Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) spreads readily in group dog settings. Managing its welfare impact requires good biosecurity and informed owner decision-making.
Kennel cough causes genuine discomfort — the persistent hacking cough is distressing, often described by vets as resembling a human's worst cough. Affected dogs may lose appetite, become lethargic, and appear miserable for the duration of the illness. The welfare concern is amplified in dogs who develop secondary pneumonia, who must contend with systemic illness and breathing difficulty. Group dog care facilities have a welfare responsibility to maintain good biosecurity, require vaccination evidence, and isolate symptomatic dogs promptly. Dogs with compromised immune systems or respiratory histories deserve particular protection through careful facility selection and vaccination.