My puppy got bordetella vaccine SQ instead of intranasal. Is she okay?
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Injection of a vaccine that is supposed to be given intranasally can produce local skin irritation and inflammation. I suspect Sunshine may develop a small lump at the injection site, that should disappear within a few days.
I don't think there will be any more serious harm to your puppy, however I could not find any clinical report detailing reaction to subcutaneous administration of this vaccine.
Please, keep an eye on Sunshine at home for the next 12-24hrs. If she starts showing any worrying symptoms (panting, breathing problems, lethargy, weakness, facial swelling) take her to your local vets right away.
Obviously, the vaccine will not produce any immunity against kennel cough and it should be repeated in 7-10 days
Updated on September 23rd, 2025