generally safe and effective, it can have some mild bordetella vaccine side effects in dogs. In this blog, we’ll explain what to expect and how to handle any reactions.

What is the Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs?  

The Bordetella vaccine protects dogs from kennel cough caused by the Bordetella bronchiectasis bacteria. Kennel cough can cause symptoms like coughing and nasal discharge. The vaccine is given as an injection, nasal spray, or oral dose and is especially important for dogs that spend time around other dogs, such as in daycare or boarding facilities.  

Why Should You Worry About Side Effects of Bordetella Vaccine​?  

Although side effects from the Bordetella vaccine are rare, they can happen. Most are mild and temporary, like feeling a little tired or having a slight fever. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon, and the benefits of protecting your dog outweigh these small risks.  

Common Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs  

1. Mild Lethargy or Tiredness  

Your dog might seem tired or less active for a day or two after vaccination. This is normal and should pass within 24–48 hours. If they’re unusually tired for more than a couple of days, contact your vet.  

2. Slight Fever  

A mild fever is a normal response as your dog’s immune system builds protection. This usually resolves in a day or two. If your dog’s temperature exceeds 103°F or they seem uncomfortable, call your vet.  

3. Swelling or Redness at the Injection Site 

If the vaccine is given as an injection, there may be some swelling or redness at the spot. This should go away within a day or two. Applying a cool compress can help. If the swelling gets worse, consult your vet.  

4. Sneezing or Nasal Discharge (for Nasal Spray Version) 

If your dog gets the nasal spray version of the vaccine, they might sneeze or have a runny nose. This usually lasts only a few hours. If it continues longer or worsens, check with your vet.  

5. Vomiting or Diarrhea  

Although rare, some dogs may have mild vomiting or diarrhea after the vaccine. This should resolve within a day. If it doesn’t, or if your dog seems dehydrated or very tired, contact your vet.  

6. Allergic Reactions (Rare)  

In very rare cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction, with symptoms like swelling, hives, or trouble breathing. These usually happen shortly after vaccination. If you notice these signs, seek emergency care immediately.  

How to Manage Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects

Monitor Your Dog: Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or energy for 24–48 hours after vaccination.  

Provide Rest: Give your dog a quiet, comfortable spot to rest. Let them take it easy until they feel better.  

Keep Them Hydrated: If your dog has a mild stomach upset, ensure they drink enough water.  

Call Your Vet if Needed: If side effects last longer than expected or worsen, contact your vet for advice.  

When to Contact Your Vet   

Call your Vet if:  

• Side effects last more than 48 hours.  
• Severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling at the injection site occur.  

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, appear.  

Conclusion  

The Bordetella vaccine is a vital way to protect dogs from kennel cough, especially those who interact with other dogs regularly. Most side effects are mild and short-lived. By keeping an eye on your dog and knowing what to look for, you can ensure they stay healthy and happy. If you have concerns, always reach out to your vet.

I hope this blog provides you complete information about the side effects of the Bordetella vaccine in dogs, how to manage them, and when to contact your vet if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bordetella Vaccine

Q1: What Are Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects?

A: Bordetella vaccine side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Lethargy or tiredness.
• Mild swelling or soreness at the injection site (if given as a shot).
• Sneezing or nasal discharge (if given intranasally).
• Temporary loss of appetite.

These side effects typically resolve within 24-48 hours.

Q2: Can bordetella vaccine make dogs sleepy?

A: Absolutely, the bordetella vaccine can make dogs sleepy. The most common and minor side effect once the vaccinated dog’s immune system starts working, is the dog being lethargic. 

Q3: Can Bordetella Vaccine Give Dogs Diarrhea?

A: Giving a dog diarrhea by injecting it with a bordetella vaccine happens very rarely, but indeed it is possible, especially in case the dog has a sensitive digestive system. If your dog keeps having diarrhea for more than 24 hours, don’t wait, take it to your vet at once. 

Q4: What Are Bordetella Vaccine Dog Side Effects?

