Do you have a furry friend who refuses to keep quiet? Maybe you’re a frustrated neighbor who can’t stand the constant barking that disrupts your sleep. Either way, you’ve probably wondered whether dogs can actually get a sore throat or damage their vocal cords from excessive barking. If they can, it might bring some relief from the noise, right?
This very question came up in a recent conversation on social media, so I took it upon myself to investigate whether dogs are susceptible to sore throats, particularly from barking too much. Let’s delve into the topic and find out the truth.
Can Dogs Develop Sore Throats from Barking?
Dogs can indeed develop sore throats from excessive barking. When dogs bark excessively over an extended period, it can lead to damage to their vocal cords. This damage may result in laryngitis, in which the larynx becomes inflamed and the dog’s bark becomes hoarse[^1^]. So, the answer is clear: dogs can injure their vocal cords by barking too much, primarily as a means of communication with their fellow canines.
Why Does a Dog’s Bark Sound Hoarse?
If you’ve been wondering why your dog’s bark sounds hoarse, excessive barking might be the culprit. However, there are various other reasons why a dog’s bark might be hoarse. These include distemper, tonsillitis, irritations, and other conditions that cause a sore throat. Let’s explore these reasons further[^2^].
Other Possible Causes of Sore Throats in Dogs
While excessive barking can contribute to a dog’s sore throat, it is essential to recognize that there are other potential causes. Here are some reasons why dogs may experience sore throats[^2^]:
- Barking too much: As previously discussed, excessive barking can lead to a sore throat, causing redness and discomfort.
- Canine distemper: This bacterial respiratory infection often involves pharyngitis, where the walls of the dog’s throat become inflamed.
- Canine tonsillitis: Dogs with tonsillitis may experience red and swollen tonsils, visible at the back of their throat.
- Irritation or injury: Any irritants, such as dust, smoke, or minor grazes, can cause discomfort in a dog’s vocal cords or throat.
- Foreign object lodged in the throat.
- Herpes virus: The herpes virus can replicate in the dog’s oral cavity and throat, making them sick.
- Laryngitis: This can be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection or irritation from excessive barking.
- Parvovirus: The virus attacks the tonsils or lymph nodes in the dog’s throat, causing soreness and discomfort.
- Strep throat: Dogs, like humans, can experience strep throat if the bacteria enters their system.
- Throat cancer: Although the most severe possibility, dogs can develop throat cancer, which significantly impacts their sore throat and longevity.
To ensure your dog’s well-being, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian and rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing their sore throat. Excessive barking may not always be the sole reason.
Symptoms of Dog Sore Throat
If you suspect your dog may have a sore throat or damaged vocal cords, watch out for these common symptoms[^2^]:
- Frequent swallowing motions.
- Hoarse-sounding bark.
- Coughing or hacking.
- Gagging.
- Fever-like symptoms.
- Excessive drooling.
- Swollen and red tonsils.
- Discomfort when yawning or opening their mouth.
- Loss of appetite and reduced water intake.
- Lethargy and listlessness.
To learn more about these signs, check out our dedicated article on dog sore throat symptoms.
Can Dogs Get Sore Throats from Humans?
Surprisingly, dogs can indeed catch sore throats from humans. They can become infected with the bacteria responsible for strep throat, which leads to throat infections in dogs as well[^3^].
Do Dogs Eventually Tire of Barking?
If your noisemaker happens to develop a sore throat due to incessant barking, you might finally get some relief. Barking becomes painful for dogs with a sore throat, prompting them to stop until they have recovered. Of course, you don’t want to rely on your dog’s illness to bring tranquility. But what if the dog keeps barking without developing a sore throat? Will they eventually tire of barking? Here’s what I discovered:
- Dogs don’t necessarily get physically exhausted from barking excessively, but they may start barking less after some time.
- On average, medium-sized dogs tend to stop barking after 60 to 90 minutes[^4^].
- Some dogs, even when tired or hoarse, may continue barking if they are experiencing psychological stress.
As an additional resource, I’ve written a comprehensive guide to help you understand why your dog may suddenly bark for no reason and provide solutions.
In Conclusion
In summary, dogs can indeed develop a sore throat from excessive barking. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will stop barking altogether. Dogs may continue barking for hours if they are stressed, in pain, or suffer from separation anxiety. While excessive barking can contribute to a sore throat, it’s vital to consider other potential factors causing your dog’s discomfort.
If you found this investigation into dog behavior intriguing, you might also enjoy other related articles I’ve curated for you. Remember, a happy and healthy pup means a harmonious and tranquil environment for everyone!
Image in header via [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/doodle-barking-dog-woof-brown-dog-2965983/)References:
[^1^]: Original source: Do Dogs Get Sore Throats from Barking Too Much?
[^2^]: Source: The Nerdy Dog – Do Dogs Get Sore Throats from Barking?
[^3^]: Source: The Nerdy Dog – Do Dogs Get Sore Throats from Barking?
[^4^]: Original source: Essential Factors That Influence Dog Behavior
