My new dog has breathing attacks. Could it be reverse sneezing? Is it serious?

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.

Reverse sneezing can be stressful to your dog, and is very common in smaller breeds, but isn't usually harmful. Sometimes, opening your dog's mouth to let them take in air can help reduce the episode. If you're noticing a pattern with the episodes and excitement or food intake, taking steps to reduce people food (it's not good for dogs anyway and can cause other health issues!) or anxiety may help if it is related,. We also have this short article on reverse sneezing that may be useful! https://www.petcoach.co/article/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs/

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.

What I think you are describing is reverse sneezing. It is not anything to worry about. It is very common in dogs. Calming her down during an episode is the exact right thing to do. There is no other treatment needed for this issue. My recommendation is to look up videos on YouTube of dog's reverse sneezing and see if it matches what Abbie is doing. I think this article will help you: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=21+1276&aid=1112 If you are worried though, you should definitely take Abbie to the vet for an exam. I suggest you video tape an episode with your phone so you can show it to your vet because chances are she won't do it during the exam! I hope this helps! Best wishes!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree that is sounds like Turtle is reverse sneezing. If this isn't new for her, some dogs just do it more than others. If it is worsening or is a new behavior then I would have her examined. Causes can be anatomy differences in the oropharynx, allergies, infection or foreign body (grass, piece of food, etc). Sometime antihistamines help or a course of antibiotics. If is is a new thing then sedating and looking up the nose, in the back of the throat, above the soft palpate and scoping can be done. But all that can be done at home during an episode is massaging the neck and calming the dog down. I wish you the best!

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My guess is that Buddy was reverse sneezing. You can look at some YouTube videos ("reverse sneezing dogs") to see if Buddy's symptoms are similar. Look at a few different videos. If you think this is what he was doing, it is no big deal. The cold air probably just irritated his nasal passages. There is no treatment for reverse sneezing; it is not a problem/issue and it is not life-threatening. Reverse sneezing is very common. If it was not reverse sneezing, then I would suggest you just monitor him and if the behavior recurs then you should take Buddy to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It sure could be reverse sneezing and that is the most likely diagnosis based on your description. If Oliver is eating and drinking and acting fine then I would just monitor for now. If the "sneezing" or weird breathing happens again, or if he stops eating, I would get him to the vet for an exam. Try to video tape the episode so you can show your vet what you are talking about. That would be very helpful. Hope this helps. Best wishes. If you have more questions feel free to post again!