Ask the French Bulldog Veterinarian - Frenchie makes honking noise (reverse sneezing?)
admin June 9th, 2008
Our frenchie, Kabuki, had brachiocephalic surgery last year. They cut her soft palate, and opened up her nostrils to help her breath better.A couple times she has had these attacks, where she would start choking- almost like gasping for air. we get so panicked because we are unsure of what is really going on. We think she has something stuck in her throat and she can’t get a good breath in.
My fiance would stick his fingers down her throat and she would gag and that would usually do the trick. either dislodge or open up her airway. We are really unsure of what else we could do.
Has anyone else encountered this with their frenchie? We are so afraid that she might have this attack when no one is around. If anyone has any experience with this please let us know.
Dr. Lori writes -
It sounds like Kabuki is doing what we call a “reverse sneeze“. It is fairly common in frenchies and brachycephalic breeds in general and the exact cause is unknown. It sounds and looks awful, but actually causes no long term damage or danger.
I usually cover the dog’s nostrils to force them to open their mouth and clear the airway. Rubbing the throat often helps as well. If it continues or worsens, please do check with your veterinarian, as sometimes their may be an underlying cause or irritation that sets it off (i.e. allergies).
Here is a great video from YouTube of a dog reverse sneezing -
Lori Hunt, DVM
French Bulldogs d’Assisi
