Skip to main content

Bordetella at home: Can you vaccinate your dog yourself?

There’s a lot you can make at home for your dog, DIY dog treats, homemade toys, etc. But what about vaccinations? It’s true! Bordetella vaccine administration can be performed right from your own living room, and it’s not as scary as you’d think.

Still, it’s important to know and take all of the necessary precautions before jumping in. This ensures your dog’s safety in more ways than one, and it saves you the trouble of having to run to the vet if anything seems off. Still, side effects and mistakes are rare when all instructions are followed. Many pet parents are more capable of administering the vaccine than they realize, though whether they decide to or not is up to them.

Related Videos

Here’s how to give the Bordetella vaccine at home.

Someone holds a vaccine syringe as a black dog waits in the background

Where to buy Bordetella vaccines

Though it’s not recommended by veterinarians, you can administer the Bordetella vaccine to your dog right at home. Some vets even sell the vaccines from their own offices, though sometimes only to registered breeders (via PetMD). In order to purchase these vaccine doses, you’ll need to fill out and submit a release form that relinquishes all of the vet’s responsibility for the safety of the shot.

If your vet’s office doesn’t sell supplies to pet parents who want to vaccinate their dogs at home, you can purchase Kenne-Jec 2 Kennel Cough Dog Vaccine at a number of trusted stores and sites. You will likely need a prescription to complete the purchase, so you’ll still need to talk to your vet. This particular formula can be given to dogs as young as three weeks old, so you can start vaccinating your puppy right away. Want to know the best news? There are no needles involved!

Please read through Pet MD’s sample Vaccine Release Form to understand the importance of properly handling and administering your dog’s vaccine. From handling the syringes to the way you dispose of the used medical items, you’ll need to make smart choices for your dog, yourself, and the environment.

Is it safe to DIY my dog’s Bordetella vaccine?

Administering your dog’s own Bordetella vaccine can be safe and sanitary, but you’ll need to follow strict instructions. Make sure to follow any storage or handling suggestions listed on the packaging to give your pup the most effective vaccine. Double-check the packaging and expiration dates on the labels of your products too.

If you have any lingering concerns about the safety or efficacy of Bordetella vaccines—intranasal or injectable—talk to your vet before proceeding. If you like, they will happily show you how to administer the Bordetella vaccine to your dog for the first time, so then you’ll be a pro when their booster doses are due.

Someone in latex gloves pulls a vaccine into a syringe while a Pug waits in the background

How do I administer my dog’s Bordetella vaccine?

  • To give your dog the intranasal Kenne-Jec 2 vaccine for kennel cough, you’ll want to unwrap and remove the stoppers from both vials in the package.
  • Use the included dropper to drop 1 mL of liquid diluent into the vaccine vial, then shake well to mix.
  • Next, draw the vaccine mixture back into the dropper and gently drop it into your buddy’s nostril.

It may not be the most comfortable experience for your pup, but it’s easier than using a needle to inject the medication.

Veterinarian Donald Bramlage, DVM, uploaded a helpful video about the process of mixing and administering intranasal vaccines—take a look! Sometimes a visual example can make the steps even clearer. As you can see, he also has an assistant to help hold the dog still as he gently drips the medication into the pup’s nose, so it may be helpful to have someone help you when it’s time to administer the vaccine. Don’t forget to give your buddy a treat when you’re all done!

One of the most important steps in vaccinating your dog is keeping an eye on them afterward. In the vast majority of cases, there are zero problems from intranasal vaccinations, but anaphylaxis is a remote possibility. Veterinarian T.J. Dunn, Jr., DVM, has administered about 200,000 vaccines in his career and has only seen an anaphylactic reaction three times. Each time, quick medical intervention was able to save the dogs’ lives. Think of this as just one more reason to consult your veterinary team before giving your dog the Bordetella vaccine.

Now that you know what’s involved, how do you feel about vaccinating your dog at home? It will surely save you money versus going to the vet, but only you can decide whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Editors' Recommendations

Is a terrier right for you? Here are the 5 things to know before bringing one home
Terriers make great pets. Facts to learn about these pups before adopting one
A Jack Russell terrier lies on their back while the owner rubs their belly and reads a book

We'll cut right to the chase (something terriers love), this dog breed group includes some of the spunkiest buddies in the canine family. The terrier class of dogs represents a wide variety of pups, everything from the small Norfolk terrier at just over 10 pounds to the sturdy bull terrier at 70 pounds.
However, there's something all these guys have in common: They have boundless energy and love to play. While you might not have heard of some of these breeds, a terrier could be the perfect dog for you.

