Hello everyone, CEO Olivia reporting. Today I’m barking about reverse sneezing. First I should explain what that is. Reverse sneezing is formally known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, it’s caused by a muscle spasm at the back of a good dog’s mouth where it meets the throat. Often it’s triggered by something irritating the throat, causes may include:

• over excitement
• fast eating or drinking
• pulling on a leash
• mites
• foreign bodies caught in the throat (grass for example)
• perfumes or environmental irritants such as household cleaning chemicals
• viruses
• pollen allergies

So what do good dog’s look & sound like while reverse sneezing? When dogs reverse sneeze, typically they stand, extend their head & neck forward & pull back their lips. They will then inhale repeatedly & forcefully through their nose. A distinctive, loud sound is heard each time they inhale. The sound has been described as a snorting, huffing, or a honking cough. Usually, a good dog will reverse sneeze several times within 10 to 15 seconds & then it’s over with.

Some dogs have these episodes their entire lives; while others develop the condition later in life. Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced dog breeds such as Pugs, Boxers & Shih Tzus) have elongated soft palates & as such more commonly experience reverse sneezing. In most dogs however, reverse sneezing is an occasional issue that goes away on its own, needing no treatment.

If you want to try to help shorten your good dog’s reverse sneezing episode you can try gently massaging the throat or hold the nostrils closed for a two seconds which should trigger a swallow reflex that might bring the bout to an end.

If reverse sneezing is happening a lot, a vet should be consulted. Mites, allergies or an infection will require medication if they are the cause. If something is stuck in the throat, surgery may be required.

Does your good dog reverse sneeze? I have, but very rarely.

CEO Olivia ❤