Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 11 months and 22 days old | 16 lbs
Our jack Russell terrier went to the vet and they said he has reverse sneezing, not kennel cough. He sounded like he was breathing in. Now he has a hacking cough where it sounds like he’s trying to get something out of his windpipe but nothing is coming up. Is it still possibly kennel cough or maybe allergies?
2 Answers

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 2nd, 2018
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 21st, 2018
There is no way for us to diagnose this over the internet. We would have to actually examine him and see/hear what he is doing. The good thing is that neither of these things are extremely serious. If you are worried you should always take him to your vet. It is better to be safe than sorry.
I suggest you watch some YouTube videos of dogs reverse sneezing and dogs with kennel cough. That may help you distinguish between the two. Reverse sneezing almost seems like an asthma attack (that is what people often describe it as) and kennel cough is actually a cough, usually dry and "honking".
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful