Periodically, dogs also experience tonsillitis and sore throats. Although the contagious infection usually runs its course smoothly, it can be heartbreaking to see your beloved dog coughing and suffering from a sore throat. We’ll show you how to recognize throat inflammation in dogs, which home remedies can help alleviate the nasty sore throat, and what you can do to prevent it in the first place.

How does a sore throat develop in dogs?

A sore throat in dogs is caused by viruses or bacteria, typically affecting either the tonsils or the larynx. Young dogs, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, or elderly and weakened animals are particularly vulnerable. Throat inflammation can occur as a primary condition or as a symptom of another disease, often a cold. A sore throat in dogs is rarely caused by swallowed foreign objects and the resulting irritation of the throat.

How do I recognize a sore throat in my dog?

The following symptoms may indicate a sore throat or tonsillitis in dogs:

When should I see a veterinarian?

If your dog coughs or gags, it may not always indicate a sore throat or tonsillitis. Other factors can cause these symptoms in dogs, often quite harmless, such as swallowing. However, when multiple symptoms occur simultaneously or persist for more than one to two days, there is a high likelihood that your furry friend is indeed sick.

Sometimes, simply examining your dog’s throat may help. Tonsillitis, in particular, can be diagnosed this way: the tonsils swell and become visible during illness. However, for us as laypeople, it’s not always easy to see something in the dog’s throat. If you are unsure, it’s better to consult a veterinarian. If tonsillitis in dogs is left untreated, it can quickly become chronic. In the worst-case scenario, the tonsils may need to be surgically removed. Neither your dog nor you would want that.

Also, be cautious with fever in dogs. Generally, dogs have a higher body temperature than humans. Temperatures around 100,4°F (38 degrees Celsius) can still be normal. However, if it exceeds 102,2°F (39 degrees Celsius), you should definitely consult a veterinarian.

In general, if something doesn’t seem right, it’s best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Only in this way can you receive a reliable diagnosis. The costs will be covered by your dog health insurance. It also protects you from the financial consequences if, in the worst-case scenario, a sore throat requires surgery.

Proven Home Remedies: How to Relieve a Dog’s Sore Throat

In most cases, your dog’s sore throat is a harmless viral infection, similar to what we often experience ourselves. In particularly severe cases—especially with bacterial throat and tonsillitis—your dog may need to take antibiotics for up to ten days. However, even if the dog is on medication, you can expedite recovery with proven home remedies and make the illness more bearable. Here are some home remedies for sore throat and tonsillitis in dogs:

1. Wet Food:

Even if your beloved usually eats dry food: during a sore throat, you should give your dog wet food or other soft food – this makes swallowing less painful. You don’t necessarily have to buy wet food; you can also soak the dry food your four-legged friend usually eats and tolerates well in water. Since the dog should drink enough water when it’s unwell, the water in the food helps doubly.

2. Warm Blankets:

You probably know it yourself: when you’re sick, you like to warm up with a wool blanket. Your dog is no different. Firstly, it’s nice and cozy, and secondly, it requires less energy for self-warming. This is especially good when his body is already weakened by the sore throat. When covering, make sure the blanket is not too thick and heavy. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t cover his head.

3. Potato Wrap:

Here’s a tip against a sore throat from a veterinarian: you need about two to four potatoes and cook them for about 20 minutes until they are well done. Afterward, spread out a linen cloth (such as a kitchen towel), place the cooked potatoes in a row on the cloth, fold the cloth over the potatoes, and squeeze the tubers. Tie the warm potato cloth around your dog’s neck after it has cooled a bit so that your four-legged friend doesn’t get burned. The warmth of the potatoes not only feels good but also alleviates pain and supports healing.

4. Tea:

Of course, you should always give your dog only water to drink. But with a sore throat, you can occasionally prepare chamomile or sage tea and offer it diluted with water. It’s best to use chamomile flowers from the pharmacy, not packaged tea bags. Always ensure that the tea has been well diluted and is not too hot.

5. Honey:

Honey is a popular topic of debate among dog owners. After all, the sugar in honey can potentially harm a dog’s teeth in the long run and also get them accustomed to the sweet taste. On the other hand, honey is known for its antibacterial properties. So, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally give your dog a spoonful in case of illness. Of course, provided your dog tolerates honey. Many dogs like to lick honey directly from the spoon. Otherwise, you can mix it into their food.

6. Inhalation:

Now you’re probably wondering how your dog can inhale without burning its nose over boiling water? Don’t worry; you can make it a bit different for the four-legged friend: just arrange blankets over your dining table, reaching down to the floor. This creates a kind of cave. Now boil water and sit together with the pot and your dog under the covered table for about ten minutes. Make sure that neither you nor the dog comes into contact with the hot pot. You can repeat this process several times a day. If you wish, add sea salt to the water. The moist salt air will be beneficial for your dog. However, do not use menthol or peppermint. The essential oils could burn your four-legged friend’s eyes.

