DENVER -- You’re probably thinking about flu shots for yourself and your family right now, but don’t forget Fido.

Colorado is considered a hot spot for the highly contagious Canine Influenza Virus, and if you’re planning to board your dogs over the holidays, some kennels are now requiring the flu vaccination.

Dog flu isn’t contagious for people, but it spreads like wildfire from dog to dog, especially in social environments, such as dog parks and doggie day cares.

In 2005, dog flu outbreaks forced several doggie day cares to close their doors until it was under control.

Now, some kennels, such as the Animal Lodge at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, are requiring dogs get the vaccine.

Other kennels, such as City Bark, are strongly recommending it and even offering flu-shot clinics.

”We wanted to make it nice and convenient and as inexpensive as possible for our customers,” said Nicole Delmoro, City Bark’s owner.

Veterinarians said the vaccine won’t prevent the virus, but it will reduce the length and severity of the symptoms.

”Some dogs may just have a runny nose may be coughing for a little, while where other dogs develop pneumonia and are hospitalized,” said Dr. Holly Knor, a veterinarian with VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital.

If you want to protect your pets over the holidays, though, Knor said you should vaccinate them soon – you have to wait two to four weeks between the first shot and the booster shot.