Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is a highly contagious respiratory syndrome that spreads rapidly in kennels, dog parks, and groomers, causing significant respiratory distress in affected dogs.
Kennel cough causes genuine welfare suffering through the distress of persistent harsh coughing that can interrupt sleep and feeding, sore throat, and general malaise. Secondary bacterial infection leading to pneumonia in vulnerable dogs causes serious welfare harm requiring intensive treatment. The social cost of kennel cough — requiring isolation of affected dogs for 2-3 weeks — disrupts socialisation and adds stress of confinement. Preventive vaccination before entry into group dog settings is the primary welfare intervention. Boarding kennels and doggy daycare facilities that require up-to-date kennel cough vaccination create positive incentive structures that reduce transmission and protect the welfare of all dogs in their care.