Do dogs have tonsils?

Dogs have tonsils that are located in the upper portion of the throat near the back of the jaw and that help fight infections. Sometimes the tonsils themselves become inflamed from bacterial infection, resulting in tonsillitis. Although tonsillitis is not rare in dogs, tonsillectomies are infrequently performed.

Tonsils in dogs, humans and other creatures, are part of the lymphatic system. They are paired groups of lymph nodules that are given their own blood supply and covered by a thin membrane called the epithelium. Tonsils and lymph nodes are distributed throughout a dog's body, but the most visible ones are behind the jaw on either side of the throat. These tonsils are the ones that are commonly referred to when the organs are discussed. Brachycephalic dog breeds, which have excessively short snouts, are very prone to tonsil inflammation due to their uniquely shapely skulls.