My chihuahua puppy makes this weird noise, which I've heard is like a backwards sneeze. Does anyone know why?

Question

She is only three months old, but i read somewhere that it is common for chihuahuas to do that, but she does it quite often and it kind of worries me.... Please help.

Answer 1

If it is a reverse sneeze (which is indeed a common condition not only in chis but also other short nosed breeds), it is usually caused by a malformed palette. Nothing dangerous, though. What happens is that it allows the dog to inhale through both their mouth and nose at the same time, causing that noise. Some methods that I know to help stop the "attack" are : help them calm down, plug both (or even one) nostrils until they gulp a breath through their mouths and open the mouth wide. Personally I use the last one on my guys (actually only one of my dogs is bad about it). This palette problem can also lead to snoring. Often you will hear the dog reverse sneeze after excitement, exercise, drinking water etc. There is some talk that allergies play a part in reverse sneezing too.

Did the vet tell you it is a reverse sneeze? There are other condition that can cause a similar sound. One is collapsing trachea as has been mentions but she is so young. Another could be roundworms Roundworm larva will travel to the lungs which cause the dog to cough and they will then swallow the roundworms back into the gut. And then there are diseases like kennel cough that can cause a similar sound.

Answer 2

This noise may also indicate a collapsing trachea, which is common in toy breeds. This condition may be serious, and may make it hard for your chihuahua to breathe. The noise could also be a reverse sneeze, which is caused by inhaling air rather than expelling air when a sneeze occurs. I would make an appointment to talk to your vet .

Answer 3

Wow I'm surprised nobody on here knows what that is! It's called the "Chihuahua honk" and it's something specific to the breed. It's not a health problem, and it won't cause any harm to your dog. You can calm your dog to keep them from doing it for a prolonged period but either way it has nothing to do with health problems.

Answer 4

My chihuahua "Mr. Sprinkles" coughs too. It's called collapsed trachea. They do this because they are so little. He usually does it when he's so excited to see me. I pick him up, with soothing words...talk baby talk to him and calm him. the vet said he'll still live a long life, just to not feed him large dog foods, and try and keep him calm. Good luck!

Answer 5

Take her to the vet to rule out respiratory infection first. But it may be what is called a collapsing trachea. It is fairly common in toy breeds, and most can live with it without much problem. But you really need to have your vet diagnose it.

Answer 6

It can be caused by many things like allergies, collapsing trachea, or heart problems (if it tends to happen with exercise).

Probably not a big deal, it is pretty common.


bladesdogsrule - And I am surprised you do not know it is not breed specific. Many breeds have problems with this, mine included. Chihuahua honk...LOL!

Answer 7

usually it is because the dog gets some dirt in its nose the dog trys to get it out and then you hear the noise. in other word the dog might also have allergies because its summer going into fall and it isn't as normal to a dog when the go out side because they are little and not used to the out side nature or any kind of smell as you know dogs smelling is 20,000 times better then humans smelling

Answer 8

He might have kennel cough. Did you get him from a pet store? If so, kennel cough is VERY common in pet store puppies. Check his nose..do you see discharge? He sounds really sick. Take him to the vet ASAP.

Answer 9

Maybe she was sneezing! And if it worries you, why don't you call the vet instead of asking here?

Answer 10

You know chihuahuas are prone to ashma, seizures, and just general bad health. Maybe you should take her to the vet, just to make sure. I just had one die.