Updated: Nov 22, 2011 03:31 PM
By ELLEN YAN
from Newsday
A canine flu outbreak has been confirmed at PetSmart’s Farmingdale dog day-camp and boarding, the pet supplies chain said Monday.
Eight dogs have been diagnosed with the latest strain of the highly contagious disease, and they are recovering, with PetSmart paying for treatment, said corporate spokeswoman Michelle Friedman.
In the past month or two, veterinarians have reported outbreaks in the New York metro area, including a Rockland County kennel and an animal shelter in Teterboro, N.J.
The flu, spread by contact and cough, is usually not fatal but can be serious for dogs with breathing and respiratory issues. The symptoms are similar to the human flu — cough, runny nose, fever and lethargy — but experts said life threatening symptoms can develop, including pneumonia. Dogs more likely to catch the virus are those exposed to other canines gathered in close quarters, such as dog parks and boarding facilities. Continue reading Canine flu outbreak at Farmingdale PetSmart