Dog gasping for air after shots: Is it serious or reverse sneezing?

Reverse sneezing isn't particularly linked to vaccinations or to heartworm medication. It is simply irritation of the throat (larynx) due to possible allergies or irritation of the throat from a foreign object. I would recommend monitoring her today to see if the reverse sneezing resolves on its own within 24 hrs. As long as she isn't acting ill, eating, drinking well then its ok to monitor. If the sneezing fits don't seem to be resolving on their own, then its best to contact your vet who will likely recommend a short course of antihistamines to try next. In rare instances, a nasal mite is the underlying cause for unresolved reverse sneezing. I hope that Kona's reverse sneezing fits resolve soon! Best wishes and take care.

This can be a number of respiratory issues including laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal obstruction, or just a benign condition called reverse sneezing, where it appears he is struggling to breathe but it is actually a tickling of the larynx and completely harmless. See this video for an example of reverse sneezing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IszRBYxsGI The event has to be seen to give you a better idea of if this is something to worry about or not. I would recommend recording the next episode on your phone and then showing the video to your vet for advise on what to do. If at any point your pet's tongue turns blue or he passes out or if you feel that he is in respiratory distress, then I encourage you to go to an ER vet.

No. It is not serious as long as you are sure that is what the actual issue is. I would suggest if it happens again try to video tape the episode with your phone and just drop by the vet's office, show the video to them and ask if they think it is reverse sneezing. One of the vet techs/nurses should be able to help you. Here is a link to an article about this condition. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2335 Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I'm wondering if Luffy's problem while breathing might be a reverse sneeze. This is caused by any irritation to the back of the throat or nose and is usually not associated with a serious disease (see a video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw). The attempting to vomit may actually be a non-productive cough, the two can look very similar. With either of these problems a physical exam with a veterinarian could be completely normal. If you're able to take a video of what's going on you might be able to show your veterinarian during a recheck visit which might help them determine what Luffy is doing.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I have seen this happen with several patients receiving the intranasal bordetella vaccine. It is likely that the vaccine has caused some irritation in the nasopharyngeal area. This will likely resolve on its own. If it becomes much worse or does not go away, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there. Since this has happened to Bentley several times today, I would recommend having him seen by a vet and having an xray taken of his chest. It could still be a reverse sneeze but it's always better to be safe than sorry. I would also check and see if he'll stop if you briefly cover his nose. This is typical with a reverse sneeze and may give you some clues as to what is happening. Also try and get a good video to show your vet. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

From your description, my main suspicion is that Brownie is experiencing a reverse sneeze. This occurs when irritation occurs in the back of the nasal passages, causing her to dramatically inhale air. (Regular sneezes occur as a result of irritation at the front of the nasal passages, causing air to be pushed out.) During these episodes, you can try blowing directly into her nose (I realize that it sounds strange!), but this can help to change her air flow and stop the reverse sneezing. If these episodes worsen, she could also be experiencing the start of collapsing trachea (unusual in a larger dog), allergic airway conditions or kennel cough, which would require a visit to her vet. I hope that all goes well!