Dog Reverse Sneezing and Vomiting: What You Need to Know

Dog reverse sneezing and vomiting can be a scary and confusing experience for pet owners. Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysm, is a common condition in dogs that can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, irritants, and anatomical issues.

During a reverse sneezing episode, your dog may make a loud, high-pitched sound, often accompanied by gasping or snorting. This can be alarming, but in most cases, it's not a cause for concern and can be treated at home.

A key symptom to look out for is persistent vomiting, which can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention. If your dog is vomiting frequently or showing other signs of distress, it's essential to seek medical help.

It's worth noting that some dogs may experience reverse sneezing and vomiting together, which can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a foreign object obstruction or gastrointestinal issues.

Dog reverse sneezing is a relatively common phenomenon where a dog makes a loud, harsh sound while trying to inhale, often accompanied by flaring of the nostrils and pawing at the mouth. It's usually a harmless condition.

The best way to describe it is like a dog trying to inhale through a narrow straw, which can be quite uncomfortable for them. Reverse sneezing can be triggered by anxiety, stress, or even excitement.

Staying calm is key when your dog experiences a reverse sneezing episode. This means avoiding panic and letting the episode pass on its own.

Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's exposure to respiratory irritants, allergies, or foreign objects that could be causing the reverse sneezing. This information can help them narrow down the possible causes.

If you have video footage of the episode, it's extremely helpful in determining if your dog is experiencing reverse sneezing. Unfortunately, dogs rarely exhibit the behavior while at the vet's office.

A physical examination will be performed to assess your pet's heart and lungs, and your veterinarian will look for other respiratory signs like nasal discharge or increased respiratory rate or effort.

If your dog's symptoms are concerning, your vet will do a thorough physical examination, checking the nasal passages, mouth, and throat areas.

They may also perform a rhinoscopy to look more deeply into the nasal passages, and take a sample from the nasal passages for biopsy to rule out nasal cancer.

Your vet will ask about your dog's symptoms, including how long they've been happening and if your dog has been exposed to any respiratory irritants or has seasonal allergies.

They'll also want to know if your dog has ingested any foreign objects, which can cause reverse sneezing.

A video recording of an episode can be really helpful for your vet in determining if your dog experienced reverse sneezing.

Your vet will perform a physical examination to assess your pet's heart and lungs, and look for any other respiratory signs such as nasal discharge or an increased respiratory rate or effort.

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A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation.

Additional tests may be performed to rule out other causes of similar snorting noises, such as:

These tests may include a chest X-ray, a sedated oral and nasal exam, and possibly a rhinoscopy to look for any abnormalities.

Reverse sneezing causes minimal distress and gums remain pink. This is a key difference from true choking, which can be fatal.

You might be surprised to learn that reverse sneezing is virtually harmless, and most dogs will experience it at some point. However, it can look dramatic and scary, leading many owners to rush their dogs to the vet for choking.

If you're unsure whether your dog is choking or experiencing reverse sneezing, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Call a vet immediately, and they will not criticize you for being careful.

Here are some key differences to help you distinguish between the two:

These facts can help you stay calm and make informed decisions about your dog's health. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Reverse sneezing episodes are usually harmless and will pass on their own, but if your dog is experiencing frequent or intense episodes, it's essential to identify and address the underlying cause.

If allergies or mites are the culprit, treating the condition can help reduce the frequency and intensity of reverse sneezing episodes. Allergic reactions can be eased with antihistamines, and any polyps or growths need to be removed to allow for easier breathing.

To help shorten the duration of an episode, try channeling the air through your dog's mouth rather than its nasal passages. This can be done by closing off the nostrils with your hand for a few seconds and allowing your dog to breathe through its mouth instead.

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If your dog has never had a reverse sneezing episode before, it's best to check with a veterinarian to ensure it's not something more serious.

A short-lived episode that resolves on its own and your dog returns to normal with no other symptoms is generally fine to mention at the next veterinary checkup.

However, if episodes are frequently recurring, your dog should see a veterinarian promptly to check for an underlying cause.

If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing or weakness along with a reverse sneezing episode, seek veterinary attention right away.

If your dog begins to reverse sneeze, stay calm and let the episode pass on its own. It usually resolves in less than a minute.

You can help your dog by holding it upright, which can help shorten the duration of the attack. This can be done simply by closing off the nostrils with your hand for a few seconds and allowing your dog to breathe through its mouth instead.

Massaging the dog's throat may also stop the spasm, so try gently rubbing its back or massaging its throat until the episode passes. This can be a comforting and reassuring action for both you and your dog.

Gently blowing in the dog's face for a few seconds can also make it swallow, which helps stop the sneezing. This is a simple trick that can be effective in stopping a reverse sneezing episode.

Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, and your dog will continue on its merry way as if nothing has happened. However, if the problem is chronic, a veterinarian will have to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

If you're trying to stop a reverse sneezing episode, remember that you're not fixing the underlying irritation, just suppressing the symptoms. So, it's essential to recognise and treat the cause to prevent future episodes.

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If your dog's reverse sneezing becomes worse, contact your veterinarian. This is crucial because reverse sneezing can be a sign of an underlying issue, and prompt veterinary care can help identify and address any potential problems.

Reverse sneezing can be alarming to witness, but it's essential to note that your dog shouldn't show other signs of distress during an episode, such as pawing at its nose or face, gagging, or trying to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.

If your dog has had episodes of reverse sneezing in the past, it's likely to continue throughout its lifetime. However, the occurrences may become less frequent with age.