Overview: Welfare assessment for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs, a highly contagious respiratory illness.
Key Welfare Facts
Kennel cough causes a harsh hacking cough that can persist for weeks, causing significant discomfort.
Bordetella bronchiseptica combined with viral pathogens creates the typical multi-pathogen syndrome.
Affected dogs produce a distinctive honking cough often followed by retching that is distressing to witness.
Most healthy dogs recover with supportive care including humidification, rest, and avoiding exercise.
Antibiotics are indicated for dogs with systemic illness, secondary pneumonia, or immunocompromised status.
Vaccination with intranasal or injection vaccines reduces severity and provides protection against key pathogens.
Welfare Assessment
Kennel cough causes significant welfare compromise through persistent coughing, especially in puppies and older dogs. Vaccination of dogs that will be boarding, socialising, or attending shows provides the most effective welfare protection.
What You Can Do
Vaccinate dogs attending boarding, training, or dog shows with Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines
Provide humidification and rest for affected dogs to reduce cough severity and discomfort
Seek veterinary assessment for dogs showing systemic illness or symptoms lasting over 2 weeks
Isolate affected dogs from other dogs until coughing has resolved completely