Asthma attack?

moburda · #1 11-05-2009, 07:21 AM

Was playing with Patrick last night and doing some training when all of a sudden he started gasping for air and making these horrible noises. Do dogs get asthma? It almost sounded like he had something stuck in his throat. It was really scarey. I checked his throat and nose but couldn't see anything. Then, just as quickly as it started, it stopped. The whole thing only lasted about 30 seconds (felt like an eternity). When he was done he just went to lay down and took a nap. He seemed ok this morning, ate all his breakfast and was happy on his walk. I just don't know if I should take him to the vet.

Murp.mm · #2 11-05-2009, 08:04 AM

That must have been so scary. I'm happy that he's back to himself again. I don't know what to tell you as far as the vet goes but I'm sure there is someone on this board who's had a similiar experience. Good Luck.

TwoDogs · #3 11-05-2009, 08:34 AM

Sounds like it might have been reverse sneezing. My girl does it all the time. I especially notice she is more apt to do it if she is eating small treats while excited. I don't what it is that makes it more likely to happen then, but it does. Basically, she starts sucking in air through her nose causing a snorty honking sound, lowers her head like she is going to wretch something, but her mouth is closed. I've found that if I cover her nose gently, that prompts her to open and breath through her mouth which stops the episode. Sometimes, if she gets going too bad, I have to also insert a finger into her mouth to help her break the suction. Once she opens her mouth, all is good.

moburda · #4 11-05-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoDogs

eating small treats while excited. .... she starts sucking in air through her nose causing a snorty honking sound, lowers her head like she is going to wretch something, but her mouth is closed.

OMG - That describes it perfectly. I have never heard of reverse sneezing.

laneysmom · #5 11-05-2009, 01:09 PM

If Patrick has any more of these episodes, I would call my vet, just in case. It could be many things. Yes I've heard of reverse sneezing. I had a dog that did it. Almost like she couldn't catch her breath, poor thing..I used to pat her on the back a little. Don't know why it's called reverse sneezing? Sure doesn't sound like a sneeze to me....