When your Pomeranian Reverse Sneezes, I think is more uncomfortable for the Pommy Parent then it is for the Pomeranian. From all the research and Vet visits I had over my time as a Pommy Mommy indicate that the startling snorts and gagging sounds are more common than you would think in small breeds such as Pomeranians. As a Pommy Mommy any noise that comes out of our furry babies that doesn’t seem natural becomes an alarm. No need to worry too much, because this is kind of natural in two of my babies, Mika and Luka.
Luka seems to reverse sneeze at least 2 – 3 times a day. When a Pomeranian reverse sneezes in Vet and medical terms is actually something called: mechanosensitive aspiration reflex, inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, and pharyngeal gag reflex. Now if you were to tell me that’s what the problem was, I would have a heart attack because it sounds like a very serious problem. I found out that words sound horrible but what is happening isn’t so much.
Episodes of this phenomenon only last a few, if… that many minutes.
When your Pomeranian Reverse Sneezes
Reverse sneezing is caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate. This spasm is triggered by any irritation to the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area. The most common triggers are excitement, exhaustion, a tight collar, pulling too hard on their leash, an environmental irritant like pollen, perfume, even a household chemical or cleaner, room sprays, or even a sudden change in temperature. It’s very rare that a respiratory infection or nasal drip causes the irritation.
Whenever the weather changes from Summer to Fall/Winter, my Luka has little reverse sneezing fits for the first 3 weeks of the weather change, then it stops and becomes very random. Sometimes when I open the sliding glass door or the front door Luka and Mika run out… and they start reverse sneezing… like clockwork. Mika it doesn’t bother but Luka still get’s a little nervous because it seems like he doesn’t know what’s going on.
When your Pomeranian Reverse Sneezes it almost never requires treatment or a trip to the Vet… even though I’ve gone just to make sure.
Like little Luka, when your Pomeranian reverse sneezes it can create anxiety, remain calm and your Pom will stay pretty calm. Most of the time your furry baby will learn what’s called a “conditioned panic response”… because you’re freaking out, they will too. The furry acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.
I’ve been told to do nothing because it comes and goes so quickly but if you feel the need to do something, which some of us do, try massaging his/her throat to stop the spasm. Sometimes covering your pet’s nostrils very briefly will cause them to swallow, which usually clears the irritation and stop the reverse sneezing.
You can also try putting your hand in their mouth,and pressing on their tongue… if the sneezing lasts longer than you think it should. This makes their mouth open wider and increases airflow through it’s nose.
But truth be told most of the time these reactions aren’t necessary and will just further stress levels of Pomeranian and parent. Although this is usually nothing to get all up in arms about, many Vet’s recommend that you pay close attention to your furry babies before and after your Pomeranian reverse sneezes.
Here’s a quick tip from Dr. Sherry Weaver on Reverse Sneezing: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/reverse-sneezing