Can Dogs Still Get Kennel Cough If Immunized?

MaggieinFL · ‎05-21-2015

Our lab started coughing on Sunday, like she was trying to clear her throat. She also had eaten leftover sweet potatoes & pecans and was having stomach issues as well. She'd been kenneled recently for a few days and then went to the groomer a week ago.

I took her to see the vet today and was told it's probably bordatella even though all her shots are current. So, I'm wondering how does a dog still get bordatella when she's immunized against it??

Has anyone had this experience?

Pearlee · ‎06-11-2011

Yes, they most certainly can. The shots don't immunize for all the different strains of kennel cough, so a dog can still contract it even with its shots. My vet always mentioned to me the bordatella shot doesn't work for all strains of the cough.

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

It is like a person getting the flu shot. You can still get the flu.

MaggieinFL · ‎05-21-2015

Thanks, @Pearlee. I had no idea!

She's on an antibiotic now, so she should be just fine. I'm just hoping our other sweet dog doesn't get it too!

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

Yes they can, it's not a particularly effective vaccine.

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

"I took her to see the vet today and was told it's probably bordatella even though all her shots are current."

So, I'm wondering how does a dog still get bordatella when she's immunized against it??

And you didn't think to ask the vet?

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

MaggieinFL · ‎05-21-2015

Good analogy, @BalletBabe. I'm thinking it was the groomer because they don't require immunization proof, while our kennel (which is more of a pet spa!) is very strict.

Pearlee · ‎06-11-2011

@NYCSusanna wrote:

Thanks, @Pearlee. I had no idea!

She's on an antibiotic now, so she should be just fine. I'm just hoping our other sweet dog doesn't get it too!

Oh, good. I see you are taking good care of your pets. Sorry this happened. Give her extra pets, poor thing, and hope your other dog isn't susceptable to that strain.

esmeraldagooch · ‎03-10-2010

My vet gives kennel cough nasal spray every six months.

MaggieinFL · ‎05-21-2015

@Mz iMac wrote:
"I took her to see the vet today and was told it's probably bordatella even though all her shots are current."
So, I'm wondering how does a dog still get bordatella when she's immunized against it??

And you didn't think to ask the vet?

You know, I was so relieved to know it wasn't bloating that I didn't ask the vet. It was only when my husband asked me that I even thought about it!