Dog reverse sneezing, a look at reverse sneezing in dogs

It can be rather frightening to witness your dog reverse sneeze for the first time. Reverse sneezing in dogs is rather common. Although it can look disturbing, this condition isn’t harmful to your dog at all. So, what exactly does dog reverse sneezing look like?

During regular sneezing, air is pushed out rapidly through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is pulled in through the nose rapidly. This prompts your dog to make a loud snorting sound which makes you wrongfully think your dog may be suffocating. These episodes are usually short, lasting for just one or two minutes.

Causes

Reverse sneezing in dogs is brought on when the soft palate and throat becomes becomes irritated and causes a spasm. The exact reason for this is usually unknown. However, the cause may be due to various reasons. Common reasons include allergies, nasal inflammation, mites, viruses, and foreign bodies.

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, dog reverse sneezing is relatively common and usually nothing to worry about. However, there are a few symptoms that sometimes accompany this condition that you should be aware of. These symptoms include nasal discharge, bloody nose, lethargy, decreased appetite, and breathing difficulty. These signs indicate that there may be something seriously wrong with your dog.

Treatment

The best way to handle one of these episodes is to get your dog to swallow. This can be accomplished by pinching his nose briefly or massaging his throat. You can also try giving your dog something to drink or eat. If the episodes occur very frequently, your veterinarian may have to give your dog medications to control them.

Outlook

Reverse sneezing in dogs may just be a temporary condition that occurs once then goes away. Other dogs may develop a chronic problem that they have their whole lives. Dogs of any age, sex, or breed can be affected by these episodes.