PetSmart confirmed two cases of the highly contagious canine flu at their Easton location.

COLUMBUS -- Two confirmed cases of canine influenza in East Columbus has local veterinarians worried about a possible outbreak of the virus.

"It's something we need to take pretty serious," said Dr. Aaron Buck, veterinarian at Health Pets of Lewis Center.

PetSmart officials say they saw multiple cases of respiratory illness at their Easton location starting Oct. 10. The company confirmed two cases of canine influenza, which is highly contagious for dogs. One case was confirmed Oct. 10, the other on Oct. 13.

PetSmart released a statement regarding the matter

“We immediately implemented a protocol to help keep pets safe and healthy that included: a stop on new reservations for the PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp; implementation of a rigorous disinfecting process throughout the store; and outreach to all pet parents with pets that may have been exposed."

The company began accepting pets into their PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp again on Oct. 14. Since then, PetSmart has not reported any new signs of illness.

Dr. Buck says it is best to keep an eye out for influenza symptoms in your pet.

"Some animals can have a mild form of influenza -- a hacking cough, some animals will have nasal discharge. And some animals can show up with a more severe form of influenza which is what we worry about," he said.

There is a 1-5 day incubation period for the virus. Then it takes another 2 to 3 days before symptoms show.

"The animals most affected are the very young and the very old animals with weakened immune systems," Dr. Buck said.

Canine influenza is so contagious that Healthy Pets of Lewis Center has a sign on the door stopping coughing dogs from going inside. Instead, veterinarians will take those appointments in the parking lot.

"We don't want to bring the animal into our facility to have there be exposure to our other animals who are here boarding or that are also here in our hospital being treated," he said.