Can Dogs Get Strep Throat from Humans?

Yes, it’s technically possible but also really rare for dogs to get strep throat from humans. One of the main reasons why it’s such a rare occurrence is due to the fact that dogs are generally affected by a different strand of the bacterial infection. Humans are known for getting strep throat from Group A Streptococcus, a human-restricted pathogen, while dogs are more likely to get infected by Group G Streptococcus.

Having a case of strep throat doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to totally isolate yourself against your pet but you should take care to avoid doing anything that may pass on harmful pathogens to your furry pal (e.g. coughing directly at your dog’s face).

Dogs that do get strep throat will start to exhibit symptoms like coughing and hacking. They may also start to develop a fever and a sore throat. Seeing a veterinarian is strongly recommended if you suspect that your dog is affected by strep throat. Treatment and recovery for dogs typically involves rest, hydration, and medication such as antibiotics.