Unleashing the Mystery of Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: A Guide for Pets and Parents
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Understanding the Cause and Interpreting the Significance
From somewhere deep in their snouts, a baffling and sometimes alarming sound echoes: the reverse sneeze! This peculiar behavior, akin to a high-pitched snort or steam whistle, often concerns dog owners. But fear not! We've got the lowdown on this odd canine conundrum.
What on Earth is Reverse Sneezing?
A reverse sneeze is like a standard sneeze's mischievous twin. Instead of forcing air out through the nose, your dog will suddenly inhale huge gulps of air instead, leading to noisy snorting and snoring. While it may seem like a disaster, it's more or less a reflex akin to a regular sneeze. Your dog will stiffen, bare its lips, and the spectacle can last for a few seconds before returning to normal. It's rare to see this in cats, and other pets such as birds or hamsters do not usually fall victim. Their nasal-pharyngeal anatomy puts them in a different league.
In summary, reverse sneezing in dogs can be concerning, but it's generally nothing to panic about.
Clueing in the Causes
The instigator of a reverse sneeze is usually an irritation in the dog's throat or on their palate. The exact reasons behind it remain a mystery, but there are some common culprits that can bring about the reflex:
- Airborne irritants like dust, pollen, perfume, or drafts.
- An abrupt jerk on the leash, sudden excitement, or eating or drinking too quickly.
A Shoutout to Particularly Susceptible Breeds
While all dog breeds can potentially catch the reverse sneeze virus, some are more susceptible than others. Pugs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs are prime examples. These breeds, with their compact snouts and narrow airways, are more prone due to their shortened nasal-pharyngeal space and enlarged soft palates.
In other words, certain breeds might fall victim more frequently, but rest assured the reverse sneeze itself is not a one-way ticket to canine calamity.
When to Book a Vet Visit
In most instances, reverse sneezing is relatively harmless. However, in exceptional cases, the loud, snorting sounds can signal grave conditions like respiratory diseases, allergies, or infections. Pay close attention to how frequently the episodes occur, and keep an eye out for other symptoms like coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing. If such symptoms arise, it's crucial to get your dog checked out by a professional.
Lending a Helping Paw
If your pooch starts reverse sneezing, remember to stay cool, calm, and collected. Your dog can quickly become stressed, so it's essential to keep a steady hand. Petting and tender words can help calm your furry friend. For added support, you might offer a treat, or provide gentle massages to its chest or throat -Petbook offers great advice on this topic.
[1] North Carolina State University. (2013). Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Available at: https://vet.ncsu.edu/assets/docs/breed-brochures/doberman-pinscher-breed-information-brochure-508compliant1.pdf[2] VeterinaryPartner. (2021). Primary Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs. Available at: https://vet.pet/83172/primary-laryngeal-paralysis-in-dogs[3] VeterinaryPartner. (2021). Canine Inflammatory Airway Disease. Available at: https://vet.pet/60686/canine-inflammatory-airway-disease[4] University of California-Davis. (n.d.). Breed Predispositions. Available at: https://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/lambda/breeds/perforate-bulbosalivary-duct-disorders.html
- The irritation that commonly triggers a reverse sneeze in dogs might be due to airborne irritants like pollen, perfume, or drafts, similar to allergens affecting human health-and-wellness.
- Certain breeds such as Pugs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs are particularly prone to reverse sneezing due to their compact snouts and narrow airways, which resembles the discussion on breed-related health issues in the field of science.
