It can be worrying when your dog isn’t feeling well after getting vaccinated. Even though vaccines are essential for protection, the hours that follow can come with temporary changes in energy, appetite, and behavior.
We outline the reasons why of a dog may cough after a Bordetella vaccine, a possible vaccine reaction and what you can do.
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Dog Coughing After Bordetella Vaccine: Why It Happens
Coughing after the Bordetella vaccine usually happens because the vaccine stimulates the immune system inside the airways, leading to irritation, inflammation, and mucus production.
Bordetella vaccines, especially intranasal and oral versions, are designed to activate immune tissue in the throat, nose, and lungs, which can temporarily make those tissues swollen and sensitive. This irritation triggers the cough reflex as the body tries to clear perceived threats.
In some dogs, the immune response becomes stronger than expected, causing lingering coughing, gagging, or throat clearing.
Stress, allergies, and underlying airway disease can make this reaction more intense and longer lasting.
Dog Coughing After Bordetella Vaccine: Common Causes
Airway Immune Stimulation
The Bordetella vaccine is meant to train the immune system in the upper respiratory tract. To do this, it intentionally causes mild local inflammation in the throat, trachea, and nasal passages.
In sensitive dogs, this immune stimulation becomes strong enough to irritate the lining of the airways, leading to coughing, gagging, or a honking sound.
The cough happens because the body thinks something is lodged in the throat and keeps trying to clear it. This reaction can last several days as immune cells continue working in the respiratory tissues.
Related: Dog Vomiting After Bordetella Vaccine (Here’s why)
Vaccine-Induced Tracheal Irritation
Intranasal Bordetella vaccines are sprayed directly into the nose, which allows some of the fluid to drip down into the throat and windpipe.
This can irritate the trachea and trigger inflammation, especially in small dogs or those with sensitive airways.
As the lining of the trachea swells, even normal breathing can cause coughing. Dogs with narrow windpipes or early tracheal collapse are especially prone to this type of reaction, which can make coughing sound harsh and persistent.
Mucus Overproduction
The immune system responds to the Bordetella vaccine by increasing mucus production in the respiratory tract.
Mucus traps bacteria and debris, but when too much is produced, it pools in the throat and triggers coughing.
Dogs may seem like they are trying to clear their throat or hack something up, even though nothing comes out.
This mucus-driven cough can worsen when the dog lies down or becomes excited, as the mucus shifts inside the airways.
Allergic-Type Reaction
Some dogs are allergic to components of the Bordetella vaccine, including stabilizers or bacterial proteins.
In these cases, histamine release causes swelling in the throat, nasal passages, and bronchial tubes.
This swelling narrows the airways, forcing the dog to cough in an attempt to breathe more easily.
These dogs may also show red eyes, sneezing, facial swelling, or itching alongside coughing. Allergic reactions can escalate quickly and should always be taken seriously.
Activation of a Latent Infection
Some dogs already carry mild Bordetella or other respiratory bacteria without showing symptoms.
When the vaccine stimulates the immune system, it can temporarily weaken defenses, allowing these bacteria to flare up.
This leads to coughing that sounds like kennel cough even though it started after vaccination.
Dogs may develop a dry, hacking cough that worsens over several days and may include nasal discharge or lethargy.
Stress-Induced Airway Sensitivity
The stress of the veterinary visit and vaccination increases cortisol and adrenaline levels, which can make the airways more reactive.
In dogs with sensitive lungs or a history of bronchitis, this stress can trigger spasms in the bronchial tubes that lead to coughing.
When combined with the immune reaction from the vaccine, stress makes airway inflammation more severe and prolonged.
Related: Dog Has Kennel Cough With Bordetella Vaccine (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Dog Coughing After Bordetella Vaccine
Allow your dog to rest in a calm, warm environment where they are not exposed to dust, smoke, or strong odors that could further irritate the airways. Quiet rest allows inflammation to subside and helps prevent coughing fits.
Keep your dog well hydrated, as fluids thin mucus and make it easier for the body to clear secretions from the throat and lungs. You can offer small, frequent drinks if coughing makes drinking difficult.
Use a harness instead of a collar for walks so you do not put pressure on the throat and trachea. Pulling on a collar can worsen coughing and prolong airway irritation after vaccination.
Monitor your dog’s breathing closely, paying attention to whether coughing becomes more frequent, harsher, or accompanied by wheezing or labored breathing. These changes can signal worsening inflammation.
If your veterinarian has previously prescribed cough suppressants or anti-inflammatory medications for airway issues, ask whether they are appropriate to use after this vaccine reaction.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If coughing lasts longer than a few days or becomes progressively worse after the Bordetella vaccine, your dog should be examined to rule out infection or significant airway inflammation.
Seek immediate veterinary care if coughing is accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, or extreme lethargy. These signs indicate a dangerous respiratory reaction.
Call your vet if your dog develops thick nasal discharge, fever, or loss of appetite along with coughing, as this suggests a secondary infection may be developing.
Persistent gagging, retching, or choking sounds that do not improve within 24 hours also warrant professional evaluation.
Read more: Dog side effects after vaccines (Possible reactions explained)
Key Takeaway
Coughing after the Bordetella vaccine is usually caused by temporary airway irritation, immune activation, or mucus buildup as the body responds to the shot.
While most dogs recover on their own, some develop stronger reactions that affect breathing and comfort.
Watching for worsening symptoms and acting quickly when they appear ensures your dog stays safe while their immune system does its job.