My Dog is Choking...I Think

Many times I have had dog owners tell me that their dog occasionally has choking episodes.  “It sounds like something is in his throat” or “It sounds like he is gasping for air” they tell me.  The episodes are usually described as being short-lived with no lasting effects, but scary sounding.  The dog is usually of a smaller breed, but sometimes I hear the complaint from owners of large dogs.  When I hear an owner complain of this, I then attempt to imitate the sound I think their dog is producing.  Upon hearing my Oscar-nominated dog impression, the owner usually states excitedly “Yes! That is exactly what he sounds like!” I then tell them their dog was not choking, but reverse sneezing.

What is reverse sneezing you ask?  Reverse sneezing is a normal reflex that a dog displays in response to an irritation in the back of the nasal cavity.  An irritant can be smoke, dust, pollen, or one of my favorites, the intranasal bordetella vaccine.  Here is a video of a dog reverse sneezing so you know what it looks and sounds like. http://goo.gl/IFGt2 

Reverse sneezing is generally not a health concern and no cause for alarm. However, a sudden onset of frequent reverse sneezing warrants an exam by a veterinarian.  Sometimes reverse sneezing can be indicative of a foreign body in the nasal cavity, nasal mites, or even nasal cancer. 

If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me on my website, www.zutillavet.com/contact-us