Understanding Pomeranian Dog Sneezes and Snorts

Pomeranian dogs are prone to sneezing and snorting due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can cause their airways to become easily irritated.

Their short nasal passages and elongated soft palates can lead to breathing difficulties, resulting in frequent sneezing and snorting.

Pomeranians often experience nasal discharge and congestion, which can be exacerbated by allergies, colds, or other respiratory issues.

In some cases, their snorting can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a heartworm infestation or a respiratory infection.

Reverse sneezing in Pomeranians is a common condition where the dog's soft palate becomes irritated, causing the soft palate muscles to spasm and narrow the trachea.

This can lead to a snorting noise as the dog repeatedly attempts to inhale through its nose.

In most cases, reverse sneezing is harmless and passes within just a minute or two, but it's essential to consult a veterinarian if the condition starts occurring regularly in an older dog.

For more insights, see: Dog Reverse Sneezing and Vomiting White Foam

Pharyngeal gag reflex, also known as reverse sneezing, is a spasming disorder that can sound alarming, but it's usually harmless.

Reverse sneezing in Pomeranians can be triggered by irritation or inflammation of the nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus passages, or by foreign particles such as dust, powder, or allergens.

The condition is characterized by sudden, rapid, and repeated inhalations through the nose, followed by snorting or gagging sounds.

Most dogs are completely normal before and after a reverse sneezing episode, but it's not uncommon for them to have repeat episodes throughout their lives.

A veterinarian should be consulted if the condition starts occurring regularly in an older dog, begins to happen more intensely and frequently, or is joined by additional symptoms such as nasal discharge or coughing.

The average cost of treating reverse sneezing in dogs is around $350, but this can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment required.

Pomeranian dog sneezes can be caused by a variety of factors. Reverse sneezing in Pomeranians is often triggered by irritations in the back part of their throat, sinuses, or nose.

Some common causes of reverse sneezing in Pomeranians include getting too excited, eating and drinking too fast, the scent of perfumes, pulling too hard on their leash, and exposure to mites or viruses.

A Pomeranian may also experience reverse sneezing due to foreign substances in their throat, post-nasal drip, or nasal inflammation. Household chemicals or cleaners can also trigger a reverse sneeze in a Pomeranian.

Causes of reverse sneezing in dogs can be quite varied. Allergies are a common trigger, as are eating or drinking too fast, foreign bodies, and mites. Irritants like pollen or dust can also cause sneezing, as can pressure on the throat from pulling on a leash. Viruses are another possible cause.

Some dogs are more prone to sneezing due to their anatomy. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers, have a higher risk of sneezing due to the compression of their nasal passages.

The following are potential causes of reverse sneezing:

In some cases, a foreign body can get stuck in a dog's nasal passages, causing severe irritation and sneezing. This can be due to something as simple as a blade of grass or as complex as a nasal infection.

Other causes of reverse sneezing include nasal mites, elongated soft palate, exercise intolerance, and eating or drinking. These can all lead to irritation of the soft palate, which can trigger a reverse sneezing episode.

Symptoms of reverse sneezing in dogs can be alarming, but understanding what to look for can help you identify the issue. Reverse sneezing, or pharyngeal gag reflex, can appear at first glance like a dog that is choking.

During an episode, a dog may gasp for air, have difficulty drawing air into the lungs, extend their neck, and make a snorting sound. These symptoms usually clear up within one to two minutes with no ill effects.

If your dog is experiencing reverse sneezing, it's essential to look out for these specific signs. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

It's worth noting that tracheal collapse, a genetic disorder common in Yorkshire terriers, can also exhibit similar symptoms. If your dog is experiencing reverse sneezing on a regular basis, a visit to the veterinarian is crucial to rule out this and other conditions.

Dog sneezing and snorting can be easy to confuse, but understanding the difference is key to identifying potential health issues. Sneezing is usually an outward expulsion of air, while snorting is drawing air in with an accompanying sound.

If your dog is snorting, it's essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. A veterinarian will first eliminate other reasons for snorting and abnormal breathing, such as nasal polyps or tumors, a trachea that's starting to collapse, an upper respiratory tract infection, or foreign bodies within his nasal passages.

So, how can you tell if your dog is sneezing or snorting? Here's a quick guide:

Snorting is common in brachycephalic dogs, but it can also be seen with overweight dogs or those that have underlying medical conditions. If your dog is experiencing regular episodes of snorting, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian to rule out potential health issues, such as reverse sneezing or tracheal collapse.

Diagnosis of a Pomeranian reverse sneeze typically involves a thorough physical examination, including a check of the nasal passages, mouth, and throat areas. Your veterinarian will also ask about your dog's medical history, including any concurrent medications and the duration and frequency of symptoms.

A rhinoscopy, a procedure that allows the examiner to look more deeply into the nasal passages, may be performed to check for mites, polyps, or tumors. A sample from the nasal passages may also be taken for biopsy to rule out nasal cancer.

To help diagnose a Pomeranian reverse sneeze, your veterinarian may ask for a video recording of an episode to assist in the diagnosis. They will also gather information about any respiratory irritants, seasonal allergies, or foreign objects that may have been ingested.

Your veterinarian 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. Additional tests, such as a chest X-ray, sedated oral and nasal exam, and possibly a rhinoscopy, may be performed to rule out other causes of similar snorting noises.

If an underlying cause such as allergies or mites is uncovered, it will need to be addressed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of the reverse sneezing episodes. In frequent or severe cases of reverse sneezing, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the underlying cause or provide symptomatic care.

A fresh viewpoint: Allergies to Pomeranian Dogs

Diagnosing reverse sneezing in dogs requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, checking the nasal passages, mouth, and throat areas thoroughly. A rhinoscopy may also be performed to look for any abnormalities such as mites, polyps, or tumors.

The veterinarian will ask about the duration and frequency of symptoms, as well as any concurrent medications the dog is being given. They may also request a video recording of an episode to assist in the diagnosis.

A sample from the nasal passages may be taken for biopsy to rule out nasal cancer. The veterinarian will also gather information about any respiratory irritants, seasonal allergies, or ingested foreign objects.

Additional tests may be performed to rule out other causes of similar snorting noises, such as a collapsing trachea, nasal tumor or polyps, nasal foreign body, upper respiratory tract infection, or inflammation (rhinitis).

If an underlying cause of reverse sneezing in dogs is uncovered, such as allergies or mites, that condition will need to be addressed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of the episodes. Treatment may include taking antihistamines to ease allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions can be eased by taking antihistamines, and any polyps or growths will need to be removed to allow for easier breathing. This can be done through surgery.

If the reverse sneezing is idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown, it may not require treatment. In fact, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and your dog will continue on as if nothing has happened.

If your dog is having an episode, you can help shorten the duration by channeling the air through the mouth rather than through the spasming nasal passages. This can be done simply by closing off the nostrils with your hand for a few seconds and allowing your dog to breathe through his mouth instead.

In frequent or severe cases of reverse sneezing, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the underlying cause or provide symptomatic care. For example, if allergies trigger reverse sneezing episodes, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-histamines, such as cetirizine, or steroids, such as prednisone.

If nasal mites are diagnosed, your vet will treat your dog with an anti-parasitic medication, such as ivermectin or milbemycin oxime, to eliminate them. Reducing your dog's exposure to allergens or irritants can also help alleviate episodes.

Here are some common medications prescribed for reverse sneezing episodes:

It's essential to work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.