Tonsillitis in dogs

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Various infectious agents can attack the tonsils and cause primary or secondary tonsillitis.

Although not as common in dogs as it is in humans, dogs can still get tonsillitis, which causes them discomfort.

Here you can get answers to what tonsils are, what symptoms tonsillitis can cause and how it’s treated.

Tonsillitis in your four-legged friend should be covered by a good dog insurance policy.

What are tonsils?

There are two tonsils, which are located on either side of the dog's throat. They’re almond-shaped and consist of lymph-node tissue.

The task of the tonsils is to detect and fight infections that enter the body via the mouth and nose. They help to trap and neutralise bacteria and viruses before they can spread further into the body.

Underlying cause of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is usually secondary, meaning that there’s another underlying cause. For example, inflammations or infections in the oral cavity and airways - or for regurgitation and vomiting in case of stomach problems.

These are the most common causes of tonsillitis:

●      Bacterial infections. This is the most common cause of tonsillitis in dogs. These infections can result from oral infections, dental disease or other bacterial infections elsewhere in the body that spread to the tonsils.

●       Viral infections. Infections such as canine distemper or parvovirus (AKA parvo) can also lead to tonsillitis, as the virus attacks the lymphatic system.

●       Foreign bodies. Objects like bones, sticks or splinters that get lodged in a dog’s throat can irritate the tonsils, leading to inflammation.

●       Allergies. Allergic reactions to things in the environment such as pollen or dust can also be a factor.

Secondary tonsillitis can occur in dogs of all ages. If the dog suffers from secondary tonsillitis, the underlying cause will be treated.

Symptoms of primary tonsillitis

Primary tonsillitis occurs most often in young dogs. Symptoms usually show as, among other things:

●       Fever

●       Reduced appetite

●       Persistent coughing

●       Pain when they swallow food and water

●       Difficulty swallowing, which can lead to drooling or gagging

●       Lethargy

●       Bad breath

You may even be able to see that the tonsils are red and swollen in some cases.

How tonsillitis in dogs is treated

If you suspect that your dog has a problem with their tonsils, you should make an appointment with your vet for an examination.

Veterinarians will investigate the underlying cause. Home treatments for tonsillitis in dogs can include:

●    Antibiotics if it’s a bacterial infection
●    Anti-inflammatories
●    Painkillers

You should also make sure your dog stays hydrated during recovery. The vet may recommend soft or wet food to make eating less painful.

In case of recurrent tonsillitis, the tonsils can be surgically removed (known as a tonsillectomy). This is quite rare though, and will only be recommended in severe cases where the dog hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Prevention is better than cure

To help prevent tonsillitis in your dog, it’s best to maintain good oral hygiene, and take them for regular dental check-ups. Also, it’ll help to keep your dog’s living area clean, which can reduce exposure to allergens. And don’t let them chew things which may splinter or otherwise get stuck in their throat.

And as ever, regular trips to the vet visits can help to identify potential health problems early. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to have a good pet insurance policy in place. Knowing you’re covered for vet visits gives peace of mind, and may mean you’re more likely to act on early warnings.

Find out more about:

●       Typical health issues in older dogs

●       Common illnesses and injuries in mixed-breed dogs

●       Cherry eye in dogs