Possible bordetella?

Question
Hi there!

I have a 10 month old 50 pound border collie cross that I wanted to board for a week next month.

The place where I wanted to take him required a bordetella vaccine, and a trial visit before having him for that long.

I had him vaccinated on Friday, and the following Tuesday dropped him off for a night.  My situation:  for the last three days after picking him up from the borders he is coughing on and off during the day (Every four or five hours) and wakes us up at night by coughing as if he wantes to vomit.
He is eating and drinking normally, full of mischief as usual, has no discharge from eyes or nose, and there is nothing visable in the back of his throat (He's a stick and pinecone chaser).

Was the vaccine not allowed enough time to protect him from bordetella, or do you suppose it's something else?  Thanks!

Answer
It sounds like Kennel Cough.  The vaccine should be given about 2 weeks prior to boarding to allow the body to make antibodies against the disease.  Although, some dogs that are properly vaccinated will also become affected as stress can reduce the body's immune system response and be a factor.

You should take your dog to the vet for an examination and medication...cough suppressants at a minimum, but often times antibiotics are given as well because kennel cough can be viral and/or bacterial and in puppies can progess to more serious disease.