Being loving dog parents, it can be hard seeing our furry kids down in the dumps after a vaccine. The Bordetella shot is an important part of preventing kennel cough, which means that once the worst has passed and it’s time for rest and recovery, you need to know how to help your sick dog as well.

This ultimate guide outlines the side effects of Bordetella vaccine in dogs and provides natural, supportive care tips that will allow your dog to recover comfortably and quickly.

What Is the Bordetella Vaccine and Why Do Dogs Need It?

The Bordetella vaccine shields dogs from exposure to Bordetella bronchiseptica — the bacteria that causes what we commonly call kennel cough, an infectious respiratory disease. It can travel quickly in facilities with a lot of doggy traffic, including dog parks, boarding kennels and grooming parlors.

This vaccine comes recommended by veterinarians for dogs who regularly come in contact with other pets, as it lessens the severity of any illnesses and stops large outbreaks.

The vaccine comes in three different parts:

• Nasal (Intranasal): A spray given into your dog’s nose.
• Oral: Drops administered into the mouth.
• Injection: A traditional shot given under the skin.
  
  

Each version offers strong protection, though mild, temporary reactions are normal as the body builds immunity.

Common Side Effects of the Bordetella Vaccine in Dogs

Most of the side effects are signalling that the immune system is responding properly in your dog. They are mostly mild and transient and usually resolve spontaneously

Common side effects include:

• Slight fever or tiredness (lethargy)
• Sneezing or light coughing (mainly for nasal and oral vaccines)
• Watery eyes or nasal discharge
• One to two days of reduced appetite
• Some redness or swelling or soreness at the injection site

These typically develop within 24–48 hours and resolve on their own.

Make sure your dog is hydrated and has had plenty of rest and do not play to the point of exhaustion until they are back up to full energy.

When to See a Vet: Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Although rare, some dogs may experience serious allergic reactions that need immediate veterinary attention.
Contact your vet right away if your dog shows:

• Facial swelling (around eyes, muzzle, or throat)
• Persistent vomiting or severe diarrhea
• Continuous, harsh coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty breathing or sudden weakness
• Fainting or collapse

Oral vs Nasal vs Injectable Bordetella Vaccine: What’s the Difference?

Each type of Bordetella vaccine works differently and may cause unique mild side effects.

Supporting keywords: side effects of the Bordetella nasal vaccine in dogs, side effects of the Bordetella oral vaccine in dogs

How Long Do Side Effects Last?

Now, many dog owners have this question, how long after Bordetella vaccine does my dog get side effects (oral Bordetella vaccine side effects timeline).

• Systemic Side Effects (Fatigue/Fever): More prominent in 12–24 hours and last up to two days.
• Respiratory Side Effects (Cough/Sneeze): Nasal or oral forms may take the week to 5 to 7 days to stay around. This is okay because it is the building of local defense during which the immune system creates the local response.

Contact your vet for assessment if symptoms last more than seven days or become severe.

MomasPets.com — Supporting Your Dog’s Post-Vaccine Recovery

We get that you would like gentle and natural ways to enable the healing process in your pet after it gets a vaccination shot, and so MomasPets.

Although vaccines are not for sale, our range of natural health and wellness related products can provide help with aches and boost immunity.

How MomasPets Helps with After-Vaccine Care

These product categories naturally align with after-vaccine care, allowing pet parents to find safe, everyday solutions without medical intervention.

Home Care & Recovery Tips for Pet Parents

• Calm in Quarters: Keep her calm — no long walks or play for a day or two.
• Hydration: Have plenty of water on hand, particularly if your pet appears to be a little warm.
• Soft Meals: Provide soft or tender foods to increase willingness to eat.
• Quarantine: Do not allow your pet to associate with other dogs until the barking and sneezing have ceased.

Pair with MomasPets wellness products to boost immunity and comfort.

