DoctorPup Complimentary Service

Probable Reverse Sneeze

Q: Hi! I have a 9 month old Shichon who over the past 4-5 weeks has had 5 “attacks” of wheezing and difficulty breathing. They will last 10-15 seconds then subside immediately. It almost looks as if she is choking or grasping for air. They present randomly like when we come home, when she is scared in a dog park, in the middle of the night when sleeping, randomly on a walk, or after she finishes drinking or eating after activity. She has no previous issues of breathing problems and we have only ever used a harness on her when on a leash. Any ideas?

A: What you are describing is a “reverse sneeze” which looks frightening but actuallly doesn’t represent a big problem. Most often it is triggered but irritant particles such as dust or pollen. There is nothing you need to do.