Dog Sucking In Air Forcefully?

[lanabanana]

So I posted about my dogs spine a while ago, but it came to nothing, by the next day he was fine (as I had suspected) - *phew*

Anyway, tonight he is asleep in his usual place (the chair next to mine) and all of a sudden he starts sucking in air really loudly and forecefully. It may not be sucking but thats the only way I can think of to describe it.

He has done t twice in the last 15 minutes, its very similar to what some dogs do sometimes when they eat too fast.

I have a vague notion that many years ago he done this one night, just one episode and it was never repeated so I didnt think much of it.

Is this something I should worry about? I am usually pretty good with most "sicknesses" but I have never really seen this before and am unsure whether it is normal or not.

TIA for any advice.....though I will be doing a quick google while waiting for responses.

[lanabanana]

Is this what a reverse sneeze is?

[VJB]

Sounds like a reverse sneeze. My old girl use to do this a fair bit. Heidi does it occasionally. I don't think it causes any harm or anything. I once read that putting your hand over their nostrils for a couple of seconds can stop it.... but it usually stops by itself.

[lanabanana]

Hmmm, he is still doing it.

He is not constantly doing it, ut like every few minutes he is going hard nuts. He seems ok though and still all happy and stuff. Even running round outside when I took him out for a drink and wanting to play.

I am off work tomorrow so if he is still doing it I think I will pop down to the vet with him...unless it gets worse tonight then we will have to go tonight.

I hope it isn't anything serious

[VJB]

Yep, sounds like a good idea. I would be worried too, especially if it continued.

[mrs tornsocks]

google reverse sneeze or search on you tube and see if this is it.

My boy had it once, it freaked me out a bit but is harmless and he's nver experienced it again.

Good luck !

[oakway]

Just sounds like reverse sneezing to me.

[spottychick]

My old girl used to do the reverse sneeze a lot - I would put my hand on her nose and gently massage it and it seemed to help. Could be it just calmed her, distracted her, had a physical effect or had no effect at all and just happened to coincide with the reverse sneezing stopping LOL But it made both of us feel better anyway

[Hafhafa Hounds]

Mmm, sounds like a reverse sneeze. I have an old dog here who's done it all her life. Can be to do with lengthened soft palate or sucking in some dust. Sally's 16 and hasn't had any issues that have come of it.

Sonia