Do Dogs Get Strep Throat?
If your dog has a sore-sounding bark, seems uncomfortable when swallowing, or avoids food, you might wonder: do dogs get strep throat? It’s a fair question, especially for pet owners who have experienced the discomfort of strep throat themselves. While this illness is common in humans, it’s not something you often hear about in dogs. However, dogs can contract infections caused by the same group of bacteria. At Back Bay Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you understand how this can affect your pet and when to contact your veterinarian, so you can effectively protect your dog’s health. If you have any concerns about your dog’s bark, please call us at (617) 247-2273.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus. In people, it leads to symptoms like a sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact, which makes it highly contagious in households, schools, and other group settings.
In dogs, the illness doesn’t present the same way. Dogs do not commonly get the human version of strep throat. However, they can carry and even react to certain types of Streptococcus bacteria. The question “do dogs get strep throat” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. While the classic illness seen in humans is rare in dogs, streptococcal infections can still occur and lead to symptoms that may appear similar.
Can Dogs Get Streptococcal Infections?
Yes, dogs can develop streptococcal infections, but they typically involve different strains than those that affect humans. The most common type affecting dogs is Streptococcus canis. This bacterium is part of the normal flora in many dogs but can become problematic if the immune system is weakened or if there is a break in the skin or mucous membranes.
These infections can affect various systems in the body, depending on where the bacteria enter and spread. When pet owners ask, “do dogs get strep throat,” they are often referring to signs like coughing, throat discomfort, or fever. In dogs, these signs may be linked to respiratory or systemic infections caused by Streptococcus canis or similar bacteria.
Symptoms of Streptococcal Infections in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing a streptococcal infection, symptoms can vary. Common signs include:
- Coughing or hacking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or decreased energy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms might mimic a sore throat, which leads many dog owners to ask if dogs get strep throat. However, these signs often point to other underlying infections or health concerns. Only a veterinarian can accurately determine the cause.
Can Dogs Catch Strep Throat from Humans?
Although rare, there is some evidence that Streptococcus pyogenes can be passed from humans to dogs. However, this transmission is not well documented and does not typically result in the same illness that people experience. It is more likely that dogs exposed to someone with strep throat will remain unaffected or become asymptomatic carriers without showing signs of illness. If someone in your household has strep throat and your dog begins to show respiratory symptoms, it is worth sharing this information with your veterinarian. Even though the risk is low, it can help guide diagnostic decisions.
Zoonotic Risk and Cross-Species Transmission
The risk of dogs spreading strep throat to humans, or vice versa, remains very low. Most human-to-dog transmission cases are anecdotal, and the bacteria usually do not survive long in a canine host. Still, practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands before and after handling pets, helps reduce the risk of any cross-species transmission.
Diagnosing a Streptococcal Infection in Dogs
When pet owners search “do dogs get strep throat,” they are often trying to figure out whether a trip to the vet is necessary. If your dog shows signs of throat discomfort or appears unwell, your veterinarian may perform several diagnostic tests to pinpoint the issue. Diagnostic tools might include:
- A physical exam to evaluate throat, lymph nodes, and vital signs
- Blood work to identify signs of infection
- A throat swab or culture to identify bacteria
- Imaging, such as X-rays, if there are respiratory symptoms
Because symptoms of streptococcal infections often overlap with other illnesses, accurate diagnosis is essential. Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan based on the type and severity of the infection.
How to Support Your Dog’s Health
While streptococcal infections are not common in dogs, they do occur, especially when other health concerns are present. Supporting your dog’s immune health through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits can reduce the risk of infection. Dogs who attend daycare, grooming appointments, or frequent dog parks may encounter more pathogens than dogs who remain mostly at home. Keeping your dog’s vaccinations current and monitoring them for changes in behavior, appetite, or energy can help you detect illness early. If you’re wondering, “do dogs get strep throat,” and your dog seems off, trust your instincts. Even mild symptoms warrant a conversation with your veterinarian.
What to Do if Your Dog Shows Symptoms
Throat discomfort in dogs is not something to ignore. If your dog shows signs like persistent coughing, loss of appetite, or excessive drooling, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. These signs may be unrelated to strep throat but still indicate that something is wrong. Please call Back Bay Veterinary Clinic at (617) 247-2273. Our Boston-based team will provide a thorough exam and recommend diagnostics to identify the issue. If a bacterial infection is involved, we’ll develop an appropriate treatment plan. Timely care helps dogs recover more quickly and comfortably. If your dog isn’t acting like themselves, we encourage you to contact us for guidance and support.
