Evaluating the physical welfare of dogs in commercial breeding facilities in the United States

This study evaluated the physical welfare of 118 dogs in five commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, focusing on foot health, body and kennel cleanliness, and dental and ear health. The findings indicated that most foot health issues were minor, and there was no significant correlation between foot health problems and the duration dogs were housed at the facilities. Both dogs and kennels were generally clean, with low levels of fecal contamination. Periodontal disease was more common in smaller dogs, while long-haired breeds showed more ear debris and excess hair. The study concluded that flooring types were not inherently harmful to foot health, and effective management practices contributed to maintaining cleanliness and low health concerns. Future research was recommended to explore the impact of management practices on dog health and cleanliness in different locations and with larger sample sizes.