During the colder months and annual flu season, it’s common for humans to get a sore throat. But do dogs also get sore throats? You might find yourself wondering this when you unfortunately wake up with with some pain or scratchiness in your throat, yourself. If humans get sore throats, can dogs get them too?
In short, the answer is yes, dogs can get sore throats. Along with it being a symptom of kennel cough, dogs can also get pain in their throats due to a range of diseases, including bacterial and viral infections.
Here’s what you need to know about whether dogs can get sore throats.
How Can Dogs Catch A Sore Throat?
There are a number of ways that dogs can get a sore throat.
Some of the most common conditions that cause this include:
- Kennel cough
- Respiratory infections
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Tonsillitis
- Sinus infections
- As part of periodontal disease
What Are The Symptoms Of A Dog With A Sore Throat?
There are a number of symptoms that come with a dog getting a sore throat.
Some of the most frequent symptoms include:
- Refusing to eat
- Coughing
- Showing a fever
- Drooling
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Sore Throat?
If you notice that your dog has developed a sore throat, the best thing to do is to book an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet will give your dog a physical examination and ask about any symptoms.
Your vet will advise a course of treatment based on the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
If an infection is behind your dog’s sore throat, then your vet may recommend a course of antibiotics. When vets prescribe antibiotics for your dog, it’s important that you follow the dosage instructions precisely and finish the full course of medication even if it seems like the symptoms have gone away.
If your dog’s sore throat is due to dental issues, your vet might suggest a thorough cleaning and anti-inflammatory medicine.
A number of home remedies for a dog with a sore throat are also popular, including the use of honey and coconut oil. However, you must always consult with your vet before giving any human foods or at-home remedies to a dog.
Similarly, never give your dog sore throat or flu medicine that is intended for human use. These are often toxic to dogs.
Has your dog ever had a sore throat? What sort of steps did you take to help your pup feel better? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
