Viewer Question Topic: Allergies

About a week ago (the day after I picked my dog up from a stay in the kennel for 5 days) he started, and has continued, to have bouts where it seems he is not able to breath. I can remember this happening to him last year. When I asked the vet about it at that time he told me that it was "inverted sneezing." It really reminds me of human asthma attacks. This year it seems to be a lot worse. These episodes seem to last for far too long and I feel helpless when they occur. I'm embarrassed to ask the vet again since he told me not to worry when I asked him about it last year. Can the vet be wrong? Could it be something more serious? - Dan

Hi Dan, Inverted sneezing or reverse sneezing as it is usually called is very common. It is actually an aspiration reflex, or an attempt to clear the back of the throat of any irritation or obstruction. The causes are many, ranging from a long soft palate to allergies. It is best to have your vet check out his throat area carefully (sometimes this may require sedation). If every thing is normal, some dogs get relief from antihistamines. Gently rubbing his neck during a spasm often helps to stop the reflex. Please don't be embarrassed to talk to your vet about your pet's health He or she should be there to help you and your pet. If the problem persists, insist on a referral to a specialist. Good luck.

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