My puppy got bordetella vaccine SQ instead of intranasal. Is she okay?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 3 months old | 27 lbs
Help, I accidentally gave my puppy her bordatella vaccine SQ instead of Intranasal. What should I do? Can this be harmful to her?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 5th, 2021
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Injection of a vaccine that is supposed to be given intranasally can produce local skin irritation and inflammation. I suspect Sunshine may develop a small lump at the injection site, that should disappear within a few days. I don't think there will be any more serious harm to your puppy, however I could not find any clinical report detailing reaction to subcutaneous administration of this vaccine. Please, keep an eye on Sunshine at home for the next 12-24hrs. If she starts showing any worrying symptoms (panting, breathing problems, lethargy, weakness, facial swelling) take her to your local vets right away. Obviously, the vaccine will not produce any immunity against kennel cough and it should be repeated in 7-10 days
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Oh no! Accidents happen - we're all human. Bordetella vaccines meant for intranasal use but given subcutaneously often cause sterile abscesses, but some case reports of liver failure within one week of injection have also been reported. Start by calling the vaccine manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations, as this is a pretty common accident. I suspect that they'll recommend taking Sunshine to her vet for an exam, as that would also be my recommendation. Your vet will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the high potential for abscess formation. They may also recommend checking her bloodwork in a few days to track her liver values. Best of luck - I hope that everything goes well!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 5th, 2018
Congratulations on your new pup! The bordetella intranasal vaccine is not one that we regularly see reactions to, so it would be pretty surprising to have a vaccine reaction, although I suppose not impossible. Signs of a vaccine reaction include major facial swelling, vomiting, and extreme lethargy. If you saw any of these issues after his vaccine, or any vaccine, I would recommend giving an appropriate dose of Benadryl (the dose depends on his body weight and your veterinarian can tell you how much you should give) and taking him to a veterinary emergency clinic. However, with the intranasal bordetella vaccine you are more likely to just see a little bit of sneezing in the day or two after the vaccine. That is not a vaccine reaction does not require any treatment. I hope that helps and that you have a good appointment today! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 20th, 2022
12 days is a little late for a reaction to a vaccine as sneezing/coughing from nasal vaccines are usually pretty soon after. I would keep an eye on Teddy, and if he continues to cough, seems in distress, or turns pale or blue in the gums or tongue (this is a medical emergency), bring in him to your vet. They can rule out other issues such as heart and lung issues, something stuck in the nose or throat, allergies, kennel cough, and more.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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