So, do dogs have tonsils? Yes, they do! And just like in humans, tonsils can become inflamed or even infected. However, this is relatively rare in dogs. If your dog’s tonsils are swollen or red, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
Tonsils are lymph nodes located in the back of the throat that help filter out bacteria and other particles your dog may inhale. While most dogs don’t have any problems with their tonsils, some may experience inflammation or infection.
This blog post will explore whether or not dogs have tonsils, what they do, and what can happen if they become infected.
Where are the Tonsils? What Do They Do?
The tonsils are lymph nodes located in the back of the throat. They help filter out bacteria and other particles your dog may inhale. While most dogs don’t have any problems with their tonsils, some may experience inflammation or infection.
If your dog’s tonsils are swollen or red, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
What is Tonsillitis? What are the Causes of Tonsillitis in Dogs?
Tonsillitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tonsils. This can be caused by an infection (viral or bacterial), allergies, or injury.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of tonsillitis in dogs. These can be caused by many different bacteria, including Streptococcus, Bordetella, and Escherichia coli.
Viral infections, such as the flu or canine distemper, can also cause tonsillitis. Allergies to food or environmental allergens are another possible cause of tonsillitis.
Tonsils injuries can occur if your dog bites or scratches his throat while playing. This can cause bleeding and become inflamed tonsils.
The causes can be listed as follows:
- An infection
- External particles caught in your dog’s mouth (plant fibers, foreign objects)
- Chronic vomiting
- Chronic coughing
- Orthodontic diseases
- Tonsil tumors
What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Dogs?
The most common symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat. Your dog may also have trouble swallowing, drooping more than usual, or breathing badly.
If bacteria cause the primary infection, the affected dogs may also have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. If your dog has a viral infection, he may also have runny eyes and nose, coughing, and sneezing.
If your dog is allergic to something, he may also have itchiness, watery eyes, runny nose, and sore throat symptoms.
The symptoms may include:
- Swollen tonsils
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
How is Tonsillitis Treated in Dogs?
The exact treatment for tonsillitis will depend on the underlying cause. In most primary tonsillitis, treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication.
Medications
Tonsillitis is typically treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids and treatment. If your dog has a viral infection, there is no specific treatment. He will likely recover on his own within a few weeks.
If your dog has an allergic reaction, the goal is to identify and avoid the allergen. Your vet may prescribe antihistamines or other medications to help relieve symptoms.
Medical Procedures
In some cases, medical procedures may be necessary to treat tonsillitis. If your dog has a tumor, it must be surgically removed. If your dog’s tonsils are chronically inflamed, they may need to be removed. This is a fairly common procedure that is typically performed with no complications.
After the tonsillectomy, your dog will likely be sore for a few days. He may also have trouble swallowing and need to eat soft food for a week or two.
In some cases, foreign objects are lodged in the tonsils. If this is the case, your dog will need surgery to remove the object.
Supportive Care
Dogs suffering from tonsillitis can’t eat or drink much because of the pain. It’s important to make sure your dog stays hydrated during this time. Offer him small sips of water or ice chips frequently.
The vet often treats malnourished and dehydrated dogs with intravenous fluids. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, he may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
Home Care
Follow your vet’s treatment recommendations if your dog has been diagnosed with tonsillitis. Give your dog all the medications prescribed, even if he feels better.
Make sure your dog stays hydrated by offering him small sips of water or ice chips frequently. If he’s not interested in drinking, you can give him Pedialyte or Gatorade to help prevent dehydration.
Give your dog soft food if he’s having trouble swallowing. If your vet recommends, you can also give him over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Monitor your dog closely for any signs of complications, such as dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, call your vet immediately.
Tonsillitis can be a serious condition, so it’s important to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any symptoms. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery.
How can I Prevent Tonsillitis in My Dog?
The best way to prevent tonsillitis is to keep your dog healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Good dental hygiene is also important in preventing infection.
If your dog goes outside, he may be exposed to bacteria or allergens that can cause tonsillitis. Be sure to check him for ticks and fleas regularly.
If you think your dog may have tonsillitis, it’s important to take him to the vet for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing serious complications.
Is tonsillitis contagious to other dogs or to humans?
Yes, tonsillitis is contagious to other dogs and humans. If your dog has a bacterial infection, he can pass it on to other dogs through close contact. Humans can also catch bacterial infections from dogs. However, viral infections cannot be passed from dogs to humans.
If your dog has tonsillitis, it’s important to keep him away from other dogs and humans until he has recovered. This will help prevent the spread of infection.
Can strep throat be associated with dogs?
Yes, strep throat can be associated with dogs. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause tonsillitis. If your dog has strep throat, he can pass it on to other dogs through close contact. Humans can also catch strep throat from dogs. However, viral infections cannot be passed from dogs to humans.
Final Words
Tonsillitis is a common condition that can be treated successfully in most cases. If your dog has tonsillitis, it’s important to take him to the vet for treatment. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery.
If you think your dog may have tonsillitis, it’s important to take him to the vet for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing serious complications. Like any chronic disease, chronic tonsillitis may lead to more serious problems. If your dogs have bacterial tonsillitis, they may require antibiotics.
We hope this blog has helped answer your questions about tonsillitis in dogs. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks for reading!
