Pharyngitis In Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
As with humans, dogs can also develop pharyngitis. Although this ailment has the potential to arrive at any time, cold seasons are the ones that most often trigger it, due to the action of cold and wind on the dog’s body.
Pharyngitis in veterinary medicine is identified as an inflammatory process, which can be superficial or deep. By affecting the mucous tissue, palate and tonsils of the dog, this condition sometimes makes swallowing impossible, which results in weight loss, weakness and many other clinical signs.
For these reasons, this pathology must be treated immediately by a veterinary professional. Its approach is essential, especially if we take into account that it affects the pharynx, a structure communicated with the nasal and oral cavities. Inflammation of this tissue, if left unaddressed, can cause the animal to drown.
What is pharyngitis in dogs?
Pharyngitis in dogs is described thanks to scientific evidence as an acute inflammation of the tonsils and, therefore, of the pharynx. This condition is more normal than is believed in canids and requires urgent veterinary attention. In addition, it must be taken into account that its most common cause is the presence of bacteria, which can spread to other organs if they are not eliminated.
However, any other affectation that occurs in the pharynx, without having to be bacterial, can trigger pharyngitis. Viral infections, fungal growths, chemical irritants or allergic processes are also capable of causing this picture.
Causes
Pharyngitis in dogs has several causes, including external causes, which are included in the group of idiopathic acute pharyngitis . According to scientific evidence, these conditions are caused by mechanical injuries, such as swallowing rough food, with spines or with some characteristic that makes it difficult for food to pass through the esophagus.
The consumption of very hot or very cold foods has also been identified as a risk factor for developing pharyngitis. It is not recommended to give the dog food at extreme temperatures, since it can cause inflammation and irritation of the pharynx, leaving it exposed to lacerations – from feeding or swallowing foreign bodies.
As we mentioned, bacterial agents also cause this condition, which can cause pharyngitis to evolve into tonsillitis. According to studies in this regard, the bacteria that affect the appearance of these affectations are the following:
- Escherichia coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Staphylococcus intermedius.
- Staphylococcus albus.
- Klebsiella spp.
- Pasteurella spp.
Finally, it has also been shown that there is a relationship between pharyngitis and systemic diseases, such as distemper and parvovirus. In these cases, the inflammation of the pharynx is caused by a viral infection. After all, the pharyngeal environment is one of the first places that viruses encounter when they enter the dog’s body.
Symptoms
Once the dog begins to develop pharyngitis, it will begin to present some characteristic symptoms. These are very similar to those that occur in any respiratory disease. The most common are the following:
- Constant dry cough: Excessive accumulation of mucus in the respiratory environment, dry tissues, and the presence of foreign bodies promote coughing in mammals, including dogs.
- Frequent sneezing
- Dysphagia – painful swallowing and marked difficulty in swallowing.
- Loss of appetite
- Sickness.
- Hoarse barking.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Excess salivation.
- Choking and retching.
Additionally, the discomfort experienced by the dog with pharyngitis can lead him to show weakness and little desire to play. When the pathology generates obstruction, your dog may present stridor —hissing when inhaling—, cyanosis —blue or gray color in the mouth— and even collapse. All of these signs indicate the need for urgent veterinary care.
How to treat pharyngitis in dogs?
When dog pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial agent, veterinarians can usually treat it with 150 milligram, veterinary amoxicillin trihydrate (antibiotic). This medicine is available in injectable solution and is useful when the infection is by Streptococcus spp. or Enterococcus spp.
Doxycycline is also frequently used, since it is a very effective bactericide and acts by blocking protein synthesis. This medicine is usually combined with food to facilitate the pet’s intake, taking advantage of the fact that its effectiveness is not altered.
In addition to antibiotic treatment, pharyngitis in dogs is usually also treated with anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants to relieve a dry cough. On the other hand, if pain is present, the doctor will choose an appropriate complementary medication for your dog.
As the guardian of the sick animal, you must understand that the animal will feel pain when swallowing and, for this reason, its usual feed can complicate the recovery. To prevent the condition from getting worse, you can help him by providing him with wet food, canned or homemade.
On the other hand, if the condition is of viral origin, there is usually no possible treatment, other than keeping the canid’s organism constant and waiting for its immune system to eliminate the infection. If the pharyngitis is allergic, sometimes professionals prescribe glucocorticoids, such as prednisone (immunosuppressants).
How is pharyngitis in dogs prevented?
In order to prevent the appearance of this pathology in your pet, it is important that you supervise that your furry does not consume foreign elements that can damage the pharynx. It ensures that your food does not cause discomfort or injury and that it is, as far as possible, at room temperature.
On the other hand, prevent your dog from getting wet or staying wet for a long time. Thus, after bathing, try to dry it as soon as possible, the same as when it gets wet from the rain, especially if it is cold season or if you live in very freezing areas. Check that your dog does not get cold at night and make sure that his bed insulates him well.
Finally, in case of identifying any strange symptoms in your pet, the most effective and advisable thing to do is visit your doctor and study the symptoms. Recovery will be much easier if the disease is attacked in its early stages.
Home remedies and tips against pharyngitis in dogs
Although there are ways to relieve the pain and symptoms of pharyngitis in dogs, you should keep in mind that these are not a substitute for the treatment that a professional veterinarian can provide. Anyway, here are a few tips when it comes to the subject:
- To lessen the symptoms, you can try offering a tablespoon of honey to your dog. But beware; avoid this in dogs less than 1 year old.
- You can also provide warm chicken broth without salt or seasonings. Since the dog will not be very hungry, this option can encourage him to eat something.
- Avoid putting a collar on it, better replace it with a hot water handkerchief, a coat or a cloth that helps you not feel direct cold in this area.
- Perform vaporizations. To carry them out, just put your dog in the bathroom and turn on the shower with hot water, so that the dog inhales the steam. This will favor the opening of the airways.
- Avoid inhaling strong substances such as tobacco or smoke.
- Make him drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Pharyngitis in dogs is a condition that usually indicates a viral or bacterial infection or a process of hypersensitivity. In case your dog shows any of these symptoms, go to the vet with him. If the airway is completely impacted, the picture can quickly become complicated.
