Can Dogs Get Tonsillitis? [Video]

I spent Saturday morning taking Ellie, my newest Bichon Frise rescue, to Kentuckiana Animal Clinic.  When I got home from work Friday evening, I noticed that she seemed to be having hiccups. She was clearing her throat repeatedly and it drove her crazy pretty much all night long.  She was miserable.  So, Saturday morning, we went to the vet and you'll never believe what I found out.

Did you know that dogs can get tonsillitis?  Okay, I didn't!  I didn't even know that dogs had tonsils.  But they do.  And, after Dr. Willis examined Ellie, she said that it seemed to her that one of three things could be going on.  1) Ellie could have some sort of respiratory infection.  2) She could have allergies (which Bichons are a bit prone to).  Or 3) She could have tonsillitis.  WHAT???  Seriously???  My dog has tonsils?

Here's what Ellie was doing.  I filmed this in the vet's office.

Who knew, right?  Naturally, when I brought Ellie home, I sat down and did a little research and found that dogs, specifically small dogs, actually can develop tonsillitis . . . much like humans.  And, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, these are the primary symptoms-

It often causes the dog to gag, as if something is stuck in the throat or to repeatedly attempt to swallow. Some dogs lick their lips frequently. Most affected dogs are reluctant to eat because of the pain associated with swallowing. They may be hungry and go to the food bowl but refuse to eat. Many dogs with tonsillitis are not as active as normal, but, unlike people, they usually do not have a fever.

This is EXACTLY what Ellie was doing.  She was gagging, attempting to swallow and was licking everything.  When I got home she was underneath the dining room table licking the rug.  Then she went across to my media room and was licking the door.  Then I took her outside and she was licking and eating grass.

I suppose you learn something new every day.  And the lesson learned this weekend is dogs have tonsils.  Now, we're not totally sure this is what's going on with Ellie, but the fact that it's a possibility is fascinating and educational.

Ellie, by the way, is doing better.  She remains a drama queen, but she's on the road to recovery.