BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBS12) — Experts are warning pet owners about a mysterious illness that was first detected among dogs a few months ago but is now spreading to a number of states across the U.S.

Cases have already been confirmed in several states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Boaz Man of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital says he and his staff have been monitoring the situation closely.

“It’s a respiratory disease that we don’t really understand,” said Man. The concerns are that they have been isolated in places in the Northeast and we have a lot of pet parents that come to Florida.”

As people travel all over the country for the holiday season and bring their furry friends with them on planes, vets say it is important to make sure your pups are up to date on their vaccines.

Symptoms initially present with a cough, and nasal and eye discharge.

“We expect them normally to respond to treatment but when we see certain conditions that don’t respond we get concerned,” said Man.

Dr. Boaz Man of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital says he and his staff have been monitoring the situation closely. (WPEC).

Right now, experts say the normal treatment has not been working for this unnamed illness.

The illness is transmitted from dog to dog, so experts say it is best to keep your dogs out of dog parts and away from other dogs as best as you can.