Sore throat in dogs

Sore throat in dogs is hard to identify. Your dog might have a sore throat if they are coughing, gagging or have changes in their bark.

Pharyngitis in dogs is a condition when the pharynx or thorat becomes affected by an injury caused by sharp objects, an infection, or a growth. It’s usually not serious when dogs have only inflammation of their throat, but it can be a sign of other diseases.

Overview

What is pharyngitis in dogs?

Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the throat and that can cause a sore throat.

Most common causes of pharyngitis and a sore throat in dogs are:

Bacterial or viral infections
Abscesses and traumatic injury to the throat due to bones, sticks or other objects
Ingestion of irritating or caustic substances
Grownts and tumours
Tonsillitis and pharyngeal mucoceles are less common causes

Symptoms

Symptoms of sore throat in dogs:

Cough
Hoarse or absent bark
Reluctance to bark
Gagging
Sneezing
Reverse sneezing
Uncomfortable chewing
Drooling
Reduced appetite
Bad breath

Risk

Are some dogs at higher risk of sore throat than others?

A sore throat is a symptom of pharyngitis. The cause of the pharyngitis influences the risk of developing a sore throat.

Dogs who chew sticks or other materials that may become sharp.
Dogs with active social lives may be more exposed to baterial and viral infections
Older dogs are more prone to growths and tumours
Younger animals may be more prone to tonsilitis, or inflammtion of the tonsils
Small breeds may be more prone to developing pharyngeal mucoceles: a condition where the saliva accumulates out of the salivary glands and into the surrounding tissues
Canine eosinophilic granuloma: is also a rare disease that can affect the mouth, tonsils or skin, its exact cause is unknown, but Siberian Huskies and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels seem to be more affected.

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose pharyngitis in dogs?

Diagnosis aims not only to identify a sore throat but also to rule out any other illnesses or problems that may be causing the inflammation of the pharynx. This includes:

Talking through your dog’s signs.
Hands-on examination with visual inspection of the mouth. Your vet may need to sedate or put your dog under anaesthesia to inspect fully the back of the throat.
Endoscopic examination of the throat, using a small camera.
Radiographs.
Advanced imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.
FNA or biopsy of lumps.
Blood and urine tests to rule out any systemic problems.

Vet treatment

How do vets treat sore throats in dogs?

Treatment for pharyngitis will depend on the exact cause.

Your vet may prescribe one or more of the following depending on your dog’s needs:

Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
Antibiotics in cases related to infections
Surgery in cases of foreign objects and growths
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cases of tumours

Home treatment

How to help your dog with a sore throat?

Follow your vet’s recommendations and treatment. In addition:

Monitor your dog closely to identify any relevant changes in their condition.
Give them soft wet food.
Give them a tablespoon of honey: can help with appetite and alleviate the symptoms.
Avoid using a collar, use a harness instead.
Reduce the amount of exercise.

Prevention

How to prevent a sore throat in dogs?

Your dog’s chewing habits should be monitored and sharp objects should be avoided.
Keep your dog up to date with their vaccinations and deworming.
Take your dog to your vets for yearly checkups.

When to worry