Reverse sneezing is one of the dog sneezing conditions in which the dog rapidly pulls air into the nose, whereas in a regular sneeze, the air is quickly pushed out through the nose. If your pup has this condition, it may make a snort sound, and also may try to inhale while sneezing.
It’s not a severe condition to worry about. During a reverse sneeze, the dog will make rapid and long inspirations, stand still, and extend his head and neck. This episode can last for several seconds to a minute.
What Makes Your Pup to Cause Reverse Sneeze?
Why your pup suffers from reverse sneezing is still unknown. Your pup might get this dog sneezing condition if its nose encounters irritating stuff, or if your pup has sinus. Irritants include nasal mites, secretions, foreign bodies such as seeds, pollens, grasses, allergies, smoke, odors, masses, or an elongated soft palate. Dogs with narrow nasal passages encounter this condition more commonly.
How is a reverse sneeze diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosis, you must have your pup’s previous medical records. That’s why it’s asked to maintain your pup’s medical history and clinical signs. Your veterinarian will rule out other causes of abnormal breathing and snorting, such as an upper respiratory tract infection, collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, or foreign bodies in the nasal passages or mouth if found in the medical history records of your pup. Moreover, your pet will occasionally make your pup undergo blood tests, allergy tests, or radiographs (X-rays) to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
How To Treat Reverse Sneeze Condition?
If your pup is in contact with reverse sneezing, you may gently stroke the neck or head to try to calm him. You may give your pup something to lick or drink that might instigate swallowing and clear out a possible irritant. Once your dog exhales the attack will be over. Also, dogs may rarely develop complications or suffer any risk during these attacks. Most episodes of reverse sneezing last less than a minute, although longer durations have been reported.
Sometimes your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, or decongestant medications to help your pup be off the condition quite soon.
