- It is important that the dog receive treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid spreading the disease. As soon as symptoms are apparent, you should bring the animal to the vet. The vet will take a blood sample in order to test for the presence of canine influenza. Once diagnosis is confirmed, a course of treatment will be recommended.
- Flu treatments for dogs will depend on the recommendation of your vet as well as the severity of the symptoms. If the animal has a serious cough, your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant. According to the Center for Disease Control, antibiotics will also likely be administered in order to prevent the infection from worsening, especially in the case of younger and older dogs with weak immune symptoms. Although antibiotics will not cure the flu, they are used to prevent any bacterial infections developing while the dog recovers.
- Flu treatment for dogs may have to be more aggressive if the animal becomes seriously ill from the virus. This may include the presence of a very high fever. Your vet may recommend checking the dog into an animal hospital in order to receive IV fluids as well as a course of antibiotics to prevent more serious bacterial infections from occurring.
- Along with vet recommended treatments, the dog owner can assist with treating canine flu. Always have water available to the animal and allow the dog to rest while sick with the flu. Put food down at regular intervals, even if the dog shows a lack of interest in eating. Keep tissues handy in order to wipe away any mucus that drips from the dog's nose. Remember to wash your hands both before and after caring for a dog with the flu
- During treatment for the canine flu, you should keep your dog from other animals in order to prevent spreading the infection. Your dog can be symptom free, but still spread the dog flu to other canines up to two weeks after infection. Avoid kennels, dog shows, dog parks and pet stores while the animal is in treatment.
