Yorkie Reverse Sneezing: A Comprehensive Guide for Yorkie Owners

Yorkies are known for their adorable personalities and small stature, but even these little dogs can experience health issues. One common concern among Yorkie owners is reverse sneezing, a condition that can be alarming but is usually not serious. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of reverse sneezing in Yorkies.

What is Yorkie Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing, also known as “sternutation,” is a sudden, forceful inhalation that sounds like a honking, snorting, or gagging sound. It is a common condition in small breed dogs, including Yorkies. This unusual sound can be frightening for dog owners, but it is usually not a cause for serious concern. In most cases, reverse sneezing is a harmless reflex that is triggered by irritants in the nasal passages.

The sound comes from the rapid and forceful inhalation of air through the nose, which causes the soft palate (the fleshy part of the roof of the mouth) to vibrate. This vibration creates the characteristic honking or snorting sound.

What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Yorkies?

Reverse sneezing is often triggered by irritants in the nasal passages, such as:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Smoke
• Perfume
• Air fresheners
• Dander

Other factors that can contribute to reverse sneezing include:

• Excitement
• Stress
• Sudden temperature changes
• Eating too quickly
• Upper respiratory infections
• Allergies

What are the Symptoms of Reverse Sneezing in Yorkies?

The most obvious symptom of reverse sneezing is the distinctive honking or snorting sound. Other symptoms may include:

• Sniffling
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Gagging
• Eye watering
• Difficulty breathing

How is Reverse Sneezing Diagnosed?

In most cases, reverse sneezing can be diagnosed by observing the dog’s symptoms. If you are concerned about your Yorkie’s health, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests, such as:

• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Radiographs (X-rays)
• Endoscopy

These tests can help rule out other underlying medical conditions that may be causing the reverse sneezing.

How is Reverse Sneezing Treated?

In most cases, reverse sneezing in Yorkies is not a cause for serious concern and will resolve on its own. If the episode is short and infrequent, you can try to soothe your Yorkie by gently rubbing their throat or gently blowing on their nose. You can also try holding your Yorkie upright and gently massaging their chest.

If the reverse sneezing is persistent or severe, your veterinarian may recommend treatment options such as:

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Nasal sprays

These medications can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages.

How Can I Prevent Reverse Sneezing in My Yorkie?

While you can’t completely prevent reverse sneezing, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your Yorkie experiencing it:

• Keep your home clean and dust-free.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning products, perfumes, and air fresheners.
• Wash your Yorkie’s bedding regularly.
• Limit your Yorkie’s exposure to smoke and pollen.
• Feed your Yorkie a balanced diet.
• Provide your Yorkie with plenty of exercise.
• Manage your Yorkie’s stress levels.

When to See a Veterinarian

It is important to contact your veterinarian if your Yorkie’s reverse sneezing is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Discharge from the nose
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention.

Is Reverse Sneezing in Yorkies Contagious?

Reverse sneezing is not contagious, but it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that is contagious, such as kennel cough. If your Yorkie is showing other signs of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or fever, it is important to contact your veterinarian.

How Long Does Reverse Sneezing Last?

The duration of reverse sneezing episodes can vary. In most cases, they are short-lived and resolve on their own within a few seconds or minutes. However, some Yorkies may experience reverse sneezing episodes that last for several minutes or even longer. If the episodes are frequent or prolonged, it is important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous for Yorkies?

In most cases, reverse sneezing is not dangerous for Yorkies. However, if the episodes are frequent or prolonged, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

FAQ About Yorkie Reverse Sneezing

What if my Yorkie’s reverse sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms?

If your Yorkie’s reverse sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, discharge from the nose, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is important to contact your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention.

How can I tell if my Yorkie has reverse sneezing or a regular sneeze?

Reverse sneezing is characterized by a honking or snorting sound, while regular sneezing is usually accompanied by a forceful expulsion of air through the nose. If your Yorkie is making a honking or snorting sound, it is likely reverse sneezing.

What are some home remedies for Yorkie reverse sneezing?

Some home remedies that may help to soothe your Yorkie’s reverse sneezing include gently rubbing their throat or gently blowing on their nose. You can also try holding your Yorkie upright and gently massaging their chest.

How often should I take my Yorkie to the vet for reverse sneezing?

If your Yorkie’s reverse sneezing is infrequent and short-lived, it is usually not necessary to see a veterinarian. However, if the episodes are frequent or prolonged, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian.

Can reverse sneezing in Yorkies be a sign of a serious condition?

In most cases, reverse sneezing in Yorkies is not a sign of a serious condition. However, if the episodes are frequent or prolonged, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Can I give my Yorkie over-the-counter medication for reverse sneezing?

It is not recommended to give your Yorkie over-the-counter medication without consulting your veterinarian. Some medications can be toxic to dogs, and it is important to use only medications that are safe for your Yorkie.

What are some tips for preventing reverse sneezing in my Yorkie?

Some tips for preventing reverse sneezing in your Yorkie include keeping your home clean and dust-free, avoiding harsh cleaning products, perfumes, and air fresheners, washing your Yorkie’s bedding regularly, and limiting your Yorkie’s exposure to smoke and pollen.