Bordetella: why we recommend it every 6 months — not 12.
If you've ever brought your dog to Dogwood Lodge, you'll know we require Bordetella annually — but we recommend it every 6 months for dogs who regularly socialise with other dogs. That might sound overly cautious. It isn't. Here's why.
What is Bordetella, exactly?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes what most dog owners know as kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads rapidly wherever dogs congregate. It's one of several pathogens that can cause the condition, but it's among the most common and most easily prevented.
Kennel cough is rarely life-threatening in healthy adult dogs, but it's miserable — a persistent, honking cough that can last 1–3 weeks. In puppies, elderly dogs, or immunocompromised dogs, it can develop into something much more serious.
What are the symptoms to watch for?
How long does the vaccine actually protect your dog?
This is where it gets important. Most people assume a vaccine lasts exactly as long as the label says. With Bordetella, that's not quite right.
Research consistently shows that the duration of immunity from Bordetella vaccination is 6 to 12 months — and that's a wide window with real consequences. Published veterinary research notes that protection from some Bordetella vaccines can be as short as 6 months. The exact duration depends on the vaccine type, your dog's immune response, and how frequently they're exposed.
With annual vaccination, many social dogs are operating with significantly reduced antibody levels in months 7–12. For a dog at home with minimal contact, this may be fine. For a dog at daycare or boarding regularly — this is a real risk window.
Annual vs. every 6 months — what's the actual difference?
⚠ Annual vaccination
- Adequate for low-exposure dogs
- Protection may wane significantly after 6 months
- Leaves a vulnerability window for social dogs
- Fine if your dog rarely meets other dogs
- Minimum requirement at most facilities
✓ Every 6 months
- Maintains higher circulating antibody levels
- Recommended by many vets for social dogs
- Significantly reduces the vulnerability window
- Essential for dogs at daycare, boarding, parks
- What Dogwood Lodge recommends for regulars
Which dogs should get it every 6 months?
The short answer: any dog who regularly shares space with other dogs.
What about the vaccine type — does it matter?
Yes. There are three delivery methods:
- Intranasal (nose drops) — fastest acting, often provides protection within 48–72 hours. Good for dogs that need quick cover before a boarding stay.
- Oral — similar speed to intranasal, easy to administer. Shorter duration of protection on average.
- Injectable — takes longer to become effective (at least 5 days after the second injection for new dogs). Duration of immunity tends to be longer but still within the 6–12 month window.
Our position at Dogwood Lodge
We're IBPSA members and we take our vaccination policies seriously — not to tick boxes, but because a healthy facility means healthy dogs, and healthy dogs means peace of mind for you.
If your dog attends Dogwood Lodge regularly — whether for daycare, boarding, or grooming — talk to your vet about the 6-month schedule. Show them this article if it helps. We're happy to answer any questions too.
✓ Bordetella up to date (within 6 months for regulars, 12 months minimum)
✓ Rabies current (within 3 years)
✓ DA2PP/DHPP current
✓ Records on file with us — digital copies accepted
✓ Vaccinated at least 48–72 hours before visit (intranasal) or 5+ days (injectable)
Questions about your dog's vaccinations?
Ask JK — our AI dog care advisor — or reach out to us directly. We're always happy to help.
Ready to book?
Our booking is handled securely through KennelBooker.