Associations of kennel management practices with morbidity and mortality of adult dogs in Kenya

Abstract

Kennels provide dogs for security and for companionship; however, management errors can lead to increased susceptibility to infections hence an increase in morbidity and mortality within the populations. A cross-sectional study of 35 kennels was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya to determine the effect management practices have on the occurrence of diseases in kenneled adult dog populations. The management practices examined were hygiene, type of housing, type of beddings, provision of heat, food types, provision of veterinary services, deworming practices, ectoparasite control methods, quarantine and euthanasia protocols and methods for diagnosis of diseases. Food types (P=0.006) and ectoparasite control methods (P=0.008) were found to be the strongest independent management factors for morbidity and mortality of the kenneled adult dog population respectively. These management risk factors should be considered by kennel owners when developing disease management programs for their dogs to easily alleviate avoidable morbidities and mortalities.