Can Dogs Get Strep Throat: Symptoms & Care Guide

Vet-approved tips and gentle home solutions ease your pup’s discomfort.

By Anjali Sayee

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Vet-approved tips and gentle home solutions ease your pup’s discomfort.

Can Dogs Get Strep Throat? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

If your dog seems to have a sore throat or is avoiding food, you may wonder: Can dogs get strep throat? This illness is well known among humans, but its effects on dogs arenât as widely understood. This comprehensive guide covers what strep throat is, how it affects dogs, signs you should watch for, steps for treatment, and what you can do to protect both your pet and your family.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection with Streptococcus pyogenes, also referred to as Group A Streptococcus. In humans, strep throat presents as a sore, itchy, and inflamed throat along with symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. The infection spreads readily through:

Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
Direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces

While strep throat is common in people, itâs less frequently diagnosed in dogs. Dogs do not commonly get the ‘classic’ human version of strep throat, but they can carry and react to certain types of Streptococcus bacteria, resulting in similar but not identical symptoms to those seen in humans.

Can Dogs Actually Get Strep Throat?

The answer is nuanced. Dogs rarely experience the exact illness that humans recognize as strep throat. However, dogs can suffer from streptococcal infectionsâcases where Streptococcus bacteria infect the throat and respiratory systemâleading to sore throats and related discomfort.

Dogs may become infected with strains of Streptococcus from other animals, and in rare circumstances, even from humans, although this type of cross-species infection is not common.

Symptoms of Strep Throat in Dogs

Strep throat in dogs can mimic the signs of other throat or respiratory infections. If you think your dog may have contracted the illness, monitor for the following symptoms:

Difficulty swallowing: Swollen throat may make swallowing uncomfortable or painful.
Coughing or hacking: Persistent coughs or gagging sounds when trying to eat or drink.
Fever: Elevated body temperature, often accompanied by shivering or lethargy.
Loss of appetite: Your dog may eat less or refuse food, especially crunchy or dry kibble.
Lethargy: Low energy, reduced playfulness, and general inactivity.
Swollen lymph nodes: Lumps beneath the jaw or in the neck area.
Excess drooling: More drool than usual, potentially with visible discomfort for your pet.

Note: These symptoms can overlap with other conditions like tonsillitis or kennel cough, so a veterinary diagnosis is essential.

How Is Strep Throat Diagnosed in Dogs?

If you suspect strep throat, take your dog to the veterinarian. Diagnosis typically involves:

Reviewing your dogâs medical history and recent symptoms.
Physical examination of the throat and mouth.
Taking a swab from the interior of the cheek or throat for laboratory testing.
Potential urinalysis or bloodwork to rule out other causes for the symptoms.

Prompt diagnosis ensures your dog gets the correct treatment and avoids complications.

Treatment Options for Strep Throat in Dogs

Treatment methods for canine strep throat are similar to those for other bacterial infections. The main goals are to resolve the infection, reduce discomfort, and support full recovery. Here are the standard steps:

1. Antibiotics

A veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics to target the bacteria, especially if your dog has severe or persistent symptoms.

Never give your dog human strep throat medications or antibiotics, which may contain toxic ingredients or dosages unsuitable for pets.
Complete the full course as prescribed, even if your dog seems better before treatment ends.

2. Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for dogs battling any throat infection. Sore throats make swallowing difficult, but dehydration can quickly become dangerous.

Offer plenty of fresh water and encourage small, frequent drinks.
If water intake is low, provide moist foods or salt-free broth for extra hydration and easier swallowing.

3. Rest

Just like people, dogs need extra rest during illness. Minimize vigorous walks, playtime, or stress to allow their immune systems to fight off infection.

Create a quiet, comfortable area for your dog to recover.
Discourage strenuous activity until symptoms fully resolve.

4. Symptom Relief

While most medications are prescription-only, owners can offer supportive home care:

Feeding soft, moist foods that are easier to swallow.
Keeping the environment calm and soothing.
Using a humidifier to keep air moist, reducing throat discomfort.

