Sneezing backwards in dogs (These 5 tips help)
What exactly is reverse sneezing in dogs and where does it come from? What can you do and how dangerous is it really? We show you that and more. In addition, we have for this article advice from the veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic. So be curious.
The jerky intake of air often looks like an asthma attack or choking. But don't worry, it's quite normal and has no serious consequences.
What is reverse sneeze?
Reverse sneezing (also called reverse coughing), is not a disease. Rather, it is a phenomenon that occurs mainly in dogs and rarely in cats.
In a normal sneeze, air is expelled from the nose in a burst-like manner. Reverse sneezing is exactly the opposite: the dog draws the air in noisily through the nose.
Of course, this looks unusual for the owner, because it does not happen with ourselves. Often this phenomenon is even taken for the harbingers of an asthma attack or one is afraid that his four-legged friend suffocates.
But there is no need to worry, because reverse sneezing is generally completely safe.
Just as quickly as it came, it is gone again. And your protégé is fine afterwards, as if nothing had happened.
Sneezing backwards sounds like a short snoring or rattling. Your pet is usually in a tense posture and raises its head slightly. In some cases, he may even vomit afterwards.
Sneezing is unexpected for both the owner and the dog. That's why your protégé mostly reacts anxiously himself.
If you observe backwards sneezing in your furry friend, you should calm him down rather than panic yourself. Basically, backward sneezing can occur in any dog. After all, it is a reflex, just like normal sneezing.
However, it is more common in some dogs. This is probably due to the shape and size of the trachea and larynx.
Smaller furry noses with a shorter neck are more often affected. This is because they often also have a smaller larynx and a narrower trachea.
Backward sneezing can have many causes. That is why it is also very difficult for the owner to identify the trigger.
It occurs more frequently when the four-legged friends are in an exciting situation. When romping around, playing or through excessive joy. It can also occur directly after eating or drinking.
Occasionally, fragrances such as perfume, room spray or cleaning agents can also be the cause.
In rare cases, backward sneezing is caused by inflammation in the throat or spasms of the throat muscles.
It makes sense as a keeper to pay attention to the possible triggers. If you know what often triggers the sneezing, you can prevent it. For example, you can make sure that your pet eats more slowly.**
You don't necessarily have to do anything about it when your pet sneezes backwards. It's nothing dangerous and usually goes away on its own after a few seconds.
Want to help your faithful companion get rid of those sudden breathing problems faster? Then here are a few simple methods.
Backward sneezing disappears immediately when a swallowing reflex is triggered in the dog.
You can do this by:
- massage his larynx.
- hold his nose for a moment.
- give him a treat.
- gently tap his front chest.
- carefully lift him by the rib cage.
If these measures do not help or the backward sneezing occurs constantly. Then you should go to a vet.
If your dog is feeling poorly after the sneezing episodes or there are more frequent breathing problems, then he should be examined.
This is the only way to rule out the possibility that an illness such as pharyngitis or irritated mucous membranes is the trigger.
Should the vet give the all-clear and your pet has no respiratory problems? Then the frequent backward sneezing could be due to scents. Dogs have very sensitive noses and react quickly to certain odors.
It is best to remove room fragrances then. Do not apply strong perfume or use less odorous cleaning products. Then the peculiar sneezing will certainly soon become a rarity again.
Even if sneezing backwards seems frightening to us at first: it is something quite normal and usually harmless.
The reflex is triggered by activities such as romping, eating and drinking. It then usually lasts only a few seconds. After that, your darling feels the same as before.
Unfortunately, this causes some dogs to panic. After all, they themselves do not know why they briefly did not get any air. Remain calm. Immediately soothe your protégé by Stroking.
Only if it doesn't go away even after a longer period of time should you take countermeasures. For example, you can trigger a swallowing reflex or gently tap his chest.
The most important thing is that you don't worry the next time you sneeze backwards: it is neither a disease nor is it dangerous in any way. It is merely a reflex.
However, if this reflex occurs constantly, we advise you to contact your veterinarian. Since in a few cases it can be attributed to a disease in the throat area.
