Worrying Breathing Issue

[kingcharlesbaby]

I have a ten month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, she pulls on the lead when walking and twice last week she all of a sudden seemed like she couldn't breathe very well. She was breathing in and out of her nose really hard as though she was struggling to breathe and as though she couldn't breathe through her mouth.

I stopped walking her on the lead (off the lead in the field instead), however, this morning she wasn't doing anything and it happened, again as though she couldn't breathe through her mouth just struggling to breathe through the nose.

I went to see a new vet this morning (couldn't get in with my usual) and he said she seemed fine, there was nothing wrong with her.

My friend then told me that her dog used to do this and it was because a flap at the back of the mouth was stopping her from breathing through her mouth? Yet the vet mentioned nothing.

Please could anybody advise me on this? I am really worried, I have made an appointment with my usual vet on Thursday who will hopefully know more.

Sounds like what is know as a reverse sneeze where the soft palate ( the flap that hangs down at the back of the mouth) hooks over the epiglottis. It makes a terrible noise and often they stretch their neck out. Massaging the neck so the dog swallows usually unhooks it. It is really common in CKCS and other small breeds.

Thank you for your response @Lonecatwithkitten it does look and seem like a reverse sneeze.

I've never heard of it. My friend said to blow into the nostrils but I wouldn't do that without checking with a vet first. I will try massaging the neck though if it happens again.

Is it dangerous for them? It is scary to see.

In most cases it is not dangerous at all, but looks and sounds awful.

Thank you @Lonecatwithkitten very reassuring! I have also googled some vets discussing it and it seems not harmful at all. Thank you for letting me know what it is!

It’s frightening when it first happens. Lots of small dogs get it. I find if you open her mouth very wide with your hands it stops it.

Thank you @Darklane

Cover one nostril with your finger, it will stop the reverse sneeze.

Ours reverse sneezes a lot.

We put a hand over his muzzle to block his nose and mouth for a few seconds and it stops him.

It's scary to hear the first time though!