FAQs About the Bordetella Vaccine in Dogs

1. What are the side effects of the Bordetella vaccine in dogs?

Low-grade fatigue, low-grade fever, sniffling, and Runny nose that resolve within 1 to 2 days

2. How long do side effects last?
   Systemic effects are lasting for 1 or 2 days; mild coughing or sneezing may continue up to one week.
3. Can dogs get sick after the Bordetella vaccine?
   This is uncommon, but mild cold-like symptoms can occur during the body mount an immune response.
4. Should I worry if my dog seems tired after vaccination?
   No. All you need is to rest and hydrate. If tiredness lasts for longer than a couple of days though, make a visit to your vet.

Final Thoughts

The Bordetella vaccine is important to protect your dog against kennel cough.

The side effects are mostly mild and temporary — paled in comparison to the long-term infection the vaccine prevents.

Bring home the perfect natural supplements, health care products, and even perfect bed accessories to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery for your fur child from MomasPets — a business operated by loving pet parents like yourself! com.

Because your pet deserves gentle, holistic care before, during, and after every vaccination.

1. Why Dogs Limp or Feel Sore After a Vaccine

If your pup comes home from the vet and suddenly favors one leg, take a breath.
That little limp is something most pet parents notice once in a while. It’s similar to how our own arm aches after a shot — normal, mild, and short-lived.

Vaccines are usually given in a thigh or shoulder muscle, and that small needle poke can leave the muscle a bit tight for a day or two.

Main Causes of Post-Vaccine Soreness

Vet Tip: When you get home, note which leg was used. That small record can help your vet rotate injection spots in future visits.

2. Normal vs. Concerning Vaccine Reactions

A bit of limping is expected, but knowing when to pick up the phone makes all the difference.

Mild, Manageable Reactions

• A slight limp or tenderness that fades within two days.
• Extra naps or lower energy for 12–24 hours.
• Skipping a meal but still drinking water.
• A small, firm lump that isn’t hot or red.

   

Call Your Vet If You Notice:

Most clinics say they’d rather you call early than wait and worry later.

3. Simple At-Home Remedies That Really Help

Step 1 – Warm Compress

Soak a soft cloth in comfortably warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and rest it on the sore spot for about ten minutes.
Repeat twice a day during the first 48 hours.
It eases stiffness and speeds healing.

Step 2 – Rest, But Don’t Over-Restrict

Let your dog rest but not stagnate. No stairs or running; just calm walks on a short leash for five minutes here and there.
Soft bedding helps more than you’d think.

Step 3 – Hydration and Gentle Meals

After a vet visit, many dogs just don’t feel like eating. That’s okay.
Try tempting them with a drizzle of warm, unsalted bone broth or a few bites of boiled chicken and rice.
They usually perk up once the soreness eases.

Step 4 – Medication (Only If Your Vet Approves)

If your vet feels it’s needed, they might prescribe:

• Carprofen (Rimadyl) or Meloxicam — safe anti-inflammatories for dogs

   

• Antihistamines — for minor swelling or itching

   

Never give human painkillers.
Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Paracetamol can cause life-threatening poisoning.

Looking for trusted vet-recommended items?
Browse Apoquel 16 mg Tablets and other recovery products at Momas Pets — always use prescription meds only under veterinary supervision.

4. How to Track Recovery Like a Pro

Keeping small notes helps if your vet asks how things progressed.

If the limp worsens or new swelling appears after the second day, call your vet. Better safe than sorry.

5. Making the Next Vaccine Easier

Small changes now can save future discomfort:

• Space out multiple vaccines if possible.
• Rotate injection legs each visit.
• Bring treats to distract your dog at the clinic.
• Keep them hydrated 24 hours before the appointment.
• Book the visit when you can stay home afterward.

Little details like these can turn a stressful day into a calm one.

6. FAQs for Pet Parents

Q1. How long does the pain last?
Usually a day or two. Larger or older dogs might take a little longer.

Q2. Warm or cold compress?
Warm every time. Cold slows healing.

Q3. Can I walk my dog afterward?
Short, gentle walks are fine. Skip rough play for a couple of days.

Q4. Is a lump under the skin normal?
Yes, if it’s small and not painful. It should shrink within a week or two.

Q5. My dog is itchy after the shot — what now?
Call your vet. Mild hives may need an antihistamine or a prescription like Apoquel 16 mg.