Inverted Sneeze? My Frenchie does this is it normal?

Question

I have a 9month old french bulldog and he does what a few other people have told me is an inverted sneeze. it's like he's snorting over and over again like there's a hair in his nose or throat and he can't get it out. Like a human trying to clear their throat.
I didn't know if this is a normal occurance for frenchies or any other dog for that matter. My English Bulldog doesn't do it.
So I was wondering if I should get it looked at. He's totally healthy otherwise. 
It usually stops when he drinks a little bit of water and i rub his throat. 
Someone else told me dogs will do it for attention...he could be doing that I suppose but I wanted to hear your feedback.
I don't want to spend a poopload on vet tests if it's a normal thing.
thanks everyone

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Backwards or inverted sneezes are pretty normal with smushie faces.  Our english bully does it a few times a week.  Our previous e. bully did it all the time.  If you want it to stop, just hold your finger over their nose while they are doing it, and it will make them breathe through their mouth.  Our vet instructed us to do this when it seemed like the bully was doing it too much.  Often it does not indicate a problem, but you may want to discuss nasal widening surgery with your vet, particularly if your Frenchie is a big snorer.

Anonymous · Answer

Inverted sneezes are quite normal for Frenchies and they don't harm your pet at all. There's no cure because it's harmless. When a dog is having an inverted sneezing episode, it's helpful to gently stroke his/her sides and comfort them. You can also pinch the nostrils and force open the jaw a bit from the side.  This forces the dog to breathe through his mouth. The episode won't last more than about a minute in most cases. Don't slap the dog on the back; this will hurt more than help. 

If the sneeze seems more serious and lasts for a longer time, it could be because of problems with a soft palate. This can be surgically corrected if it is an extreme problem.  I've provided links that go into a bit of an explanation about this.

http://www.frogdog.org/softpalate.htm

http://www.belamifrenchbulldogs.com/health.htm

http://www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au/frenchie_health.html

Anonymous · Answer

Inverted Sneeze

snookie121280 · Answer

Well I have had this problem with my Chihuahua's. It is just like our seasonal allergies. I took them to the vet and was prescribed some antihistamine tablets for them. The inverted sneezing normally occurs in the spring and summer, not so bad in the winter. Try holding his nose closed until he regains his breath. Also my Australian Shepherd has sneezing coughing allergies that we treat with a 25mg Benadryl once a day. Being that the Frenchie is smaller I don't suggest the Benadryl. Take him to the vet and see if any antihistamine tablets will work for you guys. The only other thing I can think of would be for your vet to inject a steroid. Good Luck.

Anonymous · Answer

It is a normal thing for short snouted dogs (ie: bulldogs, pugs, pekingese, etc.) Rubbing his throat is a great idea.

ladystang · Answer

my papillon does it.  took it to two different vets before she did it in front of them.  said like post nasal drip.  but found out that rubbing her throat will holding her face and blowing in her nose works the quickest.
it sounds like they are dying, but i guess common in small dogs.

Nekkid Truth! · Answer

A reverse sneeze is common in dogs.. some dogs do it more than others..  we had a german shepherd who did it often.. and my mom's powderpuff does it alot.

chihuahualady264 · Answer

It could also be a collapsing trachea, you need to have your vet determine if its this or not

Inverted Sneeze? My Frenchie does this is it normal?

8 Answers