What is a terrier?
Chances are, you know a couple breeds with the word terrier in them, but this is actually a completely separate dog group, like Sporting and Herding. Terriers were predominantly originally bred for vermin hunting, and you'll discover a lot of that in their personalities today. Note some "terriers" belong in the Toy group, namely the Yorkie and the toy fox terrier.
Is a terrier a good dog for me?
There's a good chance that a terrier will fit well into your life, but they're not for everyone. Here's what you need to know before bringing home one of these pups.
They're not tiny apartment dogs
Despite the small size, you can't keep these little buddies in a tiny space. Many terriers require as much exercise as a Lab or golden, despite being a fraction of their stature. Make sure you have a good play area, preferably both inside and outside.
There are lots of different kinds
And each one comes with its own unique set of challenges and personality. Many pit bulls fit into this category along with Jack Russells and miniature schnauzers. Look closely at exactly what type you're getting and if you land on a terrier mix, ask which breed they most emulate.
Some are hypoallergenic
Kerry blue, Scottish, and Westies all have hypoallergenic hair, similar to a poodle. While this coat is great at preventing the sniffles, all dogs with this kind of fur require maintenance, typically including professional grooming and haircuts.
If you don't entertain them, they'll make up their own games
Don't forget, their version of playing probably means destroying your stuff or getting the zoomies. We can't stress this enough: You should only adopt a terrier if you are ready for daily walks and playtime.
Some don't like other dogs or kids
Lots of terriers love people and pets and make great family dogs. But others will only bond with one person. Some are mouthers that will put your hand or their leash in their jaw even into adulthood (this isn't a bite and is usually non-aggressive). You can carefully train this out of them, but it can be scary for small children.

Read more
Think big dogs breeds can’t be in an apartment? Think again
Consider these big dog breeds if you're an apartment dweller
A harlequin Great Dane sleeps on their bed on a wooden floor

When you think about an apartment-dwelling dog, you likely think of a toy or small breed. Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are often seen walking out of high-rises and suburban rentals. There are valid reasons for this stereotype. Unlike big dog breeds, smaller pups typically don’t need as much exercise (physical activity is important for dogs, regardless of their size, though). Practically, smaller dogs take up less room.

However, don’t count out a larger dog if you live in an apartment. With the right situation, some big dog breeds may even be better roommates in an apartment than their smaller peers. Before welcoming a larger dog into your smaller space, here’s what to know.

Read more
How long after neutering a dog does behavior change? These are the differences you might see
Neutering can bring a few changes, but don't believe these myths about the procedure
Dog runs through the lawn with a ball

We've all heard Bob Barker's famous advice to fix our pets and help reduce the population of unwanted cats and dogs. It's a good message to follow, but that doesn't mean you won't see any side effects or that the surgeries carry no risks.
After all, any time a human or pet goes under anesthesia, there's a small risk of serious complications; not to mention other possibilities, like an infection at the site. But what about other unwanted changes, like to your precious pup's personality? We'll walk you through what to expect when you get your dog neutered.

What changes to behavior might occur after a dog is neutered?
Keeping a dog intact can cause a number of unwanted behaviors, including humping, marking, and wandering to find a mate. These should go down or even cease after the operation. You also may notice a decrease in some aggressive or anxious behaviors, especially if they are caused or exacerbated by the presence of a female in heat. On the other hand, certain types of aggression can increase in specific dogs, most prominently those neutered at a very young age, and you should discuss your unique animal with your vet before the procedure.
How long after neutering does dog behavior change?
In the days following his neutering, you could see a few common symptoms, such as lethargy and perhaps a little pain. Follow your care instructions to the letter to avoid complications and much of the strange behavior after neutering your dog will resolve as he heals. Some behaviors, like marking, could stop as soon as you bring your pup home, but it will take up to eight weeks for all the testosterone to leave his system.

Read more