Veterinarians in other parts of the country have reported outbreaks of canine influenza, including an April case in Chicago involving over 1,000 dogs. Local veterinarians in Selma haven’t seen any cases, but want pet owners to be aware of potential outbreaks.

Just like influenza found within humans, there is no specific time of the year dogs can be affected by the flu, said Dr. Frances Kendrick of Valley Creek Veterinary Hospital.

“We don’t see a lot of influenza in dogs in Selma, but it does exist,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a contagious respiratory disease brought on by type A influenza viruses known to attack dogs. Two types of the flu have been identified: H3N8 and H3N2.

Daycares, kennels and other areas where dogs can come into close contact with other dogs can be a breeding ground for illness, Kendrick said. She recommends pet owners get their dogs vaccinated.

“As long as animals are vaccinated for distemper, a respiratory illness, and for kennel cough [they might be safe],” she said. “Those are the ones we see the most.”

Dogs who aren’t ill from the flu can actually carry it, Kendrick said.

“You can have a dog that’s not even sick be a carrier of the flu before it develops clinical signs,” she said. “It’s very good to make sure your pets are vaccinated.”

Pet owners should be aware of the symptoms of the flu because they resemble the same symptoms found in viruses linked to human influenza, said Dr. George Wood of the Selma Animal Hospital.

“The influenza can be anywhere from mild to severe,” he said. “If you have a coughing dog and its temperature is rising, and there’s difficulty breathing they should be looked at by their veterinarian.”

He said there is a vaccine for the H3N8 strain, but the outbreak in April was the H3N2 form. He said any shifts in the strain might make it difficult for vaccines to be produced.