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My puppy is sneezing and sounds like she's choking. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Whippet | Female | spayed

Hello I have a whippet mixed puppy that is sneezing a lot when she smells or licks something example smelling my hand she sneezes and she makes a sound like she has trouble breathing or catching her breath when she make that sound she also sneezes. I noticed the first day I took her home for the adoption I took her for a walk and I'm not sure if she sniffed something up her nose because that's when she make that sound like she's choking. I don't know what's wrong can you please give me advce

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2017

Congratulations on your new puppy! She is a cutie. It is possible she is experiencing what we call a "reverse sneeze" which can cause a strange respiratory sound. Here is a link to one video of a reverse sneeze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXDledRQ7y4 , but every dog can sound a little different. Sometimes this can be triggered by smelling something strong such as perfume, but we can sometimes have upper airway inflammation or irritation that can cause this issue as well. You can read more about the condition at: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2335. I would recommend making a video of one of the episodes and then scheduling an appointment with your vet so that they can examine her and check the video out to make sure this is just a reverse sneeze. They may recommend a trial of an antihistamine if they suspect allergies, or other treatments based on their exam findings.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    What a cutie! It sounds like she may be reverse sneezing. This happens commonly with allergies or something that they inhale that irritates the nasal passages and causes excessive draining down the back of the throat. There is no specific treatment for it and usually isn't a cause for concern. If she is also sneezing excessively, especially if she has discharge from one nostril, she may have sniffed something up her nose. This usually requires a vet visit and heavy sedation or full anesthesia to look into the nose. I hope this helps! Congratulations on your new baby!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 30th, 2020

    Hello. Without hearing the noise there is no way for me to comment on it. What I would like you to do is look at some YouTube videos of dogs doing a reverse sneeze. Look at a few & see if this resembles what Luna is doing. If you think it is, then you have nothing to worry about as this is normal for some dogs ( altho there may be an allergy associated with it ). The only other thing I could tell you to do is try & film your puppy making the noise & hopefully someone will be able to recognize this. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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