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

This study evaluated the physical welfare of 118 dogs in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, focusing on foot health, body cleanliness, kennel cleanliness, and dental and ear health. The findings indicated that most foot health issues were minor, and the flooring types used were not inherently harmful. Both dogs and kennels were generally clean, suggesting effective management practices. However, fecal contamination varied, indicating differences in cleaning efficacy. Smaller dogs showed more periodontal disease, while long-haired breeds had more ear debris and hair. The study recommended further research on management impacts and flooring substrates across different locations and larger sample sizes.