What Is 'Reverse Sneezing'?

Question:
I have a Shih-tzu,she has recently began to sneeze alot. Just after the sneezing she acts like she is choking or trying to throw up but she does not. She is eating fine, acting fine and drinking plenty of water. She can go for several hours or even all night with no problems then she starts up. It is almost like she has something stuck in her throat but I cannot see anything.

A:  It sounds like your dog may be reverse sneezing. 

Reverse sneezing is a condition caused by increased mucus buildup in the nasal passages.  Some dogs can actually have a grass particle, or something caught in their nose, other times is it just caused by mucus.  Dogs will try to suck in the mucus, creating what is called a reverse sneeze.  This is not a medical problem and will usually resolve on its own.  Sometimes putting some water on the outside of your dog's nose will help stop the attack quicker.  If the problem persists, your dog may need to be seen by a veterinarian for antibiotics to reduce the mucus buildup and decrease the frequency of the reverse sneezing attacks.  Allergies can stimulate mucus buildup, just like in people, and may predispose some dogs to reverse sneezing.

Here is an online video that shows a dog reverse sneezing.

Is this what your dog is doing?

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital