Pet Vaccination for kennel cough (including consultation)
For Dogs · Consultation & preventative care
Kennel cough vaccination protects dogs against one of the main causes of the infectious cough that spreads wherever dogs mix. It is given as a liquid squirted into the nose rather than as an injection, and most kennels insist on it.
About Vaccination for kennel cough (including consultation) in pets
Kennel cough is miserable rather than usually dangerous – a harsh, hacking cough that sounds like something is stuck in the throat, and that can drag on for weeks. It spreads very easily anywhere dogs gather.
Which dogs should have it
- Dogs going into boarding kennels or daycare – nearly all require it, usually at least two weeks before the stay.
- Dogs who meet other dogs regularly: training classes, grooming, dog walkers, busy parks.
- Puppies, older dogs, and any dog with a heart or airway condition, who tend to suffer more.
What happens at the appointment
The vaccine is squirted gently into one nostril. Most dogs find it surprising rather than unpleasant and it is over in seconds. The appointment includes a consultation, so the vet checks your dog over at the same time.
Some dogs cough or sniffle for a few days afterwards, which is normal. Protection builds over a week or two, so book well ahead of a kennel stay rather than the day before.
What it does not cover
Kennel cough is caused by several different organisms. The vaccine covers the main ones, so a vaccinated dog can still pick up a milder version. It is still well worth doing, and it is usually a condition of boarding.
What it costs
The price, including the consultation, is on our price list. Our pet health plans include kennel cough vaccination for dogs where it is appropriate.