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 throat 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.

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

• Growths and tumours

• Tonsillitis and pharyngeal mucoceles are less common causes

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

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

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 bacterial and viral infections

• Older dogs are more prone to growths and tumours

• Younger animals may be more prone to tonsilitis, or inflammation 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.

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.

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

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.

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 check ups.

When to worry about your dog with a sore throat?

Call your local vet for an appointment if your dog shows any of these signs:

• No improvement or worsening of symptoms despite treatment for a sore throat

• Not interested in food, vomiting and lethargic

• Blood discharge from the mouth or nose

• Difficulty breathing

Joii can help if:

• Your dog has a cough or a change in bark

• Your dog is gagging or sneezing

• Your dog shows reduced appetite or difficulty swallowing

• You want to know what to feed a dog with a sore throat