A: Bordetella vaccine dogs signs are very few and they are primarily the following such as tiredness, sneezing (in some cases with the nasal form), or swelling at the injection site. Severe symptoms are seldom the case and if yes, they might include throwing up and shortness of breath. 

Q5: What Are Bordetella Shot Symptoms?

A: Bordetella shot symptoms can include:

• Soreness at the injection site.
• Mild fever.
• Temporary fatigue or lack of energy.

Q6: What Are Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs Vomiting?

A: Vomiting is an unusual occurrence from taking a bordetella vaccine in dogs. If your dog vomits after being vaccinated and it continues, immediately call your vet. 

Q7: What Are Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects in Puppies?

A: Interestingly, side effects of the bordetella vaccine in puppies are mostly mild and are very much the same as in grown-up dogs. These include a bit of rest, some slight discharge from the nose, and a tiny swelling at the spot where the injection was given.

Q8: What Are Canine Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects?

A: Different breeds of dogs get different bordetella vaccine side effects so; it highly depends on what vaccine the dog is given (oral, nasal, or injectable). Some of the common results are coughing, drowsiness, and in a small number of cases, very light digestive trouble.

Q9: What Are Bordetella Shot Side Effects?

A: Bordetella shot side effects are mostly just having the spot of the injection hurting, some transient periods of fatigue or slight fever. They will show up after you’ve been vaccinated, and they go away quite soon. 

Q10: Does Bordetella Vaccine Cause Drowsiness in Dogs?

A: True, bordetella vaccine might result in mild drowsiness and the immune system of the dog is to blame for this typical symptom of response to vaccination. 

Q11: What Are Bordetella Oral Vaccine Dog Side Effects?

A: Bordetella oral vaccine dog side effects are extremely rare but may include mild coughing, sneezing, or stomach upset. 

Q12: What Are Bordetella Booster Side Effects?

A: Bordetella booster side effects are going to be the same kind of minor ones as with the initial vaccination, e.g slight drowsiness, sneezing, or soreness at the injection site. 

Q13: What Are Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs Side Effects?

A: Not to worry though, bordetella vaccine for dogs side effects rarely occur and when they do, they are general and indirect such as sneezing, feeling lethargic, or a runny nose. 

Q14: What Are the Side Effects of Dog Vaccinations Bordetella?

A: Bordetella dog vaccines usually only have the milder implications of being a little tired, a bit of fever, or a small round swollen spot around the injection place. 

Q15: Does Bordetella Make Dog Tired?

A: Absolutely, the bordetella vaccine sometimes gives dogs a temporary “flu like” condition that includes getting tired. 

Q16: What Are the Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects in Dogs’ Timeline?

A: Once given the bordetella vaccine a dog will most likely show signs of the vaccination such as within 24 hours or at the most staying on for no more than a day or two.

Q17: What Are Oral Bordetella Vaccine Side Effects?

A: Oral bordetella vaccine side effects are seldom the case but if they happen, some of the earliest symptoms may include minor coughing, sneezing, or stomach ailment.

Q18: What Are Oral Bordetella Vaccine Reactions?

A: You might get a minor cough or may sneeze, or be just a little upset in your stomach if you are vaccinated by the oral bordetella vaccine. More serious side effects are still few and uncommon.

Q19: Is Diarrhea After Bordetella Vaccine Normal?

A: Yes, on very rare occasions, the animals might get a diarrhea attack not often, one takes place, in a case when the dog is sensitive, one of the reasons might be a reaction to the vaccine. If his condition doesn’t improve in the next 24 hours of the disease developing, you should immediately take him to the veterinarian.

Q20: What Are the Side Effects of Bordetella Oral Vaccine in Dogs?

A: Bordetella oral vaccine dog side effects are usually rare and barely existent with the worst being coughing, sneezing, or stomach pain. 

Q21: What Are Bordetella Vaccine Symptoms?

A: Bordetella vaccine symptoms can be a set of not-very-serious symptoms, but it can be the others if the other type of vaccination was applied, like feeling lethargic, being extremely sensitive to the things that touch the body, or having a rare form of a fever.