What exactly is reverse sneezing in animals? And how do you know if your pet is fine?
Reverse sneezing, aka inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is when the animal rapidly sucks air in instead of blowing it out. Although this condition is common among dogs, it’s also found in cats. But what exactly is reverse sneezing in animals? And how do you know if your pet is fine?
Can Your Pet Breath?
During a reverse sneeze, most pet owners worry about whether or not their furry friend can still breathe. After all, they make a super loud honking – a wheezing noise that doesn’t sound great. In most cases, reverse sneezing episodes pass, and pets are okay. But the reverse sneeze can be scary in the moments before pets shake it off.
So, What’s the Difference?
When your baby sneezes regularly, they release air out of their airways and through their nose. They might have inhaled something irritating, or a foreign object is scratching the airway. Reverse sneezing in animals results from rapidly pulling air into their noses. A honking sound may join a stiffening of their bodies, hunched shoulders, and an extended neck. In addition, a reverse sneeze might last 15 seconds but can feel longer.
What’s the Cause and What Can I Do?
Although the exact cause of reverse sneezing in animals is unknown, we are aware of specific triggers. Allergens, insects, foreign body irritants, and other substances can result in honking sounds. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persians tend to get this condition. So, when a pet is overly excited, their regular breathing patterns might be compromised.
To interrupt a reverse sneeze, massage your pet’s throat from top to bottom to encourage them to swallow. Also, speak to your pet calmly while lifting their head to move the soft palate. Try also to open their mouth and press down on the tongue. During this process, distract your furry friend with toys or a treat.
When Does Reverse Sneeze Become More than a Sneeze?
A single reverse sneeze or uncommon episodes might not provoke concern in pet owners, but repeated incidents should be solved immediately. Specific health conditions can start this phenomenon. Respiratory issues, infection, nasal tumors, or allergies can cause repeated episodes. Furthermore, a foreign object blocking the airway can trigger reverse sneezing in animals.
Diagnostic testing like blood tests or X-rays at Alexander Animal Hospital can reveal what’s going on with your pet. Call us today for questions or concerns about your pet’s reverse sneeze.
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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