Having strep throat is miserable, but did you know that dogs can get it too? Strep throat is a zoonotic condition, meaning it can spread between humans and animals. Your dog can carry and catch strep throat just like you can. In this guide, we will outline the signs that your dog has strep and how to take care of them while also preventing the spread of infection.
Signs Your Dog Has Strep or is Carrying the Infection
Your dog will likely show symptoms if they have strep, but it’s not always obvious. Look for a postnasal drip, enlarged or spotted tonsils, difficulty breathing or swallowing, gagging, and a loss of appetite. Pay attention to their body language as well, including panting, weakness, lip licking, raspy panting, drooling, nose licking, and a hanging tongue.
Other Signs
Other signs to watch out for include inactivity, refusing to swallow, weight loss, lack of appetite, coughing or choking, discolored tonsils, and mucus or discharge from the nose or mouth.
Historic Causes of Strep Throat in Dogs
Doggy strep throat can be caused by the same factors as human strep throat. If your dog’s immune system is compromised, they are at risk of contracting a bacterial infection from another dog or person. Your dog can catch strep throat from you through close contact, so if you are sick, keep your distance from your dog to protect them.
The Science Behind the Strep Infection in Dogs
Strep throat is zoonotic and can be transmitted between humans and animals, although it is not very likely. It is more probable for you to pass strep onto your dog than the other way around. Keep your sick dog away from you and avoid sharing food or treats with them to prevent transmission.
How to Train Your Dog to Deal With Strep
To help your dog heal from strep throat, make sure they are comfortable with the vet and associate the vet with positive experiences. Teach your dog to take antibiotics easily and calmly, either through a throw-and-catch game or by mixing it into their food. Train your dog to enjoy alone time during recovery as strep throat is highly contagious. Reward them with bonding time, attention, and outdoor play once they have healed.
“Taking care of your pup’s strep throat: Signs to watch for and how to help them recover”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Strep throat can affect dogs too, not just humans, due to its zoonotic nature. Dogs can carry the infection and pass it on to humans or other animals, so it’s important to monitor their behavior and symptoms closely.
2️⃣ Some indicators of strep infection in dogs include a postnasal drip, larger or spotted tonsils, difficulty breathing, refusing to eat, and excessive lip-licking. Dogs might also display body language signs like panting, weakness, drooling, and inactivity.
3️⃣ If you’re sick with strep throat, keep your distance from your dog to avoid passing the infection. Also, ensure your dog is comfortable with the vet and knows how to take medication as it will likely be needed for recovery. Training your dog to enjoy alone time while recovering can also be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs get strep throat?
– Yes, dogs can get strep throat. It is a zoonotic condition that can easily spread between humans and other species.
2. What are the signs that my dog has strep throat?
– Signs of strep throat in dogs may include postnasal drip, enlarged or spotted tonsils, difficulty swallowing, gagging, refusal to eat, excessive lip-licking, and abnormal body language such as panting, weakness, and drooling.
3. How can I prevent my dog from getting strep throat?
– To prevent your dog from getting strep throat, it is important to keep your distance from your dog if you have strep, avoid giving your dog food or treats that you have put your mouth on, and maintain good hygiene practices.
4. Can dogs transmit strep throat to humans?
– While it is possible for strep throat to be transmitted between dogs and humans, it is more likely for humans to pass it onto their dogs. Canine germs are usually hard to pass onto people, but if you’re feeling sick, it’s possible that your dog could have gotten it from you.
5. How can I train my dog to deal with strep throat?
– To help your dog deal with strep throat, it is important to make them comfortable with the vet and associate the vet with positive experiences. Additionally, training your dog to take medication easily and calmly, teaching them to enjoy alone time while they recover, and rewarding them with bonding time, attention, and playtime once they’ve healed can be helpful.
