Austin, TX (CBS) - A warning about a spike in flu cases but not for people. Vets are seeing a spike in cases of the canine flu.
Since September, there have been 30 confirmed cases of canine influenza "A" in San Antonio and another 70 cases are suspected. This flu is also known as H3N8.
Veterinarians say they don't want dog owners to panic, but they want them to be aware that can strike quickly.
According the Center for Disease Control the canine influenza virus can be spread by direct contact with infected dogs and by contact with contaminated objects. The canines with an increased risk are those who frequent dog daycares, parks and boarding facilities.
Susan Wagi, who's been a vet for more almost 20 years, says the influenza is an upper respiratory infection and parks, doggy daycares and boarding facilities can expose your pet to dogs that have the infection. She says, "Just like daycare centers for children were kids get upper respiratory infections frequently."
The symptoms of illness in dogs are cough, runny nose and fever, though some dogs may not show any signs at all. Severe illness can cause pneumonia which may lead to death. There is no cure for the h3n8 virus, but a vaccine has been approved to treat the virus.
Nicole Ortiz and her dog Timmy frequent outdoor parks. She says, "I like for my dog to socialize get along with other dogs because he's stuck in the apartment all day."
Nicole says she makes sure her dog is in good health and takes him to the vet as soon as she sees any signs that he may be sick. She says, "He has pet insurance so he's always getting vaccines and if anything's wrong so he's' taken care of."
And that what vets recommend, regular checkups. The best way to prevent the virus is through vaccination.
The virus cannot infect humans and cannot jump to cats or other species. There are tests your vet can do to make sure that if you dog is infected, they can be treated properly.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 38 states including Texas, have reported cases of the dog flu. The first case was recorded back in 2004 in Florida.