"Dog flu" worries in Florida

First it was swine flu. Now you can add "dog flu" to the list of illnesses you need to think about. But "dog flu" does not affect people. Its real name is H3N8 or "CIV" (Canine Influenza Virus). CIV is a new illness that was first discovered about three years ago. Veterinarians say it is a mutated form of Equine Influenza ("Horse Flu").

CIV is thought to be mild in most cases with a mortality rate from 1-5%. It has already been identified in 30 different states including Florida. But the few cases here were in greyhounds found in kennels.

Vets warn it can be tough to identify because its symptoms mimic other canine illnesses like kennel cough. Altamonte Springs veterinarian Dr. Roger Hart says the symptoms can include: runny nose, weepy eyes, cough, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

Right now there is not a known outbreak in Central Florida. But Dr. Hart recommends people vaccinate their dogs in case the bug begins to spread.

"Will there be a huge outbreak of it at some point? That I don't know. But there definitely could be."

The shots cost anywhere from $10 - $25 depending on your veterinarian.