Dog with breathing problems/sneezing fits!?

[madginger]

My beagle is having a few breathing problems at the moment, it starts off with a sneezing fit and then she cant catch her breath and starts making a horrible snorting sound almost like she is hyperventilating. (deep breaths in and shallow ones out) This lasts about 30 seconds but it really takes it out of her and she gets a little scared obviously as she cant breath!

We have taken her to the vets but they didn't really understand what we were trying to explain and have asked us to try and video it but nothing seems to set these sessions off, she can be asleep, out on a walk or just pottering about.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this and is there anything we can do other than try and calm her down and reassure her?

 

[Foxyfilly]

It sounds very much like reverse sneezing, both mine do it occasionally. Hold the palm of your hand over the nose and it should help.

 

[madginger]

Thanks Skinnydogs2 I have tried this and it does help, almost to the point that she stops breathing and has to concentrate on breathing properly for herself, it is just a little distressing for both of us.

It got to the point the other night when she had 3 or 4 in a row and it started up again everytime she moved so I had to carry her onto her bed in the end, poor little mite!

I just wondered if there was anything else I could do to help her?

 

[Alex99]

Hi Madginger, my dog does this also and i definately sounds like reverse sneezing. I can be triggered by allsorts of things from being overweight to allergies. If your dog is on the tubbier side they can have a "fat pallet" which can drop and block the airways. You can help stop the fit by putting your finger in her mouth to encourage her to swallow or do as you have been by covering her nose, this makes her breath from her mouth which also stops the attack.

I have also heard that allergies can contribute towards this, you may like to try putting her on wheat free food to see if that helps, it did with my little westie!

I hope this helps, and i know how worrying it is when it happens but im sure she will be fine, mine is still ok!

 

[brightmount]

I know what you mean, my Yorkie does this. It's common in Terriers apparently and I've never worried about it as I know it passes quickly.