ABSTRACT
Definition/overview Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is the descriptive term that replaces ‘kennel cough’ in the veterinary literature. Previous descriptive terms include canine cough, canine croup, and infectious tracheobronchitis. Nonetheless, each of these terms refers to a contagious, acute-onset, upper respiratory tract infection characteristically manifesting as cough. Occasionally, lower respiratory disease (bronchopneumonia) will result and may become life-threatening, particularly in young dogs. CIRD can occur in dogs of any age; risk is particularly high among co-housed dogs (e.g. boarding kennels, day care facilities, dog parks).
