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Can my dog get kennel cough even with the Bordetella vaccine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 3 years and 9 months old | 11 lbs

I think my dog has kennel cough. When she gets excited she starts sounding like she is hacking something up. One of my friends dogs got kennel cough last week and she did spend a day with them. She has her bordatella shots up to date. Is she still susceptible to kennel cough?

7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

She can still get Kennel cough even with this vaccine although it does usually reduce the chances of getting it and when a dog is vaccinated but still catches the disease, it is usually milder as well. this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry to hear about Puka!!! If this coughing is a completely new phenomena that started after spending time with the infected dog, then it is possible she could have kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccine provides protection against one of the more common bacteria that can cause "kennel cough" or infectious upper respiratory infections. We can also have other bacteria or viruses cause similar symptoms, so it is possible your friend's dog is infected with something besides the Bordetella vaccine. We do sometimes see dogs vaccinated get Bordetella as well but the severity of their symptoms is greatly reduced (just like some people who get the flu shot still get the flu but are not as sick as they would have been without the vaccine). I am attaching a link to an article on kennel cough FYI here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=600 Many cases will resolve on their own if mild but it can take several weeks. Antibiotics often shorten the course of disease, so it is usually recommended to have your vet check her out and also to be sure there isn't another reason for the cough.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry to hear about Puka!!! If this coughing is a completely new phenomena that started after spending time with the infected dog, then it is possible she could have kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccine provides protection against one of the more common bacteria that can cause "kennel cough" or infectious upper respiratory infections. We can also have other bacteria or viruses cause similar symptoms, so it is possible your friend's dog is infected with something besides the Bordetella vaccine. We do sometimes see dogs vaccinated get Bordetella as well but the severity of their symptoms is greatly reduced (just like some people who get the flu shot still get the flu but are not as sick as they would have been without the vaccine). I am attaching a link to an article on kennel cough FYI here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=600 Many cases will resolve on their own if mild but it can take several weeks. Antibiotics often shorten the course of disease, so it is usually recommended to have your vet check her out and also to be sure there isn't another reason for the cough.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    She can still get Kennel cough even with this vaccine although it does usually reduce the chances of getting it and when a dog is vaccinated but still catches the disease, it is usually milder as well. this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    She can still get Kennel cough even with this vaccine although it does usually reduce the chances of getting it and when a dog is vaccinated but still catches the disease, it is usually milder as well. this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    She can still get Kennel cough even with this vaccine although it does usually reduce the chances of getting it and when a dog is vaccinated but still catches the disease, it is usually milder as well. this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 27th, 2017

    Yes, it is still possible for a dog to get kennel cough despite having he bordetella vaccine. Unfortunately no vaccine can be 100% protective so there is a chance of illness with any vaccine, including Bordetella. Having the bordetella vaccine usually offers fairly good protection if given within the last year. If a dog still contracts bordetella despite having the vaccine it the illness may be less severe and have a shorter course then if the dog was unvaccinated. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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