I was wondering if anyone has heard of Reverse Sneeze. I heard it from another yorkie owner and I was wondering if anyone has had a dog or has a dog with this problem. I could use help on determining if my puppy has it or if its just a cold. I talked to the vet and he says hes fine.
2007-01-30 10:47:36 · 8 answers · asked by ALF08 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He does make little snorting sounds..especially when he gets excited.
He goes back to the vet in 2 weeks. Im going to mention it again to the vet and if he doesnt do anything..im getting a second opinion
2007-01-30 11:02:11 · update #1
What you probably witnessed is the condition in dogs known as reverse sneezing. It actually has nothing to do with sneezing, but is a spasm caused by an irritation of the soft palate. The soft palate is a soft, fleshy tissue extension off the hard palate, or roof of the mouth. Small dogs in particular can exhibit this behavior and certain breeds may be predisposed to it. It has sent many a distraught owner to the vet in panic.
Some animals can have this condition for their entire lives, or it may develop as the dog ages. During the spasm, the dog will usually turn her elbows outward and extend her neck while gasping inwards with a distinctive snorting sound. Gently massaging the throat area or pinching the dog's nostrils shut so she must breath through her mouth can help shorten the episode. Sometimes taking the dog outside in the fresh air stops the spasm. Once the attack ceases, all goes back to normal.
(Another technique sometimes used to stop a bout of canine reverse sneezing: behavior specialist Sarah Wilson suggests trying to get the dog to swallow, touching the back of the tongue if that is safe.)
It is thought that the pharyngeal spasm can be caused by a number of irritants, including dust and pollen, or household chemicals. Moreover, some dogs can launch an episode after eating, drinking or running around, or while pulling on the leash.
I hope that helps.
2007-01-30 10:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by vern2618 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My chihuahuas do it. It has to do with a malformed palette common in small dogs. Sometimes they take a breath through both their mounth and nose at the same time. When that happens, they do that honking sound. Sometimes you can get them to stop by opening their mouth. Also it seems for some dogs that allergies play a role in reverse sneezing.
Anyway it is a benign condition. The thing your vet needs to check out is whether it is "reverse sneezing" or collapsing trachea. The second condition is dangerous. The vet should be able to determine the difference (and if they can't get another vet that is used to working with small dogs).
A few other points. Has the puppy been dewormed? It could be that he is coughing up roundworm eggs and inhaling them (which is how they continue to cycle in a dog). Also is the dog doing it when he is loose or on a lead. The trachea is very close to the surface of the neck in small dogs and if he's pulling he could be causing harm (it's okay to use a collar IF you can get the dog to walk without pulling, if you can't, use a harness).
2007-01-30 19:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my 8 month old shih tzu puppy reverse sneezes. we took him to the vet the first time he did it because it sounded like he couldn't breathe, but the vet told us it was reverse sneezing and it's nothing to worry about. He usually does it when he gets really excited and it sounds like a loud snort. We rub his throat for a few minutes and then he's fine.
2007-01-30 19:28:52 · answer #3 · answered by rwfocus007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have #5 Chihuahuas that do that! It looks and sounds like asthma, like they are gasping for air, and little gurgling sounds. I know it's very scary to watch. Mine mostly do it, when they get really excited. When it happens, very lightly, rub their throat and talk to them in a soft voice, don't make your voice sound like your excited, because it gets them more excited and makes the reverse sneezing worse. It should pass in a couple of minutes. I'm really glad you were concerned enough, to call the vet. Hope this helps!
2007-01-30 19:02:40 · answer #4 · answered by Chihuahua Lover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well if it is a reversed sneese your dog would be making a snorting noise and dogs can just sneeze due to allergies or other things
2007-01-30 18:57:41 · answer #5 · answered by arifugiato 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a yorkie, as well... I've never heard of that! What did your friend say it was?
My pup, Foxy Roxy sneezes but I think it's just dust. Her lungs and nose is clear...
Good luck!
2007-01-30 18:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by CateN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a reverse [[ or backwards ]] sneeze is perfectly normal for a dog. it just means they swalled too much water too fast or they swalled too much air at once.
2007-01-31 15:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by dog loverr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be kennel cough but if your vet says its fine, trust him. although if your intuition says other wise i would get a second opinion.
2007-01-30 18:57:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