Anyone have experience? Based on symptoms I think my chihuahua may have the beginning of one... I have a vet appointment for next week, but now I am scared. Just curious if anyone had real experience. I am reading online, but first hand experience is always better!
I know that its much more commom in small dogs. After learning that when Elvis was a baby, when on leash my babies always wear a harness. This is so nothing is pressing against the throat. Best of luck to u and don't read the net...if you're like me, it will make u freak more!
My daughter's yorkie puppy was diagnosed with it when she was only about 4 months old....but they had been using a leash. It cleared up after they switched to a harness.
Thanks.... we have never used a collar on him. He is almost 8 years old and we have had him his whole life. It only happens when he is barking or gets excited... not when he is calm or sleeping.
Aww, thanks for asking!! We adopted another Chihuahua from the SPCA and her mom is still there... she is very sweet!! (go get her!!) :lol::lol: I couldn't get an appointment for almost a week- and by then it was MUCH better so I cancelled! I wonder if it was just a cold, or allergies, but he isnt coughing any more. So I panicked for nothing... the internet is a dangerous thing.
Could it be reverse sneezing? A lot of small dogs do this. When my Pom does this I pick him up, put him in my lap and rub his throat area and calm him down. It usually passes fairly quickly and usually happens when he gets over excited or after eating. See below: Reverse sneezing is an involuntary spasm, caused by an irritation of the soft palate. During the spasm, air is rapidly pulled in through the nose and produces a loud snorting, honking or wheezing sound. The reverse sneeze often alarms dog owners who may think their dog can't breath. The condition is minor and generally does not require a veterinarian's attention. However, it is vital to recognize a reverse sneeze episode and rule out serious conditions such as a collapsing trachea. Step 1 Look at your dog's posture. During a reverse sneezing episode, the dog will stand still and stiff, with his elbows turned outward. Step 2 Notice how the dog holds his head. The dog will extend his neck and head upward as he reverse sneezes. His eyes usually open wide. Step 3 Pay attention to the sound the dog makes. During a reverse sneeze, a dog will make a loud snorting and honking sound as the air is drawn inward through the nose. It may sound like, "snork!" If your dog has had more than one of these episodes, you'll notice that reverse sneezing has a very distinctive sound. The sound of a reverse sneezing sounds similar to a more serious condition, a collapsing trachea. A dog with a weakening and collapsing trachea will have a chronic cough similar to the honking of a goose. A dog with a collapsing trachea makes raspy sound or coughs when you rub his throat. He will then gag or dry retch a the end of the cough. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect a collasping trachea. Step 4 Notice how long the episode lasts. Reverse sneezing lasts between one and two minutes. Step 5 Make sure your dog is behaving normally after the reverse sneezing episode ends. Call your veterinarian if the dog acts ill or fatigued after a reverse sneeze attack. Step 6 Now that you have established that your dog reverse sneezed, you can learn how to stop a reverse sneezing episode. During a reverse sneeze attack, gently massage the dog's neck or briefly pinch his nostrils shut in order to get him to swallow and breathe through his mouth. You can also try carefully touching the dog's tongue to stimulate the swallowing reflex, which may shorten an episode
