First Appointment at the Groomer

The only shot that is not routine for a Maltese is Lepto, often hidden in the form of DHLPP combination shots. Absolutely refuse Lepto unless your dog is an outside dog.

Bordetella is a common shot given and I don't know any vet that would say so otherwise. It is given to give your dog protection against "kennel cough" in active pet places such as a pet store or a grooming salon.

"Bordetella is the most common cause of tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs. It is a bacterial illness that is most common among dogs that congregate at things like shows, kennels or other places frequented by large numbers of dogs at once. It does not appear that this bacterin gives a full year of immunity in many instances. For dogs that are often exposed to situations in which the infection is likely probably should be vaccinated twice a year. There are intra-nasal as well as subcutaneous bacterins available for this disease. The intra-nasal bacterin confers immunity more quickly but the injectable version may last longer"

I would also wait until the puppy shots are finished before going to the groomer, just to be safe, you never know what your puppy could run into out there. The Bortella is a routine thing, both mine get it.

Bordatella (Kennel Cough) or Tracheobronchitis, is not a routine shot (or nasal drip). It is recommended if your dog is boarded or is being shown. That's why your vet said they give it only if you request it. It isn't one disease, it's a lot of different viruses, like cold viruses. The shot doesn't last very long and like the human flu shot, doesn't cover all the "kennel cough" viruses. Vaccination may not prevent Kennel Cough, but would more than likely reduce the symptoms. Kennel Cough isn't dangerous like the new "dog flu". It only causes a hacking cough but the dog usually feels just fine. It is very contagious and easily spread in a kennel situation. Here is a quote from peteducation.com:

"More commonly, for best protection, an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza and Bordetella is used. Intranasal vaccines create localized immunity that greatly reduces the incidence of clinical signs and illness. There are several precautions and warnings that need to be observed pertaining to this vaccine. Some dogs will develop mild signs similar to tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) when given this vaccine. Very often, the symptoms will last for several days and the dog will recover without treatment. Dogs that are vaccinated can also shed the virus and cause other dogs to become mildly infected and show mild signs. This shedding usually lasts less than 72 hours. In addition, it takes up to 4 days after vaccination for dogs to develop protection. When you combine these facts, you will see why I strongly recommend that a dog not be given intranasal vaccine within 72 hours of coming into contact with other susceptible dogs. Do not give the vaccine the day before a dog show, boarding, etc. Try to give at least four days before contact with other dogs, and preferably 7 days. This way you will protect your dog from becoming infected by other dogs, and protect those dogs from becoming infected by yours.

This vaccine is not without its problems. It is a very effective vaccine, but it must be used carefully and is generally only recommended for dogs that are at high risk. If your dog is not shown, boarded, or comes into contact with stray dogs, your dog is considered low risk."

Originally posted by Frosty's Mom@Nov 17 2005, 04:56 PM
Bordatella (Kennel Cough) or Tracheobronchitis, is not a routine  shot (or nasal drip). It is recommended if your dog is boarded or is being shown.  That's why your vet said they give it only if you request it.  It isn't one disease, it's a lot of different viruses, like cold viruses. The shot doesn't last very long and like the human flu shot, doesn't cover all the "kennel cough" viruses. Vaccination may not prevent Kennel Cough, but would more than likely reduce the symptoms.  Kennel Cough isn't dangerous like the new "dog flu". It only causes a hacking cough but the dog usually feels just fine. It is very contagious and easily spread in a kennel situation. Here is a quote from peteducation.com:

"More commonly, for best protection, an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza and Bordetella is used. Intranasal vaccines create localized immunity that greatly reduces the incidence of clinical signs and illness. There are several precautions and warnings that need to be observed pertaining to this vaccine. Some dogs will develop mild signs similar to tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) when given this vaccine. Very often, the symptoms will last for several days and the dog will recover without treatment. Dogs that are vaccinated can also shed the virus and cause other dogs to become mildly infected and show mild signs. This shedding usually lasts less than 72 hours. In addition, it takes up to 4 days after vaccination for dogs to develop protection. When you combine these facts, you will see why I strongly recommend that a dog not be given intranasal vaccine within 72 hours of coming into contact with other susceptible dogs. Do not give the vaccine the day before a dog show, boarding, etc. Try to give at least four days before contact with other dogs, and preferably 7 days. This way you will protect your dog from becoming infected by other dogs, and protect those dogs from becoming infected by yours.

This vaccine is not without its problems. It is a very effective vaccine, but it must be used carefully and is generally only recommended for dogs that are at high risk. If your dog is not shown, boarded, or comes into contact with stray dogs, your dog is considered low risk."
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That was the most accurate post in the thread! We do not get the vaccine. Bella is at home with me and does not come in contact with any other dogs. Her only exposure is two hours once a month at the groomers, but my groomer takes her from me and works on her immediately and we are out the door two hours later. Sometimes there are two other dogs in the building. I know it is a risk but the shot given for kennel cough does not cover all virus' anyway. :new_Eyecrazy: Sometime we are darned if we do and darned if we don't.

~carole and bella~

Chulita is home for the most part. Not really in contact with other dogs....more so because it's getting cold out, I get home from work and have to start dinner right away. There are not many walks for her during the week. On the weekends I do take her out a few times a day to this spot in the apartment complex where I live...it's a huge piece of grass and there are no other dogs.

But I may have to consider this shot closer to the spring time when I will have her out ALOT more after work and will start taking her to the park. She has gone to the groomer once already.

One concern I have coming up is going to my best friends house for Thanksgiving Day next week. She has a BIG OL Rottwiler and just got a puppy BullMastiff who has gotten some shots. I WILL NOT leave Chulita home all day alone on Thanksgiving Day and I DO plan on bringing her with us. I already spoke to my best friend and she said no problem her Rottwiler will be outside once company arrives and she would keep her Puppy BullMastiff in his crate while we are there with Chulita Now do you think...even though BOTH dogs will be kept away she will be safe sniffing around on the floor and stuff. She can't catch anything from them that way??? CAN SHE?? ( I know it sounds like a dumb question) but again...I'm only a puppy owner for just 2 months now. It's good to know for this trip coming up and the future. Needless to say I'm sure me being Paranoid....LOL I will be holding on to Chulita for most of my visit. Which I'm SURE she won't mind. :lol: