If you’re a Pommy Mommy or Daddy, you know that any unusual sound coming from your Pomeranian can cause immediate concern. One such sound is reverse sneezing, a strange and often startling noise that can make even the calmest Pommy Parent panic. As unsettling as it might seem, reverse sneezing is common in small breeds like Pomeranians. The good news? In most cases, it’s harmless.
Let’s dive into what reverse sneezing is, why it happens, and how you can help your furry friend through it without freaking out (because trust me, they can pick up on your stress).
What Is Reverse Sneezing?
Reverse sneezing, or the more medical term mechanosensitive aspiration reflex, sounds a lot worse than it is. It’s a reflex caused by a spasm in the throat and soft palate, often triggered by irritation in the throat or nasal passages. Unlike a regular sneeze, where air is rapidly expelled from the nose, a reverse sneeze involves a quick, repeated inhalation through the nose. It can sound like your Pomeranian is snorting, gagging, or choking, but they’re just trying to clear out whatever irritates their airway.
While reverse sneezing may sound alarming, it’s generally not a medical emergency. Most episodes last a few seconds to a minute or two and then resolve independently.
Why Does Reverse Sneezing Happen?
Several common triggers can set off reverse sneezing in Pomeranians:
- Excitement: If your Pom gets overly excited, it can irritate their throat, leading to a reverse sneezing episode.
- Tight collars: A collar that’s too tight can put pressure on the throat and cause a spasm.
- Environmental irritants: Pollen, dust, household cleaners, perfumes, and room sprays can all trigger reverse sneezing by irritating the nasal passages or throat.
- Leash pulling: If your pom pulls too hard on its leash during a walk, it can strain the pom’s throat and lead to an episode.
- Temperature changes: A sudden change, like going from a warm house to the cold outdoors, can irritate the respiratory system and trigger reverse sneezing.
Both Luka and Mika experience reverse sneezing in my household, especially during the transition from summer to fall or winter. Luka, in particular, tends to have little reverse sneezing fits for the first few weeks of colder weather. After that, the episodes become much more random and don’t bother him as much.
How to Help Your Pomeranian During a Reverse Sneezing Episode
It can be alarming if you’ve never witnessed a reverse sneezing episode. Luka, for example, seems a little nervous when it happens, even though he’s gone through it many times. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help calm your Pommy down and potentially stop the sneezing fit:
- Stay calm: This is the most crucial step. If you panic, your Pomeranian will pick up on your anxiety, which can make the episode worse. Try to remain relaxed, and your Pommy will likely stay calm, too.
- Massage the throat: Gently massaging your Pomeranian’s throat can help relieve the spasm causing the reverse sneeze. This may encourage the irritation to pass more quickly.
- Cover their nostrils: Briefly cover your Pom’s nostrils for a second or two. This action causes them to swallow, which can help clear the irritation in their throat and end the sneezing fit.
- Press on the tongue: If the episode lasts longer than usual and your Pom seems distressed, you can try opening their mouth and pressing on their tongue. This action helps increase airflow through their nose, which can stop the reverse sneezing.
When to Worry About Reverse Sneezing
While reverse sneezing is usually harmless, there are times when it’s worth paying closer attention. For example, suppose your Pomeranian is experiencing frequent and prolonged episodes. In that case, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a respiratory infection, nasal drip, or allergies.
If your Pommy has recurring episodes of reverse sneezing that seem out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Your vet can help determine if an irritant or health condition is causing the sneezing and suggest the best course of action.
My Experience With Luka and Mika
In my household, reverse sneezing is a fairly common occurrence. Luka, in particular, seems to experience it more frequently than Mika, with episodes happening 2–3 times a day. Most of the time, Luka’s reverse sneezing fits when he’s excited or when there’s a sudden change in temperature, like when we open the front door on a chilly day. Mika, on the other hand, doesn’t seem bothered by it at all.
Although reverse sneezing rarely requires veterinary treatment, I’ve made a few trips to the vet to ease my mind. Like many Pommy Mommies, any unusual noise from my babies sends me into overdrive, but each time I’ve been reassured that it’s nothing to worry about. The key is staying calm and monitoring any changes in their behavior before and after the sneezing fit.
What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Pomeranians?
As mentioned earlier, reverse sneezing can be triggered by various factors. Here are some common causes:
- Excitement or exertion: Overstimulation, whether it’s from playtime, visitors, or exercise, can lead to reverse sneezing.
- Allergies: Pomeranians can have allergies to things like pollen, dust, and certain cleaning products, which can irritate their nasal passages.
- Cold air: Sudden exposure to cold air can irritate your Pom’s throat and lead to reverse sneezing.
- Tight collar: A too-tight collar can pressure the throat, especially when your Pom pulls on the leash.
Understanding the common triggers for reverse sneezing can help you avoid situations that might trigger an episode in your POM.
Is Treatment Necessary for Reverse Sneezing?
In most cases, reverse sneezing doesn’t require any specific treatment. The episodes are short and resolved on their own. However, if your Pomeranian’s reverse sneezing is caused by an underlying health condition—like allergies or a respiratory infection—your vet may recommend treatments to address the root cause.
For example, if your Pom is experiencing reverse sneezing due to environmental allergies, your vet may suggest antihistamines or other medications to help control the symptoms. Similarly, switching to a harness could alleviate the pressure on their throat if a tight collar is the culprit.
Stay Calm and Help Your Pom Through It
Reverse sneezing may sound alarming, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. Most episodes last just a few seconds, and your Pommy will be back to their happy self in no time. The key is staying calm and knowing how to help your Pom during an episode, whether by massaging their throat, covering their nostrils, or simply offering a soothing presence.
While it’s rare for reverse sneezing to require veterinary attention, keep an eye on your Pom’s behavior and talk to your vet if you notice frequent or prolonged episodes. With a bit of understanding and patience in your Pomeranian’s health, you and your Pommy can navigate reverse sneezing without stress.
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Allergies in Pomeranians: Understanding, Treating, and Managing