MADISON, Wis. -- While many have heard about the potential risks of the H1N1 flu virus, many are just learning about the H3N8 virus.

This is the influenza virus that affects dogs. While the virus isn't yet in Wisconsin, experts said it's only a matter of time before it will make an appearance.

When Mike Salyer picked his dog up from the kennel, he said he noticed Baxter wasn't his usual self.

"Very active, rambunctious, he's 11-months old so very inquisitive to everything and he really wasn't moving off his bed," he said.

This is why Salyer said he brought his English Mastiff to the veterinarian. He said he was wondering if Baxter came down with an illness that's now common in humans this time of year.

"Sneezing, coughing, not very active his diet … his appetite was way down," said Salyer. "He kind of has the symptoms of maybe -- not with the vomiting -- but the symptoms of the flu."

University of Wisconsin-Madison veterinarian Dr. Sandi Sawchuk said canine influenza, or H3N8, is neither new, nor did it originate in swine. The H1N1 virus is sometimes called the swine flu.

"Influenza in dogs for the most part is going to be a mild disease," said Sawchuk. "It was a horse virus, but it jumped species and we know that if first occurred back in 2004 and 2005.".

Sawchuk said while respiratory infections are common this time of the year, there are symptoms that set H3N8 apart in dogs.

"They usually have nasal discharge, just like us having when we have the flu. We'll get a runny nose. A fairly high fever as well as coughing," she said.

However, she cautioned against becoming too concerned about the ailment.

"This is not something that we need to be afraid of that we are going to get influenza from our dog," said Sawchuk. "The (U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) is monitoring these cases very carefully to make sure that this is not going to be a virus that jumps from dogs to humans and at this point there appears to be no risk at all to human beings."

Unlike the H1N1 vaccine, there is plenty of H3N8 vaccines available, health officials said. But because there are no confirmed cases in Wisconsin and outbreaks are only prevalent in Florida, Denver and coastal cities in the South, not ever dog needs a vaccination.

"If owners are traveling with their pets, especially over the holiday season to some of the Southern states, they may want to consider having their pet vaccinated, especially if they are going to be around other dogs," said Sawchuk.

Salyer said that at the very least, the experience has been an education.

"Never knew dogs could get the flu," said Salyer.

While Salyer's dog Baxter doesn't have the flu, the animal is definitely under the weather and needs a little rest and maybe some treats.

The H3N8 vaccine averages about $30. It's two doses that are taken two weeks apart and it takes two weeks after the second vaccine for a dog to be immune.

Shawchuk advises that dog owners call their veterinarian at least one month before traveling to schedule a vaccination. She said if a dog is vaccinated for "kennel cough," that's a separate vaccine.

Older dogs with underlying health problems that start showing the symptoms of the flu, such as runny nose, high fever and coughing, could have H3N8, which can lead to pneumonia and even death.

For More Info:

U.S. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention's H3N8 Page