A study evaluated whether behavior at intake can predict occurrence and progression of upper respiratory disease in dogs at animal shelters. Eighty-four dogs were assessed throughout their stay at an animal shelter. The dogs were subjected to a behavioral assessment, 1 min in-kennel behavioral observations across two observation periods. Urine cortisol:creatinine (C:C) ratio was also evaluated. The occurrence and progression of upper respiratory disease was monitored through repeated clinical exams.

The study showed that sociability and curiosity scores were associated with increased illness. However, activity and anxiety scores were not associated with illness. Urinary cortisol levels did not predict subsequent illness.

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Behavioral predictors of subsequent respiratory illness signs in dogs admitted to an animal shelter.