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Achoo! Kinda…

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Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

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A reverse WHAT?

A reverse sneeze is a dramatic event where a dog makes a respiratory noise that makes it seem like the dog is dying or very well may die soon…. No. Seriously. When you first hear a reverse sneeze it can be absolutely terrifying. There are varying descriptions of this event and you can find a ton of videos on YouTube for examples. Some describe it as a honking noise or an exaggerated snorting noise or like inhaling a sneeze. This event is sometimes difficult to differentiate from a dog with collapsing trachea when you see it occur initially. Fortunately, this is a much simpler event that often requires no treatment and dog’s recovery without any intervention or prolonged recovery.

The most common cause of a reverse sneeze is an irritation of the soft palate and throat resulting in a spasm. During this event, the trachea is slightly narrowed and it is harder to get the right amount of air into the lungs. Some dogs will extend their neck and you will see exaggerated chest movements making the event look really scary.

Irritation of these tissues can be caused by almost anything… pollens, dust, mites, allergies, excitement, pulling on leash, eating or drinking too quickly etc. Brachycephalic dogs (think Pugs) with elongated soft palates occasionally suck the elongated palate into the throat while inhaling, causing reverse sneezing.

If these events become a more than a sporadic event your veterinarian may suggest imaging with a scope or a biopsy of the tissue to look for an underlying issue or cause. If it is allergy related using an antihistamine like Benadryl may help reduce events (check with your veterinarian prior to giving your pet ANY medication as there are contraindication and toxic doses for all medications).

[/vc_column_text][/trx_section][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1533135180690{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1533134942241{background-color: #d9ae4c !important;}”][trx_title type=”2″ align=”left” color=”#f6f2e4″ left=”20″ right=”20″]About Dr. Eileen Savier[/trx_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533135315368{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Barks & Recreation is proud to feature Dr. Eileen Savier CVA, CVCH as our Veterinary Blogger in our “From the Vet” Series. Currently part of the team of doctors at Keystone Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Savier is a 2012 Graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, She completed her clinical experience at The Ohio State University and after veterinary school she pursued further education and certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Fear Free veterinary visits. Dr. Savier has a special interest in integrative medicine, animal behavior, and internal medicine and is committed to improving animal health care by integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. She enjoys working with fearful & aggressive dogs and cats and she has had additional training in low stress handling techniques and encourages positive reinforcement during exams and procedures. Her clinical interests include pain management, animal behavior, geriatric patient care, and internal medicine. Dr. Savier is a member of the following associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
• American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AATCVM)
• Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)

Dr. Savier shares her home with two (soon to be three) dogs, two cats, and a toddler. She lovingly refers to her two dogs as Coconut Retrievers as they were rescue dogs she brought home from the island of St. Kitts. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and planning her next Disney vacation.

Join us every month for Dr. Savier’s “From the Vet” series to get more information related to the health and welfare of your furry family members![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]