Oh, one big thing a Yorkie owner told me about reverse sneezing. Remain very matter of fact and calm as your baby is doing it - do not freak out or sooth him or anything as dogs get scared when you are scared - and I was told that some of them begin to learn to use that honking/reverse sneezing behavior as a tool to get quick, intense attention. The first time Tibbe did it, it scared him to death and his gums even went pale. I went pale too and had keys and directions out for the night vet but I steeled myself to remain extremely calm as I was doing all this. I'd spoken to the vet first thing and he said that he was probably just shocky from fear of this episode and to bring him in only if it got severe or continued over a prolonged period. Still, I got ready to go due to the pale gums but when his gums were pinking up, I distracted him with a squeaky toy and after a bit he was restored and playing with it. I stayed up all night checking his gums, his respirations, his temp and his pupils and finally, about 8 am I caught a nap. But I tried to be a professional and nurse-like as possible and not approach him until I was feeling more calm. I asked his vet later if I should continue to ignore the reverse sneezing and he agreed, stating that it can become a learned behavior. Still, it can rock your world and it is just about impossible not to run to him and grab his honking little body up and make over him. It's been a long time now since he's done it as I rarely give him many rough chew bones, etc., now, thinking he did that most after chewing and swallowing chewy type things. I think he's just got a very small trach and it scratches easily so we stay away from many possible irritants like that - not that I don't cave occasionally but if I do, he doesn't get any more for a good while just in case. So, get him to the vet and get him checked but try not to worry too much. I think it's pretty common with small breeds with small tracheas. |