The most common reason for your dog hyperventilating is a condition known as reverse sneezing. It is so called because it sounds like the dog is inhaling sneezes. Alternative names are inspiratory paroxysmal respiration and pharyngeal gag reflex. Reverse sneezing makes your dog appear to fight for breath and may be accompanied by snorting, gasping and gagging noises.
Despite its name, the condition has nothing to do with sneezing and is a spasm caused by an irritation of the soft palate: The fleshy, soft tissue extension off the roof of the mouth. It may be due to sinus, nasal or pharyngeal irritation. The condition is especially seen is small dogs and certain breeds, including Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers, are more predisposed to it than others.
During a spasm, the dog’s neck will extend and the chest will expand as the dog tries to inhale. However, the trachea has narrowed and it is difficult to get the required amount of air into the lungs. Affected dogs appear to be completely normal both before and after the attack.
An episode can be shortened by gently massaging the throat area and pinching the dog’s nostrils shut so that he has to breath through his mouth. Taking him outside in the fresh air can also sometimes stop the spasm. The condition may start as the dog ages, or it may be present for its entire life.
The spasm can be caused by a number of irritants, including pollen, dust and household chemicals. It can also come on after excitement, pulling on the lead, running around, eating or drinking, or following a sudden change in temperature. It also commonly occurs when the dog is asleep or following a long nap. Reverse sneezing generally carries no health threats but can be distressing for the owner.
If your dog hyperventilates frequently, take him to the vets to make sure that there is no other cause. Antihistamines and/or steroids can be prescribed if the condition is serious, chronic or allergy-related. Other possible causes of your dog hyperventilating include polyps, viral infections, nasal mites and excessive soft palate tissue.
Despite its name, the condition has nothing to do with sneezing and is a spasm caused by an irritation of the soft palate: The fleshy, soft tissue extension off the roof of the mouth. It may be due to sinus, nasal or pharyngeal irritation. The condition is especially seen is small dogs and certain breeds, including Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers, are more predisposed to it than others.
During a spasm, the dog’s neck will extend and the chest will expand as the dog tries to inhale. However, the trachea has narrowed and it is difficult to get the required amount of air into the lungs. Affected dogs appear to be completely normal both before and after the attack.
An episode can be shortened by gently massaging the throat area and pinching the dog’s nostrils shut so that he has to breath through his mouth. Taking him outside in the fresh air can also sometimes stop the spasm. The condition may start as the dog ages, or it may be present for its entire life.
The spasm can be caused by a number of irritants, including pollen, dust and household chemicals. It can also come on after excitement, pulling on the lead, running around, eating or drinking, or following a sudden change in temperature. It also commonly occurs when the dog is asleep or following a long nap. Reverse sneezing generally carries no health threats but can be distressing for the owner.
If your dog hyperventilates frequently, take him to the vets to make sure that there is no other cause. Antihistamines and/or steroids can be prescribed if the condition is serious, chronic or allergy-related. Other possible causes of your dog hyperventilating include polyps, viral infections, nasal mites and excessive soft palate tissue.
