Tag Archives: reverse sneezing

Reverse sneezing – sounds scarier than it is

Reverse sneezing is terrifying the first time you see it.

You think your dog is having some kind of horrible asthmatic, choking, wheezing seizure. You think a trip to the emergency vet is in your immediate future, and that your dog’s life is threatened.

No such thing.

Don’t worry. Be happy!

Reverse sneezing is common, especially in short-faced dogs. And especially in small dogs. The medical terms for it are “inspiratory paroxysmal respiration,” “mechanosensitive aspiration reflex,” and “pharyngeal gag reflex.” Basically, it means that instead of blowing out when the dog sneezes, he (or she) sucks air in.

Having had small, short-faced dogs all of our lives, we’re used to it. Back in the day, when we first asked our veterinarian about it, we learned it was pretty common and nothing to worry about. It’s usually no more serious than a regular sneeze.

But the dog may pass out

The most striking thing he told us was that the worst that could happen was our dog would pass out from lack of air. When he was unconscious we could open his mouth and free up his airway. No harm done.

Fortunately, none of our dogs has ever gotten to the point of fainting from a reverse sneeze. Some dogs (including one of ours) panic when it happens, which does prolong the episode and requires intervention to break the cycle.

Roc always looked shocked when Hope sneezed!

On a side note – and just because it’s kind of funny – Hope’s Brussels Griffon boy Roc would freak out when Hope sneezed. Or coughed. Basically, he got this outraged look on his face when his mom’s face made any noise other than talking. She managed to capture “the look” one time. Thought you’d get a kick out of it.

 

 

How do you know your dog is reverse sneezing?

Most dogs signal a reverse sneeze about to happen by coming to a standstill, elbows out, head either extended down or thrown back. At this point, it could be either vomit or reverse sneezing about to happen. Then they let out a “snorking” sound that lets you know it’s a reverse sneeze.

Dogs that panic when they reverse sneeze will worsen the situation in their distress. They try to gasp for air while their soft palate is extended. When they can’t breathe, they get more distressed, which circles back again.

Make it stop!

We have lots of ways of trying to stop the panic and get them calm and breathing normally again. The first is just to offer them a treat. Most of our dogs are highly food motivated. You can almost see the dialogue bubble over their heads: Should I stop and get a cookie? Or do I need to continue choking over here?

Another technique to try is to block their nostrils, pinch the nose gently, so that they have to open their mouths to get air. You can also gently massage the dog’s throat while you do. Remember to speak calmly and soothingly – let your dog know it’s nothing to be scared of. These work a good portion of the time, too. For a mild episode, it’s enough.

When things are a bit worse, we step up to the next level. We ask for a kiss. All of our dogs are huge kissers and will generally stop whatever they’re doing if they see an available face to slobber on. Again, it just breaks the panic cycle and lets their mouth and tongue get back in a more normal configuration.

These distraction techniques have worked most of the time to get our dogs out of panic mode and back to normal.

If that doesn’t work

On the rare occasions they failed, with some dogs we would actually stick our thumbs in their mouths to push up the soft palate and allow air to get in their windpipe. With one other, we couldn’t – her “bite inhibition” wasn’t good, and we weren’t willing to risk it. We were willing to let her pass out to get her breathing back to normal.

Since we knew what was happening and what the “worst case scenario” would be – it wasn’t worth being bitten. That’s a judgement call that every dog owner has to decide for herself.

Pay attention and prevent

What can you do to prevent reverse sneezing?

Paying attention is the first step. According to Veterinarian Karen Becker, the most common causes are: “excitement, exercise intolerance, a collar that’s too tight, pulling on the leash, an environmental irritant like pollen, perfume, or even a household chemical or cleaner, room sprays, or even a sudden change in temperature.” If you notice it happening under similar circumstances on multiple occasions, chances are you’ve discovered the trigger and can take steps to avoid or prevent the episode.

As frightening as reverse sneezing can look and sound, it’s not a big deal. If your dog does it chronically, it’s probably worth mentioning it to your vet. Remember to be calm for your dog and yourself – you’re not worried when your dog sneezes. Reverse sneezing isn’t any more serious.