My dog has sudden neck spasms and can't breathe. Is it serious?

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.

This could have been caused by many things including: reverse sneezing due to irriation of the throat, panting due to pain, underlying heart disease or a primary lung disorder. Here is a video of a pet doing a reverse sneeze --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8wPnkNOIy4 If this is not the cause, then it is best to monitor Taurie for now since it has stopped, and then video record it if it happens again. Then you should certainly see your vet for further testing to definitively diagnose the underlying problem and start treatment right away. Hopefully this is just a reverse sneeze and nothing to worry about. Best of luck moving forward with Taurie. Take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Reverse sneezing can look quite scary at times so I understand your concern. However, thankfully this usually is benign and rarely becomes anything concerning. Most dogs just have reverse sneezing episodes every once in a while without causing any issues. If this ever seems to affect Diva in any way or if these episodes become too frequent, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment to make sure that this is not anything else more concerning. Good luck and have a great day!

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!

I am sorry to hear about Max. What you are describing sounds like it could be a reverse sneeze. I would recommend videotaping these episodes and showing them to your vet. You can read more about this condition at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952493 . If it is happening several times a day, your vet may consider doing a trial of antihistamine or treating prophylactically for nasal mites. I would let them know how frequently it is happening. It is usually not something of serious concern, but can be a sign of irritation of the nasal passages.

It sounds like she may have reverse sneezing which is nothing to worry about. I suggest you watch some YouTube videos to see if that is what you think she is doing. This is very common in small breed dogs. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw ) ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/reverse-sneeze-in-dogs )