I'm really hoping someone can offer some advice because I'm getting worried about my new rescue dog, Max. We brought him home last week, and he's been such a sweetheart, but he's been dealing with a nasty upper respiratory infection. Our vet gave us some meds, and he's slowly improving, but I'm seeing something unfamiliar and it's kinda freaking me out. Max starts making these weird honking, snorting sounds every now and then, and I think it's what's called reverse sneezing. It happens randomly, usually after he's excited or sniffing around a lot. He doesn't seem in pain, but it looks so uncomfortable! I've never dealt with this before, and I'm worried it might be more serious because of his URI. Has anyone else experienced reverse sneezing with their dogs? Should I be doing something different or is this just something he'll grow out of as he heals? Any guidance would be super appreciated. Thanks, guys!
Hello there!
Congratulations on your new rescue dog! It's not uncommon for rescue dogs to experience a bit of stress and some health hiccups initially. Reverse sneezing, which can sound like a honking noise or snorting, is typically caused by irritation or inflammation in the nasal passages. Since your dog has an upper respiratory infection (URI), this is likely contributing to the reverse sneezing episodes.
To help soothe this irritation, try gently massaging your dog's throat during an episode and encouraging them to swallow. You can also keep the air in your home moist with a humidifier to help ease any respiratory discomfort.
Keep an eye on your dog's overall behavior and look out for excessive nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, or a lack of appetite. These could indicate a more serious issue that may require veterinary care.
It's wonderful that you've already been proactive in seeking information. To ensure your pup gets the best care possible, I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. They'll be able to offer more specific guidance tailored to your pet's needs. Take care!
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