MCLEAN, Va. - Veterinarians are encouraging dog owners to get their dog the canine flu shot vaccine to help protect their pet from dog flu.

Linda Raehn was taking her dog Cookie in for a flu shot Thursday, but not for swine flu, for dog flu.

“We've had health problems with her before, and she goes to the dog park every Saturday, so she's around other dogs, and I trust my vet,” said Raehn.

McLean Animal Hospital requires dogs coming in for many services to be vaccinated for canine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory virus. It takes two shots and several weeks to be vaccinated, so owners planning to board their dogs over the holidays may need to act now.

“They should get two vaccines, again two weeks apart, and seven to 10 days after the second vaccine is administered. Then their pet should have adequate immunity,” said Senior Veterinarian Dr. Jack Sexton.

Canine influenza jumped from horses to dogs six years ago. It was so contagious; it's forced the temporary closures of some area shelters in recent months. Officials said that cats and people cannot get it.

“Dogs share everything, too, from toys to water bowls. But remember, this canine flu virus can last on some of these surfaces for up to 48 hours,” said Greta Kreuz.

Not all dogs need the shots, which can run $30-50 each.

“Belle's fairly cooped up with her leg injury and we're not planning to board her this season so she's going to be at home,” said dog owner Dan Bagley.

However, if your dog is out and about, veterinarians say, the vaccine might be worth it. Also, there are no reports of shortages of the vaccine.

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