If in doubt, see a vet immediately. True choking is often fatal. No vet will criticise you for being careful, even if there is nothing wrong. Show
Now dive deeper… Reverse sneezing is dramatic and scary. Many times a dog in the middle of a bout has been rushed to me for choking. That’s not an unreasonable thought when you see what it looks like. However, while certainly unpleasant to the dog, reverse sneezing is virtually harmless. Since most dogs will do it at some time, it’s important for dog owners to understand. What Is Reverse Sneezing?Reverse sneezing is repetitive sucking of air through the nose, accompanied by a harsh grunting, snorting or gagging noise. It can last anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds, during which the dog stands with outstretched neck, lips drawn back and a ‘far away’ expression. The noise is created by air passing between the nasal passages and the soft palate. When you watch these dogs in the videos, it looks like they do it to itch the throat or nose. I believe they deliberately push the soft palate against the back of the throat in order to create the vibration that we hear. What Causes Reverse Sneezing?Reverse sneezing is never normal. It occurs due to irritation of a part of the throat called the nasopharynx up behind the nasal passages. Common causes of throat irritation are:
The last video shows a dog with rhinitis. This characteristic noise is nasal stertor, not reverse sneezing. It’s caused by something irritating the nasal passages. Often the causes are the same as above, so it’s not a terrible mistake to make. However, the location of the problem is different, so you might like to look at the causes of true sneezing in dogs too. For most dogs, an occasional reverse sneeze is acceptable and no cause for alarm. However, if your dog has started reverse sneezing constantly or is getting worse then you need to help. It’s also worth reading our page on the causes of coughing in dogs. How To Stop Reverse SneezingReverse sneezing is a semi-voluntary behaviour, so anything that distracts or disrupts your dog will often stop it. This might include picking a dog up, rubbing the throat, pinching the nostrils or even a tasty treat. However, just like any other itch, you aren’t fixing the underlying irritation, just suppressing the symptoms. To stop reverse sneezing properly, you need to recognise and treat the cause. Treatment of Reverse SneezingReverse sneezing is treated by reducing the irritation to the airways. Always start with a diagnosis from the vet of the likely cause.
What Else Causes Dogs To Cough?Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you of more serious diseases that can be confused with reverse sneezing.
Want to know more? Read here about the heartworm epidemic in Adelaide in the 1990’s. Have something to add? Comments (if open) will appear within 24 hours. Note: comments are now closed, but you should be able to find the answers to most common questions in previous replies Why is my Yorkie making choking noises?If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like they are choking on something, they may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis.
Why does my dog sound like he's choking but isn t?Reverse sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex) is a sudden, rapid and extreme forceful inhalation of air through the nose causing the dog to make repeated snorting noises, which may sound like he is choking. It sounds like the dog is trying to inhale a sneeze, and it is therefore known as reverse sneezing.
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?So it's easy for dirt, grass, or unwanted materials to enter your dog's nose or throat that cause irritation — and then coughing. However, if your dog has a cough they cannot shake, there may be something more going on. Your pup could have a virus, bacterial infection, or another underlying health condition.
Why does my Yorkie sound like he has a hairball?What does it mean when a dog sounds like it has a hairball? A dog making hacking sounds can mean more than one thing. Although uncommon, it may happen that your pup has developed a hairball. Other causes may include chronic bronchitis, heart issues, a common cold, or allergies.
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