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What is Reverse Sneezing? And… should I worry?
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have short noses and flat faces. Their little flat faces are prone to problems… and reverse sneezing is one of them. Reverse sneezing actually happens when your pug inhales rapidly. Air is drawn into their lungs and it can last from several seconds to several minutes. Most times, the dog will stop what it is doing and stand real still, like it is bracing itself.
What causes Reverse sneezing?
It can be caused by a number of different things. Sometimes, it happens just because pugs have short nasal passages. Other things that may trigger reverse sneezing is: when your pug gets excited or agitated, allergies or unknown contaminants in the air, or maybe just a tickle in the pugs soft palate. I have also seen pugs start reverse sneezing when someone pulls on their leash hard, so try not to put a lot of pressure on the pug when your walking him/her. Gentle pressure works.
How do I stop the reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing tends to scare pugs, at least it scares mine… especially the first time it happened. It scared me too. It may also tend to agitate the dog. Normally, your pug’s reverse sneezing will only last a few seconds, but if it does last longer or it scares the dog, you may want to step in and help. I almost always stop what I am doing and tend to my pug when she’s reverse sneezing. Sometimes, getting the dog a drink will help stop the sneezing. I personally have never tried this and I don’t think I could get my pug to drink when she is sneezing like this. I usually massage her throat and put my thumb over her nose for just a few seconds… until she swallows. That almost always works. The main thing to do when a pug is reverse sneezing is to stay calm. Don’t get excited because that makes your pug worry. He/she is watching you and they will mimic what you do. If you get excited, they may panic. If you stay calm, your pug will too. Talk to him/her softly, tell him/her they are going to be fine and pet them until the attack stops.
Long-term Effects
Reverse sneezing typically has no long term effects on the dog; however, if the pug shows any signs of discharge or blood during or after the sneezing, or if they have trouble breathing after the sneezing is over, immediately consult your veterinarian.
If anyone has any other suggestions or tips to help stop reverse sneezing, please post them. We welcome new tips!!
Love and pug kisses,
Candy
My little boy Ivan does that reverse sneezing. i have found that if I blow air into his face it causes him to swallow and the reverse sneezing stops. sometimes it take 2 or 3 attempts but it does work. I always get worried if he is breathing during these episodes.