There is no treatment specifically for canine influenza.

Treatment of dogs with CIV infection includes providing adequate supportive care and prescribing antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection.

Treatment Approach

1. There is no treatment specifically for canine influenza. The focus of treatment is to provide supportive care while the infection runs its course.² Dogs with mild infection may not require any intervention. Use of antitussives is not supported by clinical evidence, and in fact, is contraindicated in dogs with a productive cough.
2. The presence of fever, productive cough, purulent nasal discharge, leukocytosis, and thoracic radiograph changes may indicate a secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics are indicated in these cases, and therapy should be guided by culture and sensitivity results.^2,4,8 A reference for proper procedures and accurate interpretation of susceptibility results should be used.^2,25
3. Antibiotics commonly used to treat Bordetella bronchiseptica (eg, doxycycline, amoxicillin, or enrofloxacin) are generally not as effective for treatment of secondary bacterial infection associated with CIV infection.⁸ Cephalosporins are a reasonable choice for treatment of secondary bacterial infections in dogs with milder disease; however, Bordetella is commonly resistant to cephalexin. Treatment with multiple antibiotics may be indicated. Reasonable choices for empiric treatment include a combination of broad spectrum agents such as a fluoroquinolone plus penicillin.
4. Dogs with more severe illness such as pneumonia usually require intravenous (IV) fluids. Supplemental oxygen and nebulization with coupage may also be very beneficial. Anecdotal reports indicate that a one-time injection of corticosteroids can be helpful.⁸ Despite aggressive therapy, severe pneumonia in dogs with canine influenza may lead to death; some dogs may become so ill, they meet the criteria for euthanasia.²