Nesconset Dog Park 'Clean And Safe,' Town Says

NESCONSET, NY — After multiple pet owners say their dogs developed illnesses after visiting the dog run of Charles P. Toner Park in Nesconset, the Town of Smithtown vouched for the park's safety standards after looking into the situation.

"[We] checked with local hospitals/Vets and can say with confidence that our dog park is clean and safe," the Town of Smithtown told Patch in a statement. "Additionally, our parks department works hourly to keep our park clean, emptying trash cans, cleaning and picking up after irresponsible dog parents (when they don't pick up [dog poop]), etc."

Some residents told News 12 that their dogs have contracted kennel cough or stomach bugs after visiting the park, which has led to pricey bills at the veterinarian. Other dog owners who have visited the park told News 12 that their canines have never gotten sick after going to the park.

Kennel cough is a "highly contagious" disease spread through airborne droplets from other dogs coughing or sneezing in close proximity, according to Calder Vets. Dogs catch kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or viruses into their respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the voice box and windpipe.

The kennel cough vaccine will not prevent the disease but it will lessen the symptoms and duration of it, according to the American Kennel Club. The disease can be spread by contact with objects that the infected dog has been around, such as food/water dishes, crates, bedding, and clothing, the club stated.

"We're told the puppy who was sick is not completely vaccinated," the Town of Smithtown stated. "This is a must for pet parents. Kennel cough is avoidable through vaccination. You should never bring a puppy to interact with other animals until they are fully vaccinated and cleared to socialize by a vet."