Local veterinarians are urging dog owners to get their pets vaccinated for the dog flu as the number of cases in Florida has increased to more than 20.

Veterinarians suggest getting your dog vaccinated, especially if you go to dog parks, attend dog shows and live in apartment complexes. Any area where there is a high number of dogs increases the animals' chances of getting the dog flu.

The cost of the dog flu vaccination varies depending on your vet. The vaccine is actually two shots -- the initial, and then a booster shot a couple weeks later. When you factor in the cost of the vet visits, it can cost upwards of $100, depending on the veterinarian.

Melissa Lohsen, who works at the Newman Veterinary Centers of DeLand, said the dog flu started spreading from animals at a dog show in Georgia, who then came to a dog show in DeLand.

At the DeLand Animal Hospital, they have seen a few suspected cases of the flu.

Lohsen is urging owners to get their dogs vaccinated because in some cases the dog flu can be deadly.

"Sneezing, fever, lethargy, same symptoms we would have getting the flu, but it's not generally fatal. In severe cases, they can get pneumonia. They had a few fatal cases at the University of Florida, but now we have this vaccine available we can protect," said Lohsen.

Vets also suggest bringing the dog in to see if he or she is at risk of getting the flu.