As the dog flu continues to spread, dog parents need to be extra careful with their pets. 

The dog flu (H3N8) is a respiratory virus that gets passed along through canines. Like humans, if your dog has the flu they will typically show telltale symptoms such as a cough, runny nose and fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

While the CDC says it's uncommon for dogs to die from dog flu, a new strain is circulating this year that is being held accountable for 1,000 cases and six dog deaths in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana, reported Live Science. 

To keep your pups from contracting the flu, they should avoid nose-to-nose contact, reported Live Science. This behavior happens most often at doggy day care centers, veterinary clinics and dog parks. 

As a result of the increased risks, some areas are warning residents to keep their pups away from dog parks all together. 

The Dog Park Association in Lafayette, Ind., cancelled Saturday's free play day because there was more than 12 reported dog flu cases in northwest Indiana in the past week, reported FOX 59. 

The biggest thing for dog parents to remember is that prevention is the best way to avoid your fur baby from contracting the virus because it's highly contagious and most dogs in the U.S. aren't vaccinated for it, reported WedMD.

Vaccines are available at your local veterinarian's office.