By Janice Jones |Last Updated November 22, 2021
A reverse sneeze is a common occurrence in some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds and small dogs and can sound menacing and even give the impression that the dog is choking or worse.
Owners unaware of the problem can rush their dog off to the emergency veterinarian thinking the dog is about to die. But relax, it sounds worse than it is.
The medical term for Reverse Sneezing pharyngeal gag reflex or paroxysmal respiration. The dog sounds like he is trying to inhale his sneeze! In reality, it is caused by a spasm in the throat and soft palate that is triggered by an irritant.
This honking cough sound occurs when the dog inhales and exhales air quickly. Often it results when a dog has a minor post nasal drip or some other minor irritant at the back of the throat.
People cough to “clear their throat” but dogs honk. This can be a frequent occurrence especially in dogs that suffer from allergies. Dogs can be allergic to dust, pollens, cigarette smoke, household cleaners, and even human perfumes.
You might even notice your dog doing this frequently when the temperature drops or rises suddenly. For example, this can happen when your dog first comes indoors during a cold winter day. The drastic change in temperature triggers the spasm.
Other dogs may eat or drink too fast and fall into an episode of reverse sneezing.
Another cause that can trigger a spasm occurs when the small dog is pulling on a leash attached to the collar. Walking a small dog wearing a harness is much safer. The pressure that the collar exerts on the throat can bring on the honking sound.
Small dogs have a tendency to run around wildly at times and the very act of running wildly, though blissful to them, may trigger a reverse sneeze.
The sounds that a dog makes during a reverse sneeze is unforgettable and once you've heard it once, you'll be able to recognize it in any dog.
Luckily, the cure is painless and very cheap. What should you do? You can usually stop a reverse sneeze easily in your small dog. To stop a reverse sneeze:
What if I do nothing?
Don’t worry if you choose not to do anything to stop the spasm. They will cease on their own.
If reverse sneezing becomes a chronic condition, occurring frequently, or lasting longer, you may want to make an appointment for the dog to be checked out.
There may be other problems that are causing the irritation such as tumors, nasal mites, a kennel cough or respiratory tract infection or even collapsing trachea.
Sometimes treating the allergy is all that is needed to reduce the incidence, but you will never know unless you get your dog to the veterinarian.
Since the major culprit of reverse sneezing is some type of environmental irritant, the best way to prevent the problem is to remove as many irritants from the air as possible. But, that is easier said than done.
Here are a couple of suggestions that might help.
Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.
Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.
When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu and Smart-Knit-Crocheting
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