Important: Avoid giving dogs human cough medicine or pain relievers; many formulations contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Home Remedies for Dogs with Sore Throats

Some mild cases of sore throat in dogs (which may or may not be caused by strep bacteria) can be helped with simple home remedies. Always consult your veterinarian before starting new treatments. Popular options include:

Manuka Honey: Natural antibacterial and soothing, a small amount (as advised by your vet) can be licked by your dog for throat relief.
Herbal Tea: Brewed tea from lemon, sage, peppermint, or thyme can gently soothe throats. Cool before offering a small amount.
Fresh Garlic: Contains antimicrobial properties. Only use under direct vet guidance, in very small, breed-size-appropriate doses.
Warm Water Baths: Let your dog relax in steamy water for up to 20 minutes, which moistens airways and can reduce throat pain.
Cayenne Pepper: Sometimes advised as a pain-blocking additive in honey-water mixtures, but introduce with caution due to possible irritation.

Not every home remedy is appropriate for all dogs. Avoid garlic and cayenne pepper for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and always follow professional dosing advice.

Preventing Strep Throat in Dogs

While strep throat is rare in dogs, bacterial infections can be minimized by following simple hygiene and wellness steps.

Keep food and water bowls clean: Regular washing minimizes bacteria buildup where dogs eat and drink.
Avoid shared feeding stations: Kennels and dog shelters can be hotspots for outbreaks if many animals drink from the same bowl.
Promptly isolate sick animals: Separate dogs with symptoms of illness to prevent spreading bacteria.
Regular vet check-ups: Routine examinations pick up early signs of infection.
Manage stress: A strong immune system helps fight off bacteria, so keep your dogâs daily environment as stress-free as possible.

Can Humans Get Strep Throat from Dogs?

Transmission of strep throat between dogs and humans is extremely unlikely. Dogs rarely carry human-type strep bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes), and documented cases of cross-species infection are minimal. Still, the following precautions help minimize possible risk:

Practice good hand hygiene after caring for sick pets.
Avoid close face-to-face contact or sharing utensils/food with your dog during periods of illness.
If someone in the household is immunocompromised, take extra care while your dog is ill.

If youâre diagnosed with strep throat, keep your dog away from your drinking containers and avoid sneezing or coughing near their food or water.

Table: Comparing Strep Throat in Humans vs. Dogs

Aspect	Humans	Dogs
Causative agent	Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)	Various Streptococcus species
Symptoms	Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes	Cough, difficulty swallowing, fever, lethargy
Transmission risk to other species	High (among humans)	Low (to humans or other animals)
Treatment	Antibiotics, hydration, rest	Antibiotics, hydration, rest
Prevention	Hygiene, isolation	Clean bowls, isolation, vet care

Strep Throat in Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can dogs get the same strep throat as humans?

A: Dogs rarely get the exact strain of strep throat that affects humans, but they can suffer from similar bacterial throat infections.

Q: How can I tell if my dog has strep throat?

A: Watch for difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing or gagging, low energy, loss of appetite, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Always have your vet confirm the diagnosis.

Q: What should I do if my dog shows symptoms?

A: Schedule a veterinarian visit. Keep your dog hydrated, rested, and avoid giving any medication without professional guidance.

Q: Can I catch strep throat from my dog?

A: This is very unlikely. The typical human strain doesnât cross easily to dogs, nor vice versa. Practice good hygiene when caring for any sick pet.

Q: What can I give my dog to soothe their throat?

A: Offer moist foods, water, and use a humidifier. Some herbal teas and honey may help, but check with your veterinarian before administering home remedies.

Q: When should I call the vet?

A: If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, worsen, or include severe drooling, lack of eating, or difficulty breathing, seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

Dogs can contract streptococcal throat infections with symptoms that resemble human strep throat.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for a full recovery.
Hydration, rest, and prescribed antibiotics (if needed) are the mainstays of therapy.
Cross-infection between humans and dogs is rare but practice good hygiene during illness.
If in doubt, consult your veterinarian for the best outcome.

Your dogâs well-being depends on attentive care, especially during illness. Understanding strep throatâs impact on dogs, knowing what symptoms to look for, and taking the proper steps to treat and prevent infection will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

References

Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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