Dog flu cases on the rise in some U.S. regions this winter season

Veterinarians are advising dog owners to get their pups vaccinated against the canine influenza as cases have surged in several parts of the U.S. this winter. 

Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, and is different from the seasonal influenza viruses that spread annually among people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the vast majority of cases, it is not considered life-threatening, the CDC said. 

Some regions have seen a rise in cases this winter, including Philadelphia, North Texas and Minneapolis.