PHOENIX -- Is your pet at risk for the flu?
Yes, there is a dog flu, but it's rare. Specifically, the canine influenza is known as H3N8.
Dr. Brian Serbin of the Ingleside Animal Hospital in Phoenix says he's never treated a case in the 15 years he's been a veterinarian.
Serbin said he heard of one case recently. It affected a racing greyhound in the Tucson area.
"If it were such an impending threat I think we'd see a lot more sick dogs," Serbin said.
He is not recommending his clients have their dogs vaccinated.
At a Tempe dog park, some dog owners are aware there is a flu that affects dogs, but there's no rush to get the vaccine.
"I'd be more concerned if I heard about it locally. As it is, I take my dog's health pretty seriously," said pet owner Yuliya Babayan. "If my dog got sick it would be like my child getting sick. It would be terrible."
There have been a handful of canine influenza cases nationwide. The disease is so rare in dogs in Arizona that neither the Arizona Department of Agriculture, nor the Arizona State Veterinarian tracks these types of cases.
Serbin says the bigger health threat for dogs continues to be Parvo. He says all dogs should be vaccinated for it.
