Short-muzzled and small dogs have increased rates of reverse sneezing.
Reverse sneezing is another name for paroxysmal respiration or pharyngeal gag reflex. According to VetInfo, the dog may seem to have issues breathing and make a snorting sound as if trying to inhale instead of exhale the sneeze. Often the dog will extend its neck, its eyes may bulge and the chest expand. The cause of the reverse sneeze is a spasm caused by irritation to the soft palate and throat, according to VetInfo. Dogs with short muzzles, such as pugs, bulldogs and shih tzus, have the condition more often than other breeds and there may be genetic factors. The problem can begin at any age or a dog may have the condition its entire life. Usually the cause is unknown.
Distract the Dog or Instigate Swallowing
Observe the dog while the reverse sneezing is occurring. Chart the times and duration. If the dog appears normal before and after the event, the duration is less than two minutes and it occurs no more frequently than once or twice a day, medical treatment is unnecessary. Methods to stop or decrease the episode include depressing the dog's tongue to improve airflow, covering its nose to force the dog to swallow or massaging the dog's throat, according to VeterinaryPartner contributing writer Becky Lundgren, D.V.M. Distracting the dog may stop an episode.
Antihistamines
An allergic response to pollen may cause reverse sneezing.
When the reverse sneezing is more common at different times, finding the cause of the throat irritation may help to determine appropriate treatment. Allergies may cause drainage or irritation that result in reverse sneezing. According to VetInfo, antihistamines help relieve allergic reaction to common causes of dog allergies, including dust, cleaners, pollen and chemicals. Methods to help the dog avoid allergens include wiping it off after it goes outside, changing cleaners or yard chemicals and washing dog bedding frequently.
Medication or Surgery
Reverse sneezing in dogs may be sign of underlying disorder.
Dogs that have prolonged, sudden development or frequent episodes of reverse sneezing or have bleeding or facial swelling require veterinary examination of the nasal area and throat. Sometimes a biopsy is required. Treatment depends on the cause. Ivermectin is a common treatment for mites in the laryngeal area, according to Lundgren. Surgery may be required to remove a foreign object. Antifungal medications treat fungus infection. Anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics treat infection and swelling. Tumors in the nasal passage or throat are a severe cause for reverse sneezing. Treatments for tumors depend on the type of tumor and other factors.
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