Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, commonly called kennel cough, causes significant discomfort and welfare impacts in dogs in group settings.
Kennel cough causes uncomfortable persistent coughing that disrupts sleep, feeding and normal activity in affected dogs. The cough is sometimes violent enough to cause retching and is distressing for both dogs and owners. In vulnerable animals, respiratory complications can progress to pneumonia requiring hospitalisation. Dogs in boarding kennels experiencing outbreaks may be stressed both by illness and by unfamiliar environments. Vaccination significantly reduces severity even when it does not fully prevent infection, making it an important welfare intervention for any dog with social exposure.