Tonsillitis in Dogs

Dogs have tonsils, so they can develop tonsillitis just like humans can. It’s not that common, though small dogs are more likely to get it than larger breeds. Tonsillitis is often a sign of an underlying condition, so you need to get them checked over and treated by the vet.

Key takeaways from our guide to tonsillitis in dogs include: 

• Dogs can get tonsillitis, sore throats and tonsil stones 
• Tonsillitis is caused by underlying conditions
• Symptoms of tonsillitis include a loss of appetite
• Antibiotics can treat tonsillitis in dogs
  
  

My dog has tonsillitis, is this normal?

Perhaps you aren’t even sure whether dogs have tonsils or not. So, do dogs have tonsils? Yes, they do. They have a tonsil on each side of their throat which is part of their lymphatic system. 

Swollen tonsils in dogs tends to be a sign of tonsillitis. They usually get this as the result of another disorder related to their lungs or airways. This might be to do with their nose, mouth or throat. It could also be due to continuous vomiting, regurgitating or coughing.

There is a chance your dog could have chronic tonsillitis — this means they keep getting it. This is most common in brachycephalic breeds (flat faced with short noses.) 

Can dogs get sore throats?

Yes, dogs can get a sore throat but it’s not necessarily tonsillitis. If your dog has swollen throat glands — which can be due to a number of reasons — this will make their throats sore. It could also be due to kennel cough. It may be a viral or bacterial infection. 

While humans may not see the doctor for a sore throat, your dog should go to the vet. That way they can determine why they have a sore throat and whether it is due to tonsillitis and an underlying condition, or something else. Then they’ll know the best way to treat your dog and relieve them of the pain. 

Can dogs get tonsil stones?

Tonsillitis is often a sign of an underlying condition. This is often easy to treat but it can be something more serious. Compare the best pet insurance plans so you  have peace of mind that you are covered whatever the prognosis. 

There may not be many obvious signs that your dog has tonsillitis. If they do have symptoms, it’s likely to include a short cough followed by gagging and a small amount of mucus. They may also keep swallowing or licking their lips and you’ll probably notice they are off their food. 

If they allow you to look to the back of their throat, you may see that either side is red and swollen. 

A dog with severe tonsillitis may have the following symptoms:

• Poor appetite
• Listlessness
• Trouble swallowing
• Salivation
• Fever may be present (if there is a concurrent infection) 

Your dog will often have an underlying condition which will result in the tonsils becoming inflamed. 

Examples of potential underlying conditions that cause tonsillitis in dogs are:

• An infection 
• Something lodged in your dog’s mouth (plant fibers, foreign items)
• Continuous vomiting
• Continuous coughing 
• Significant dental and gum disease
• Tumors in the tonsil

Bacteria is often the cause of disease and a bacterial infection may lead to tonsillitis. The most common bacteria are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and hemolytic streptococci.

If you suspect your dog has any of the symptoms of tonsillitis then you should take them to the vet. 

They will give your dog a physical examination and ask you about the symptoms.

It’s easy to diagnose tonsillitis as the vet will quickly and easily see if the tonsils are inflamed. However, as tonsillitis is often the result of an underlying condition, primary tonsillitis should only be diagnosed once any other conditions have been ruled out.

It’s most likely to be primary tonsillitis if you have a young dog of a small breed. 

Your vet will consider the symptoms your dog has been showing to decide how to proceed. 

You should be prepared to discuss any chronic vomiting or coughing that you have noticed in your dog, as well as any changes in behavior, including their eating habits.

When to worry about tonsillitis in dogs

You need to worry about tonsillitis if it’s a sign of dog tonsil cancer or necrotic tonsils. It’s important to note that both are fairly rare and can be treated. It’s just more serious than the other underlying conditions that tonsillitis could be a sign of. 

Once your vet knows what the underlying issue is (if there is one) — they’ll treat this first. 

If your dog has something in their throat, for example, the vet will remove it and then prescribe antibiotics. 

In the case of dental or gum disease causing tonsillitis, your vet will recommend your dog has its teeth professionally cleaned. They may also need another procedure and likely will require antibiotics. 

With bacterial tonsillitis, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. If your dog doesn’t respond to this course of treatment, the vet may recommend a bacterial culture and sensitivity testing in order to determine an alternative. 

The vet may also recommend a pain reliever if your dog is having trouble swallowing. 

It’s unlikely that your dog's tonsils will be removed (which is known as a tonsillectomy.) They are lymphoid tissue which help to fight disease, so would only be removed if it necessary. If they have tumors on the tonsil or repeated inflammation that affects airflow, then there may be no other option.  

While your dog is recovering you should feed them a diet of soft food as it may be hard for them to swallow. 

If they can’t eat or drink, then fluids may be administered to prevent them from becoming dehydrated, so make sure that you inform your vet. 

The recovery will depend on the cause of the tonsillitis. Either way, the vet will likely want to see your dog again to check how they are doing. 

If your dog does need their tonsils removed, then the vet will give you instructions for how best to care for your pup after the surgery. 

You don’t want to be worrying about how you’ll pay for the treatment when your dog is poorly. Compare pet insurance and browse wellness plans today and you’ll have peace of mind that, if they get tonsillitis, whatever the underlying condition may be, you’ll be covered.