What Is Inverted Sneezing in Dogs?
Inverted sneezing, or reverse sneezing, is a common medical condition among dogs. It is called reverse sneezing, because air is being sucked into the nose instead of pushed out of the nose, as with a regular sneeze.
-
Identification
-
Inverted sneezing in dogs is described as deep, rapid intakes of breath through the nose. It sounds like a series of snorts as if the dog has something caught in his throat.
Cause
-
Most reverse sneezing episodes occur as a result of an allergy or irritation of the nasal passage. Other common causes are excitement and exercise.
-
Solution
-
A reverse sneezing episode usually cures itself, but an episode may be shortened by massaging the dog's throat.
Warning
-
Most cases of reverse sneezing are not harmful, but if it occurs frequently, the dog may have a more serious medical condition, like nasal mites or a viral infection. Watch for accompanying signs, like a bloody nose, lethargy, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing.
Fun Fact
-
Some dogs force themselves to reverse sneeze for attention once they realize their owners give them extra affection during reverse sneeze episodes.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
