Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Are Dogs Getting Sick From Second Ave. Subway Work?
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 8, 2012
Modified Feb 8, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 8, 2012
Modified Feb 8, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
For years, Upper East Side residents have wondered whether the ongoing Second Avenue Subway work is causing them health issues, and in particular respiratory problems. But while those concerns have mostly been brushed aside, UES residents are now truly concerned about the health of their furry best friends: "There has definitely been an increase in complaints," Veterinarian Dr. Paul Schwartz told DNAInfo.
Veterinarians and pet owners told DNAInfo that dogs in the area have been showing a host of symptoms, including coughing, runny noses, constant itching, skin conditions and psychological issues. Schwartz, who works at the Center for Veterinary Care at 236 E. 75th St., says he's seen a lot of dogs come in due to construction-related problems. "Because of the construction there is an increased stress on animals," he added.
Dr. Jonathan Leshanski from the At Home Veterinary Services recommends dog owners use air filters in their apartments and wipe down their dogs after walks so they don’t lick any dust residue from their fur. For certain pets, he's had to prescribe steroids for breathing issues, and antibiotics for troublesome sores and rashes. "He won’t even walk because he is itching so much," said Tammala Kruger about her six-year-old French bulldog King Bob. "It gets so bad I have to hold his paws," she said, adding that his rashes have gotten significantly worse in the last year.
One of the other major issues has been the noise from the construction: "As soon as the sirens go off, the whole building starts barking," said Noura Insolera, who lives near the construction hub at East 71st Street and Second Avenue with her 6-year-old Border terrier mix, Winnie. "She runs back and forth, scratches at the walls, tries to jump out the window." Veterinary behaviorist Dr. E'Lise Christensen Bell recommended white-noise machines or classical music to help soothe them. Perhaps a little more Sinatra would go a long way as well?
Tagged
2nd avenue subway
animals
dog
dogs
MTA
pets
second avenue subway
sick
subway
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Plainclothes ICE agent with long gun looked like mass shooter, Mayor Mamdani says
The mayor said his administration would review ICE and NYPD actions surrounding Thursday’s shooting.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 1:49 p.m. ET
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .