New formulation for kennel cough vaccine is available

A 0.5 mL dose of an intranasal Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine (Vanguard B; Zoetis) is now available on the veterinary market for prevention of kennel cough in dogs. The new formulation was approved by the USDA in 2024 and provides a smaller size dose and with single nostril administration.¹

Photo: Félix Andrés/Adobe Stock

The new formulation is indicated for dogs as early as 3 weeks of age, and offers another way to provide protection against kennel cough. “Zoetis remains committed to advancing animal health through innovation, and the availability of the smaller 0.5 mL dose vaccine reflects our dedication to providing early, effective, science-backed solutions that benefit both pets and their owners,” Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, vice president, head of veterinary professional services and medical affairs, independent petcare at Zoetis said in a news release.¹

According to Zoetis, most dogs infected with B bronchiseptica are contagious prior to symptoms showing, which can lead to outbreaks, and the disease is spread year-round. Signs of B bronchiseptica in dogs include sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge and a harsh or honking cough.^1,2 Infection incubation is 3 to 10 days. However, an infected dog can shed bacteria for 3 to 4 months after recovery.²

The disease can also spread to humans when infected aerosol droplets are inhaled. Veterinary practitioners and pet owners can protect themselves against disease transmission while working with dogs by wearing gloves, shoe covers and long sleeved shirts; by washing hands thoroughly after handing a sick canine, sanitizing work surfaces and using disposable supplies.²

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends basing vaccination for B bronchiseptica in dogs on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.³ Dogs that frequently go to parks, a groomer or boarding facilities as well as those living in shelters are at higher risk of infection, for example.^1,3

“Protecting our pets’ health starts with preventative care, and vaccination is an effective way to safeguard your dog from a preventable illness like kennel cough,” Bidgood said in the release.¹

The AAHA recommends veterinary teams taking with clients about vaccines and why they are important for a dog’s health. If the need to vaccinate for B bronchiseptica is unknown, the AAHA suggests practitioners consider that the benefits outweigh the risks, in most cases and “when in doubt, vaccinate.”³

References

1. Zoetis introduces new formulation of Vanguard B intranasal vaccine to ensure enhanced protection against Bordetella Bronchiseptica. News release. Zoetis. March 21, 2025. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://www.zoetisus.com/news-and-media/zoetis-introduces-new-formulation-of-vanguard-b-intranasal-vaccine/#:~:text=Vanguard%C2%AE%20B%20Intranasal%20is,commonly%20known%20as%20kennel%20cough
2. Bordetella. Texas A&M University, Kingsville. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://www.tamuk.edu/finance/risk/animal-safety/bordetella.html
3. 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines: Guideline at-a-Glance. www.aaha.org. Published 2022. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/