7. Moist Air:

Dry heating air especially irritates the inflamed mucous membranes of the dog. And since you can’t sit under the table and inhale all day, we have another tip for you: hang damp towels in the room. Simple but effective! You can also get specific air humidifiers. These are available for a few euros in well-stocked drugstores. Fill the small containers with water and attach them to radiators. The water evaporates, automatically humidifying the air.

8. Avoid Draft:

With a sore throat, your dog should not be in a draft. Of course, he should never be in one anyway. But especially now, pay attention to where your furry friend lies down and which windows and doors you open and when.

9. Bed Rest for the Dog:

No romping allowed! Your dog is probably a bit calmer than usual with a sore throat or tonsillitis. Therefore, please don’t encourage him to engage in strenuous activities. Also, take walks a bit more slowly. Like humans, dogs need some rest during illness.

What can I do to prevent my dog from getting a cold?

Against a viral infection itself, you can hardly do anything. It is transmitted from dog to dog. However, it’s similar to us: those with a good immune system usually get sick less often. And you can quickly and easily support your dog’s immune system. Here are a few tips:

Sore throat and cough in dogs can also have other causes

Many of the symptoms mentioned above can also be signs of other diseases: for example, the urge to gag and cough can also occur in kennel cough or distemper. You should be able to rule out these diseases beforehand. Here are a few possible examples:

Worm Infestation:

Worm infestation (lungworm, heartworm, etc.) can not only be very unpleasant but also dangerous for your dog. In cases of severe infestation, the worm can even trigger a slimy to bloody bronchitis, accompanied by labored breathing and severe coughing. If you suspect this, your four-legged friend should definitely see a veterinarian!

Fluid Accumulation in the Lungs:

Heart disease or even a tumor can lead to fluid accumulation in your dog’s lungs. In this case, the veterinarian should take a closer look at your pet.

Kennel Cough:

Puppies and weakened dogs, in particular, are susceptible to kennel cough, also known as canine influenza. This disease is highly contagious and occurs not only in dogs living in kennels. Although the illness is not necessarily life-threatening, it brings a lot of suffering to the dog, as it is very painful and can last a long time. It’s like a severe flu in humans.

So, if you notice that your dog is coughing, retching, or even vomiting, plagued by nightly and loud coughing fits, you should consult a veterinarian.

Distemper:

Is your dog coughing? Luckily, you can usually rule out the dreaded distemper. The reason is the standard vaccination of dogs in our regions (North America). In the United States, the disease is considered eradicated, at least in our domestic dogs. However, unvaccinated wild animals such as foxes, martens, and others can still become infected. Without vaccination, distemper is usually fatal, especially in weak dogs and puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I infect my dog with a sore throat?

Yes and no. If you have a classic cold, it usually will not be transmitted to your four-legged friend. However, even though transmission is nearly ruled out, you should show a little consideration for your dog, especially if he has a weak immune system. There are reports of dog owners with the flu whose dogs subsequently exhibited similar symptoms to the owner. And although it is not proven that animals can catch a cold from people with a viral infection, caution is always better than regret.

Does my dog need antibiotics for a sore throat?

It depends on how advanced the inflammation is. If your dog is in the early stages, rest and home remedies may be sufficient. If the tonsils are already highly inflamed, antibiotics are usually the only solution. Your veterinarian will advise you on this.

Can I give my dog my medicine?

Absolutely not. Medicine developed for humans is not only ineffective for your dog but can even be life-threatening. Always consult with your veterinarian before administering anything to your dog that has not been prescribed.

Does ice help with a sore throat in dogs?

Ice can indeed help. However, it is best to give your dog water ice. Ice with quark or yogurt, even if specifically made for dogs, can be a bit tough and additionally irritate the throat. The same applies to fruit ice; the acidity can worsen the pain. Also, make sure your dog only licks the ice and does not swallow it—otherwise, in addition to sore throats, there may be gastrointestinal issues. By the way, you should keep the neck warm from the outside.

When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian

Sore throats are often a symptom of a harmless viral infection. Like us humans, there is only one thing that helps: to recover. Home remedies such as potato wraps or increased humidity can help alleviate pain. You should rest your dog and not engage in too much activity with him.

Only a veterinarian can tell you which disease your dog ultimately has. Therefore, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian if you are unsure about your dog’s health. We wish your dog all the best to stay healthy through the viral season. If he has already fallen ill, we hope that the home remedies for sore throat will help your furry friend. In any case, we wish him a speedy recovery!

How you can protect yourself accordingly

Even a seemingly harmless cough may require a visit to the veterinarian. With the right dog health insurance, you don’t have to worry about the costs. Instead, you can fully concentrate on your dog’s recovery.

Note: With our article, we aim to provide general information and initial hints about sore throats in dogs. It should not serve as an independent diagnosis, treatment, and medication for your dog, and by no means replace the expert examination and therapy by your veterinarian.