Indiana Health Officials Suggest Flu Vaccinations For Dogs

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana State Board of Animal Health is urging residents to vaccinate their dogs following at least a dozen confirmed cases of dog flu in the state.

Spokeswoman Denise Derrer tells WANE-TV that there's not an official tally because veterinarians aren't required to report dog flu cases. But she says 12 cases have been voluntarily reported to the department, and most of them occurred in northwest Indiana.

The department recommends owners have their dogs vaccinated if the animal spends a lot of time around other dogs, especially if their pet is old, young or immunocompromised.

Dog flu symptoms are similar to those experienced by humans, including a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and fever.

Derrer says the state is continuing to investigate the possibility that the dog flu has mutated.