Regular flu season isn’t the only thing we need to pay attention to this year. ICYMI, canine influenza is on the rise across the US. Which means if your pup spends a lot of time around other dogs or has some time booked in the dog kennel for the holidays, you may want to reconsider your plans. Or consider getting them vaccinated ahead of time. To all the worried pet owners out there: Here's what you need to know about canine influenza — including what it is, where outbreaks are happening, the symptoms to look out for, treatment options, and more. Wait, can dogs get the flu? Yep. But it's not the same kind of flu us humans need to be worried about this winter. It's called canine influenza. You might also see it referred to as H3N8 or H3N2. The virus was first detected back in 2004. And while there are periodic breakouts, there's no predictable "dog flu season" like there is for humans. What is canine influenza, exactly? Similar to the flu you might be used to, canine influenza is a respiratory illness. It's also spread primarily through respiratory droplets between dogs (and, in rare cases, cats). For canines, that can mean through barking, coughing, sneezing, or surfaces like collars or leashes. It’s typically mild, and most dogs recover in two to three weeks. But for some dogs — like younger, older, and immunocompromised pups — it can become worse and develop into pneumonia. Which can be life-threatening. Can dog flu get humans sick? Some good news: The dog flu doesn’t currently spread to humans. Phew. Where are canine influenza outbreaks happening? It’s been spreading heavily in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and the Carolinas. But the dog flu can spread anywhere there are a lot of dogs in one place. Like dog shelters, kennels, groomers, and dog parks. What dog flu symptoms should I look out for? Not all pups will show dog flu symptoms when they have it. But keep an eye out for… Coughing Runny nose Eye discharge (think: pus or build up around their eyes) Fever Loss of appetite Fatigue Is there a canine influenza vaccine? There are flu vaccines for dogs (but none for cats). You can get one at your vet. It might be worth getting one for your pet if your dog… Socializes a lot (read: frequents the dog park, goes to daycare, or often hangs with friends’ and family members’ dogs) Has a visit to the groomer coming up Is going to be spending time in a kennel Is traveling with you over the holidays How much does the canine influenza vaccine cost? The exact cost may vary depending on where you live. But it can range from $30 to $65 for a canine influenza vaccine. My dog might have canine influenza. What should I do? Noticing that your pup has some dog flu symptoms? Call your vet first. They might have you bring your dog in a different entrance or examine your pet from the car to keep the virus from spreading. If they do test positive, you’ll most likely just need to take care of them at home. Meaning: a lot of rest, belly rubs, and limited exposure to other dogs. For three to four weeks, avoid the dog park or other places with dogs, and don’t let your pet share toys, bowls, or beds with other dogs or cats. Because the virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. If your vet thinks they have a bacterial infection like pneumonia, they may give your dog antibiotics. theSkimm Between the holidays and tripledemic, we're all dealing with a lot right now. And the dog flu probably wasn't on your 2022 bingo card. But there are ways you can protect your pet and keep them safe.