Is your dog suddenly making weird honking or gasping noises that sound like a goose honking? Don't panic, your dog isn't suddenly sprouting feathers and webbed feet. Chances are, they're just reverse sneezing, also known as dog honking.
If you're a new dog owner, the first time you hear these strange noises coming from your pup can be pretty alarming. But reverse sneezing is usually harmless and will pass quickly. This guide will give you the lowdown on what reverse sneezing is, what causes it, and some tips to help soothe your dog if an episode strikes. Once you understand reverse sneezing, you'll be able to stay calm and support your dog until the honking stops.
What Is "Dog Honking"?
Reverse sneezing, also known as "dog honking," is a spasm-like coughing episode common in dogs. It sounds alarming, like a goose honking, but it's usually not a cause for concern and will pass quickly.
Reverse sneezing is an involuntary reaction caused by a spasm of the soft palate. The soft palate is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of your dog's mouth. When it spasms, it causes the trachea to narrow, resulting in the "honking" sound.
The episode typically only lasts a few seconds up to a couple of minutes. Some potential triggers for reverse sneezing include:
Irritation of the soft palate (from pulling on leash, excitement, etc.)
Eating or drinking too quickly
Inhaling an irritant (like pollen)
Pressure on the throat from the collar
Though unsettling, reverse sneezing itself is harmless. You can help soothe your dog during an episode by massaging its throat, covering its nose to make them swallow, or distracting them. For most dogs though, reverse sneezing is a normal occasional occurrence and not a reason to panic. Stay calm, comfort your dog, and the honking will pass.
Common Causes and Triggers of Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing, also known as honking or paroxysmal respiration, is common in dogs and rarely anything to worry about. However, it's important to understand what triggers these episodes and how to properly care for your dog.
Several things can set off a reverse sneezing fit, including:
Irritation of the soft palate or throat: This is the most common cause and can be triggered by excitement, eating or drinking too fast, or pulling on a leash.
Allergies: If your dog is prone to allergies, exposure to pollen, dust, or other airborne allergens may lead to reverse sneezing.
Infections: In rare cases, an upper respiratory infection or nasal mite infestation could be to blame. See a vet if episodes are frequent or severe.
Anatomical issues: Certain breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and other brachycephalic dogs are more prone to reverse sneezing due to their distinctive head and airway shapes.
During an episode, remain calm and gently stroke your dog's throat to help relax the palate. You can also try massaging the throat, covering the nostrils for a few seconds, or distracting your dog to help end the spasm. If episodes are frequent or last more than a few minutes, see your vet to determine if any treatment is needed.
It's only cause for concern if episodes become frequent or last longer than a few minutes, in which case a vet visit is a good idea to check for any underlying conditions.
How to Manage and Provide Relief for Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing in dogs, also known as dog honking, can be alarming for pet parents. Here are some tips to manage and provide relief for your dog:
Keep them calm
When your dog experiences a reverse sneezing episode, stay calm and help keep them relaxed. Pet them, speak in a gentle, soothing tone, and avoid harsh discipline. Stress and excitement can make the honking and choking sounds worse.
Gently massage their throat
A gentle neck massage can help relax their throat muscles and make it easier for them to breathe. Use your fingers to apply light pressure and stroke their throat area.
Moisten the nasal passages
Using a damp cloth, gently wipe away any discharge from their nose. You can also use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air, especially in dry weather. Moist air can help loosen congestion and make breathing easier.
Visit the vet if episodes become severe or frequent
While reverse sneezing is usually not a cause for concern and will pass quickly, frequent or prolonged episodes can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment. See your vet right away if your dog is struggling to breathe or their gums are turning blue. They may need oxygen, steroids, or other medication based on the diagnosis.
With patience and the proper care techniques, reverse sneezing should not pose any long-term issues for most dogs. However, dog honking can understandably be upsetting, so make sure to talk to your vet if you have any concerns about the frequency or severity of episodes. They can determine if further testing or treatment is needed to ensure your dog's comfort and well-being.
Wrapping Up
While ‘dog honking’ and reverse sneezing can sound pretty scary the first time your dog does it, try not to panic. Remember that it's usually not a cause for concern and will pass quickly. By keeping an eye on the frequency and duration, you'll know when it's time to call your vet. Otherwise, try and stay calm—your dog will pick up on your anxiety. Gently stroke their throat or cover their nostrils to help relax them until the episode passes.
And if your dog's reverse sneezing is due to allergies or irritation, eliminating the underlying cause may help reduce future flare-ups. The more you understand about this strange-sounding behavior, the more at ease you'll feel when that honking sound starts up again. Stay informed and keep loving your dog—you've got this!
Author Bio:
With 5 years of experience in the field, Amelia Moore is an online entrepreneur by profession and a passionate blogger and content writer. She loves to write content about Pets, Travel, Entertainment, fashion, and many more. She has experience at the Pets Magazine, Essay Writing Guides, Ev authority , Gossipment , thesportsmag, Dream and travel, The CBD Magazine
