Deadly dog flu stokes fears of Hudson Valley pet owners

The Central Animal Hospital in Scarsdale says its phone have been ringing constantly from pet owners who are panicked about the deadly canine flu.
More than three dozen cases have been reported since April, mostly in Brooklyn. 
Officials say the common warning signs of canine flu include loss of appetite, lethargy and extreme coughing.

There have been no reported cases in Westchester, but veterinarians say some dogs in particular are at risk.

Dr. Michael Woltz says he's been counseling his clients with healthy puppies that their pets should be just fine.  He believes the dogs who are most in danger of getting the flu and needing a vaccine are the ones who have a lot of extended contact with other dogs.

“We seem to think the incidents are probably higher in dogs where there's a lot of boarding and grooming and doggy day care. Two dogs that pass each other in the park may not be at risk as far as we can tell,” he says.

Woltz says if a dog owner suspects their pet has fallen ill from the flu, they should be taken to the vet immediately because timing could mean the difference between life and death.