Why is my puppy wheezing and struggling to breathe sometimes?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 6th, 2017

  This is most likely a condition called "reverse sneezing." This is where he theist gets tickled and subsequently the pet tried to scratch the throat. Look at a YouTube video of other pets reverse sneezing to confirm this is what's happening to your fur babies. If this is the case then no worries, this isn't harmful to your pets. Just gently rub their throats and offer them a small amount of water on your finger tip. If it becomes a constant issue and starts impeding on your pet's quality of life, then have your vet examine them to make sure there isn't something else going on that needs to be treated for.

  

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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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  Answered By Maria DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 17th, 2018

  It sounds like a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes are typically nothing to worry about. They are usually allergy or even upper respiratory related. I have also seen dogs do it from dust and other things but they tend to resolve quickly. Here is a video on what it sounds and looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXDledRQ7y4 If she won't stop and is continuously doing it I would have a veterinarian look at her or if you really feel she is having trouble breathing. Typically this doesn't warrant a trip to the vet though. Thank you for using PetCoach.

  

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 11th, 2018

  It is hard to say without seeing the actual gasping motion he is doing in person. It sounds like it could be a normal reverse sneezing event. If what you are seeing is similar to this video, then it is reverse sneezing that you are seeing and isn't of concern at all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UyBrb0Hhpk Reverse sneezing is usually a mild reaction to any tickling or irritation of the throat. It does not usually cause any long term effects and can be more frequent in the spring and summer months due to increased pollens and molds in the air. You can offer your pet Winnie some water on your finger during these times of reverse sneezing, as well as rubbing her throat a little. If the reverse sneezing becomes more frequent or starts to impede on her quality of life, then a vet visit is warranted at that time to look for wany foreign bodies in her airway that could be causing this. Otherwise, she is likely fine. I hope this helps and best wishes moving forward with your pet Winnie! Take care.

  

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