What is Bordetella?

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacterium that causes respiratory illness in both cats and dogs. In dogs, it is one of the key agents responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), commonly known as "kennel cough." In cats, it can cause similar upper respiratory signs, though it is less commonly diagnosed.

The name "kennel cough" comes from the disease's tendency to spread rapidly in places where animals are housed together — boarding kennels, shelters, dog daycares, grooming facilities, and breeding operations.

Symptoms

In Dogs

  • Persistent, harsh "honking" cough
  • Retching or gagging after coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Mild lethargy
  • Usually mild and self-limiting in healthy adults
  • Can progress to pneumonia in puppies, elderly, or immunocompromised dogs

In Cats

  • Sneezing and nasal discharge
  • Coughing (less common in cats)
  • Mild fever
  • Conjunctivitis
  • In severe cases, pneumonia

Most cases in healthy animals are mild and resolve within 1–2 weeks, but the disease can be serious in very young, old, or immunocompromised animals.

Transmission

Bordetella spreads through:

  • Airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing
  • Direct nose-to-nose contact
  • Contaminated surfaces (water bowls, toys, cages)
  • Shared air spaces in enclosed environments

The bacterium can also be transmitted between cats and dogs, though this is relatively uncommon in household settings.

Vaccination

The Bordetella vaccine is classified as a non-core vaccine, recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors:

  • Dogs or cats that are regularly boarded
  • Dogs attending daycare or training classes
  • Dogs that frequent dog parks
  • Animals in shelters or rescue environments
  • Show animals
  • Breeding animals in cattery or kennel settings

Many boarding facilities and daycares require proof of Bordetella vaccination.

Vaccine Forms

  • Intranasal: Administered as nose drops; provides rapid local immunity (within 48–72 hours)
  • Oral: Given by mouth; quick onset similar to intranasal
  • Injectable: Given by injection; takes longer to develop immunity (1–2 weeks)

Vaccination Schedule

  • Dogs: Single dose (intranasal or oral) or two doses 2–4 weeks apart (injectable), then annually or every 6 months for high-risk dogs
  • Cats: Two doses 3–4 weeks apart if at risk, then annually

Treatment

Mild cases often resolve without treatment. For more severe cases:

  • Antibiotics (doxycycline is commonly used)
  • Cough suppressants in some cases
  • Rest and isolation from other animals
  • Supportive care (fluids, nutrition)

Prevention Beyond Vaccination

  • Ensure good ventilation in kennels and shelters
  • Clean and disinfect shared spaces regularly
  • Isolate coughing animals promptly
  • Avoid overcrowding
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