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Tonsillitis in Dogs
Written By Ellie Roddy
Published: 10/24/2016Updated: 03/15/2024
What are Tonsillitis?
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?
Yes, dogs get tonsil stones, just like humans can. Tonsil stones are tiny and hard. They form in the crevices on the tonsils and include food and bacteria that has built up over time. This usually creates a very bad odor so you’ll likely smell if your dog has this. 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.
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Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Dogs
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)
Causes of Tonsillitis in Dogs
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.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis in Dogs
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.
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.
Treatment of Tonsillitis in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Tonsillitis in Dogs
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.
Tonsillitis Average Cost
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Tonsillitis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mutt
Two Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging, Excessive, Salivating, Looks Like It’S Hard To Swallow Spit, Gassy
Idk what’s wrong with my dog he just started this after a Day of moving into our new house
Aug. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say without being able to examine your dog, but he sounds like he is in distress. But if you got into something or found something that he wasn't supposed to, I don't know, but it seems that it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian right away. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 7, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Havanese
Harley
4 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Vomiting
Loss Of Appetite
Tired
A couple days ago my 5 month old Havanese puppy was acting very sickly and tired. He wasn't really eating his food, and he was trying to puke. The next morning (yesterday) I took him to the vet and was told he had tonsillitis and was given biomax (amoxicillin) in a dropper. To give to him once every 12 hours. Since then he still doesn't eat, when he does sometimes we pukes it up and sometimes he doesn't. He's also very tired now and sleeps most of the time. MY question is, is this normal? Will he be fine in a couple days or should is are these side effects something I should be worried about?
July 8, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
That doesn't sound like normal behavior to me for a 4 month old puppy, no. Without being able to see him or know more about his history, I have a hard time commenting on what might be going on, but if he is vomiting, having diarrhea, not wanting to eat and is lethargic, it would be a good idea to check for infectious diseases like Parvo virus, and to analyze a stool sample for parasites. If those things were not done at your veterinarian, it would be a good idea to ask. If they were done, he should have a recheck if he isn't getting better.
July 8, 2018
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Tonsillitis Average Cost
From 323 quotes ranging from $300 - $800
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
