Is kennel cough vaccine a waste of time

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Ninja

Boxer Pal
Went away for a few days abroad and needed to put Zeus into kennels. As with majority of kennels his kennel cough vacc was required. Noticed that he had a cough and exceptionally runny nose so decided to get the vet to look at it while he was having his booster for KC. Worked out he had kennel cough. Couldn't go to the kennels obviously but luckily my neighbour was on hand to have him(best option anyway). Are kennel cough vaccinations a waste of time as he caught it while covered?
 

Tulsa-Dan

Your Friendly Moderator
There are many strains of KC and the vacc only covers a few of them. Personally, I believe, that all are highly treatable.

I don't kennel my dogs and my vet and I decided that KC vaccs are not necessary in my case.

I'd say discuss it with your vet and make an informed decision on whether or not to vaccinate. Just one more expense I don't need. :)
 

Christa S

Boxer Pal
I took my puppy Rosie into the vet last week with a cough and the vet didn't want to give her an antibiotic - said she needed to work the cold out on her own. Now my poor puppy is at the vet with bacterial pneumonia. I'm kicking myself for not insisting she get a shot last week.

Just wanted to share that as FYI.

Christa
 

BeckyNC

Boxer Insane
Kennel cough is like the flu, based on what Dan said. A person can be vaccinated against the flu, but still get another strain. Same goes for kennel cough.
 

JulieM

Boxer Insane
Christa, don't kick yourself. The vet was right - the vast majority of the time kennel cough resolves without any medication, and giving antibiotics unnecessarily can increase bacterial resistance.

And yes, I do think the KC vaccine is a waste of time, money, and immune function. :)
 

Bar B

Boxer Booster
The only time I have ever had the KC vaccine adinistered is when I had a pooch in the ring. I had a friend that said she was thankful for given the vaccine for her dog had come down with KC and she feels that it would have been more severe without it.

I also agree that it is like giving a flu shot. My bf use to take flu shots every year and then came down with a really nasty cold a few weeks later. I have never in my life got a flu type shot and stay relatively cold free all year long.

I would only give the vaccine if the dog is going to be around MANY dogs regularly (but that is my opinion).
 
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