Dogs
What is reverse sneezing in dogs? It is a common, involuntary spasm which gets triggered by an irritation of the soft palate and throat. When your pet dog sneezes regularly, what happens is the air is pushed out through his/her nose. Now in the case of a reverse sneeze, what happens is the air is pulled in rapidly through the nose, which produces a noisy inhalation attempt. A loud snorting or wheezing-like sound is made, which is often a cause of alarm for many dog owners. But rest assured, it is not a life-threatening condition. However, if your dog is making a deep, snorting sound, every time an episode of reverse sneezing occurs, there are some techniques you can use to understand its causes and follow treatment.
Causes
Technically, a reverse sneeze is not actually a sneeze. This problem usually shows itself in aged dogs. However, some dogs can have this condition throughout their lives. Now before we take a look at specific treatment methods, let's see what the main causes are.
As a loving dog owner, you surely wouldn't be comfortable with just standing on the side, while your dog goes through an episode. There is something you can do to shorten the episode. When your dog is standing still with the elbows turned towards the sides, it's a general indication of an episode. In such a case:
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Dogs
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
What is reverse sneezing in dogs? It is a common, involuntary spasm which gets triggered by an irritation of the soft palate and throat. When your pet dog sneezes regularly, what happens is the air is pushed out through his/her nose. Now in the case of a reverse sneeze, what happens is the air is pulled in rapidly through the nose, which produces a noisy inhalation attempt. A loud snorting or wheezing-like sound is made, which is often a cause of alarm for many dog owners. But rest assured, it is not a life-threatening condition. However, if your dog is making a deep, snorting sound, every time an episode of reverse sneezing occurs, there are some techniques you can use to understand its causes and follow treatment.
Causes
Technically, a reverse sneeze is not actually a sneeze. This problem usually shows itself in aged dogs. However, some dogs can have this condition throughout their lives. Now before we take a look at specific treatment methods, let's see what the main causes are.
- The major causes are various types of irritants like dust, pollen, mites, household chemicals and cleaners, and/or dog allergies.
- Some common causes also include viruses, inflamed nasal passage and post-natal drip.
- If your dog eats food or drinks water rapidly, this habit can also cause this health issue.
- When the dog is annoyed or can't tolerate exercise and other physical activities, or if you pull on his/her leash too hard.
- Sinusitis and other respiratory disorders can also cause an episode.
- Typically, small dogs experience this health issue, but other breeds can also go through the episodes.
- Breeds which are prone to reverse sneezing are Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers (due to a genetic factor).
As a loving dog owner, you surely wouldn't be comfortable with just standing on the side, while your dog goes through an episode. There is something you can do to shorten the episode. When your dog is standing still with the elbows turned towards the sides, it's a general indication of an episode. In such a case:
- Massage the dog's neck very gently.
- Pinch the dog's nostrils to shut them. This will make him/her swallow properly and breathe from the mouth.
- You can also touch his/her tongue and provoke the swallowing reflex.
- Offer your dog to eat or drink something; this will shorten the episode as well.
- Go for a nice, long walk, so that he/she can breathe in fresh air.
- If you notice that the episode begins after pulling on the leash, use a harness collar instead. The pressure on the neck won't bother him/her, as compared to the traditional collar.
- During an episode, you can also check if your dog is not choking on any foreign object or if something is stuck in his/her throat.
- If your dog can't breathe, collapses and/or seems in serious distress, rush him/her to the veterinarian.
- After an episode, your dog should act normally, as he/she used to. If this does not happen, or your dog's health deteriorates, rush him/her to the veterinarian.
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By Linda Cole Cats and dogs sneeze all the time, just like we do. A bit of dust, grass or tiny piece of dirt can get up their nose as they rummage and sniff out an interesting smell in some tall grass or in a corner of the living room. Most of the time,...
- What Causes Hiccups In Dogs?
Hiccups, just like in humans, are common in dogs, especially in puppies. Sometimes, these hiccups come in rapid succession or after long intervals. Any animal that has a diaphragm is bound to get hiccups. It is an involuntary action by the body where...
- Runny Nose In Dogs
A colorless discharge in a dog's nose (runny nose), is a common problem. Most of the time, a dog licks it away with his tongue. So, a dog owner may not notice it. Such discharge, if without symptoms, is not a cause of immediate worry. A pet owner...
- Puppy Sneezing A Lot
Hi. I have a puppy and she is 9 weeks old. I've observed my puppy sneezing a lot and this has made me worry about it. Will the sneezing stop on its own or should I take her to a vet? Please help, why is my puppy sneezing and what are the causes?...
- Breathing Problems In Dogs
Panting in dogs is very common, as it is the method for them to relax. But if you notice certain changes in the breathing pattern or excess panting, then your dog has some problem in the respiratory tract. Similar to humans, even dogs can have breathing...