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SnowWa · 03-25-2006, 06:20 PM

This problem was mentioned in another thread - and here is a vet's reply to a dog owner's question.

I'm sure this describes the episodes that many of us are talking about.

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QUESTION: My little dog, Pugsley, has recently started having episodes of snorting and gasping for breath. He seems very distressed and his eyes seem to bulge during the episode. I'm afraid he is having an asthma attack and may collapse. What is causing this?
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ANSWER: It sounds like Pugsley is having episodes of reverse sneezing. This is a condition where dogs make repeated snorting noises. The dogs may seem like they are struggling to inhale, making very noisy attempts to draw in air through their nostrils. They tend to do this several times, then stop, only to start all over again.

Although it seems that the dogs are struggling to breathe, they are actually trying to relieve irritation to the back of their throat or nasal passages. Sometimes this is due to foreign bodies in their nasal passages (grass blades, for example), irritation from allergies or irritants (pollens, smoke, perfumes), tooth root infections, or post-nasal discharge from allergies.

While the episodes are frightening when you first see them, they are not dangerous to the dog. He is just trying to clear his nasal passages or ease irritation at the back of his throat. Sometimes you can stop the snorting by gently rubbing the dog's throat or getting him to lick your hand. If dogs are having repeated episodes of reverse sneezing, veterinarians may prescribe antihistamines to dry out the respiratory passages and stop the sneezing.

Even though it sounds like Pugsley is having reverse sneezing episodes, depending on how often it happens, it would be good to have him examined by your family veterinarian to make sure there is not a more serious reason for his nasal/laryngeal irritation. If his physical exam is normal, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat Pugsley's reverse sneezing problem.

Rhode Island Veterinary Medicine
Wise, DVM

Carol Jean

03-25-2006, 06:20 PM	#1
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Snorting and breathing problem...... This problem was mentioned in another thread - and here is a vet's reply to a dog owner's question. I'm sure this describes the episodes that many of us are talking about. ------------------------------------------------------------------- QUESTION: My little dog, Pugsley, has recently started having episodes of snorting and gasping for breath. He seems very distressed and his eyes seem to bulge during the episode. I'm afraid he is having an asthma attack and may collapse. What is causing this? ------------------------------------ ANSWER: It sounds like Pugsley is having episodes of reverse sneezing. This is a condition where dogs make repeated snorting noises. The dogs may seem like they are struggling to inhale, making very noisy attempts to draw in air through their nostrils. They tend to do this several times, then stop, only to start all over again. Although it seems that the dogs are struggling to breathe, they are actually trying to relieve irritation to the back of their throat or nasal passages. Sometimes this is due to foreign bodies in their nasal passages (grass blades, for example), irritation from allergies or irritants (pollens, smoke, perfumes), tooth root infections, or post-nasal discharge from allergies. While the episodes are frightening when you first see them, they are not dangerous to the dog. He is just trying to clear his nasal passages or ease irritation at the back of his throat. Sometimes you can stop the snorting by gently rubbing the dog's throat or getting him to lick your hand. If dogs are having repeated episodes of reverse sneezing, veterinarians may prescribe antihistamines to dry out the respiratory passages and stop the sneezing. Even though it sounds like Pugsley is having reverse sneezing episodes, depending on how often it happens, it would be good to have him examined by your family veterinarian to make sure there is not a more serious reason for his nasal/laryngeal irritation. If his physical exam is normal, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat Pugsley's reverse sneezing problem. Rhode Island Veterinary Medicine Wise, DVM Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words. Last edited by SnowWa; 03-25-2006 at 06:23 PM.