CHIHUAHUA ALLERGY/REVERSE SNEEZING

Question
QUESTION: Hi Laura, I have a 3 year old chihuahua who was recently diagnosed with some sort of allergy. She is currently on a low dose of prednisone. My concern is that she is still having bouts of what sounds like reverse sneezing regularly. Sounds and looks frightening. Vet. says is not.  Any advise you may give or any experiences anyone may have regarding these sneezy/wheezy episodes to share is much appreciated.


ANSWER: Anna,

Having 3 pugs I can tell you the reverse sneeze is oh so much fun.

It is a sneeze, it's just backwards.  Prolonged reverse sneezing can lead to permanent issues because the soft palate is chronically irritated.

When my Lily has her episodes I firmly rub her underside in the area of the diaphragm (just below the ribs on her belly) and usually that helps.

The reverse sneezing is more of a uncontrollable thing, although if say "LILY OPEN YOUR MOUTH!!!" she will do it and take a breath through her mouth therefore ending the episode.  Also you can put your finger in the mouth to open in and force her to breath through the mouth.

The prednisone may be helpful, but she shouldn't be on that long term.  prednisone is in a class of medication called Plutocratic Steroids.  They inhibit healing and are contraindicated for long term use.

Although scary, the episodes are not life threatening, so just try to get her in a different frame of mind to stop the cycle of the "sneeze".

Good Luck,

Laura

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was told that blowing in her nose is also helpful for the sneeze???

Answer
Anna,

It may be helpful, you just want to try to break her cycle of reverse sneezing by bringing her out of the mindset she is in.  There are different ways to distract her, so try the different suggestions and see what works for you.

Have a good day!

Laura