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Reverse
Sneezing in Frenchies |
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Reverse sneezing is
a common phenomenon in Frenchies, however this is a misnomer, for it
has nothing to do with actual sneezing. It is a popular term for
something that appears far worse than it actually is. In a regular
sneeze, your dog pushes air through the nose; however in a reverse
sneeze air is pulled rapidly into the nose. The actual physiology is
that the trachea has narrowed and the normal amount of air is not
able to enter the lungs. The triggering mechanisms are usually
excitement or stress. The predisposition to this is thought to be
hereditary, particularly in smaller breeds because of the decreased
diameter of their tracheas. The exact reasons for these episodes are
unknown but may be related to allergies, nasal irritants or nasal
inflammation.
When Reverse Sneezing occurs,
Your dog will appear
to be snorting or choking. Your dog will make rapid and long
inspirations and will struggle to take in air. He will stand still
with his elbows spread apart, extend his head and his eyes will
bulge. He'll make a loud snorting sound, which makes you think he
has something caught in his throat. Each Sneezing episode usually
last for one or two minutes.
Do Not Panic
If this happens to your dog, A reverse sneezing attack
may look disturbing - many people fear that their dog is not
breathing during these episodes - but it is not a harmful condition
and there are no ill effects. Reverse sneezing attacks are generally
quite brief and not life threatening.
Episodes
Can be stopped, if the dog is stimulated to swallow by either
massaging the throat or briefly pinching off the nasal openings. You
can also help your dog by soothingly stroking the upper throat area
to encourage relaxation and dilation of the trachea. If your dog
occasionally has this; do not worry that you need to be there to
help each time it happens. A dog is able to come out of an attack of
reverse sneezing without help and will not suffer permanent damage
Reverse
Sneezing article,
reproduced here by permission of.... Mrs. Penny Rankin-Parsons.
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