Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is highly contagious and distressing for affected dogs. Vaccination, appropriate isolation, and welfare-positive management reduce its impact in multi-dog environments.
Kennel cough causes significant distress from persistent coughing that interferes with sleep, eating, and normal activity. Severely affected dogs produce paroxysmal coughing fits that exhaust them and may trigger retching. The welfare management of kennel cough involves appropriate isolation to prevent transmission, rest to reduce coughing triggers, and supportive care. Anti-tussives may reduce cough frequency and distress in severe cases. Antibiotics are indicated only when secondary bacterial infection is suspected. The welfare case for vaccination is strong: preventing or attenuating kennel cough in social dogs (those attending boarding, dog parks, or classes) significantly reduces episodes of respiratory distress. Environments hosting multiple dogs should require vaccination as a condition of entry.