The Effect of Transportation on Puppy Welfare from Commercial Breeding Kennels to a Distributor

Abstract

Many puppies from commercial breeding kennels (CBKs) are transported by ground from their kennels of origin to a distributor. This experience may elicit fear and stress during a sensitive developmental period, which may in turn negatively impact the puppies’ short- and long-term welfare. This study aimed to measure short-term effects of transportation on puppy welfare metrics. Eight-week-old puppies (n = 383) from 12 CBKs were tested at their kennels (pre-trans) and ~48 h after arriving at a distributor (post-trans). At each location, puppies underwent an isolation test, a stranger-approach test, and a physical health assessment. Behavioral responses to testing were scored from videos. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and presence of intestinal parasites were also analyzed. Linear mixed-effects models identified decreased exploration (p < 0.001), and increased locomotion (p < 0.001) and escape attempts (p = 0.001) during the post-trans isolation test. Increased affiliative behavior (p < 0.001), FGM (p < 0.001) and sIgA (p = 0.014) were also observed post-trans. Findings support good physical health both pre- and post-trans, while behavioral and physiological changes suggest increased puppy distress post-trans. Higher post-transport affiliative behavior may indicate that puppies sought social support as a coping strategy after experiencing transport-related distress. Future studies should explore the efficacy of transportation-related interventions to mitigate puppy distress.

A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel

“…Another common situation that can elicit stress in dogs and results in negative emotional states, is car travel (19)(20)(21). Most dogs will experience traveling in a vehicle during their lifetime, the frequency of which is dependent upon the owners' lifestyle, demographic, and geographical distance to places such as parklands, veterinary clinics, and dog husbandry professionals (e.g., groomers, dog boarding facilities, dog daycare).…”

The Effect of Early Neurological Stimulation on Puppy Welfare in Commercial Breeding Kennels

“…These puppies comprised two cohorts, consisting of litters born within about one week of each other (Cohort 1, 5 litters; Cohort 2, 11 litters, average litter size = 4.7, and median = 4). At approximately 8 weeks old, puppies within each cohort were ground transported to a distributor at the same time to allow evaluation of their responses to this common stressor [2]. Puppies born by Cesarean section, or those who were cross-fostered, were excluded from the study population.…”

“…As part of the PuppyFIDO tool (adapted from the validated FIDO tool for adult dogs [38,39]), puppies' behavioral responses to stranger approach and physical health were assessed. During the latter, a visual assessment consistent with that described by Romaniuk et al [2] was performed where puppies were…”

“…As part of the PuppyFIDO tool (adapted from the validated FIDO tool for adult dogs [38,39]), puppies' behavioral responses to stranger approach and physical health were assessed. During the latter, a visual assessment consistent with that described by Romaniuk et al [2] was performed where puppies were given a body-condition score (BCS), using a 1-3 scale (1 = thin, 2 = normal, and 3 = obese). Furthermore, puppies' cleanliness was scored by using values denoting the percentage of the body covered in debris (0%, <25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, and >76%) [39].…”

“…Dogs and puppies in commercial breeding (CB) kennels may be exposed to many potentially stressful situations common to kennel environments, including high noise levels, limited human interaction, lack of environmental enrichment, and social isolation [1]. Puppies from CB kennels are likely to undergo additional stressors, including weaning and ground transportation to a distributor or pet store [2]. An animal's response to stress can vary in type and intensity according to their perception of the stressor, and on factors such as genetics, temperament, and previous experience [3].…”