A local veterinarian is urging dog owners to vaccinate their pets as Connecticut deals with cases of canine influenza.

Dr. Jessica Melman says there have been 12 confirmed cases of the illness in the state so far this year, and that's enough to trigger a public warning.

She says signs of dog flu include coughing, sneezing, decreased appetite and fever.

She warns that severe cases can be fatal.

"If you have a dog that is social and is around other dogs and goes to the dog park and gets groomed, especially goes to daycare or is boarded, I would absolutely recommend the vaccine. The vaccine is the best way to protect your dogs against the canine flu," she says.

Connecticut is currently dealing with the H3-N8 strain of the virus.