Chihuahua Wheezing and Reverse Sneezing

Chihuahua experiencing a wheezing or reverse sneezing episode

Have you noticed your Chihuahua wheezing? Many owners fear the worst upon hearing sounds of apparent respiratory distress. They assume their canine companions can’t breathe, so they rush them to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

While Chihuahuas can suffer from serious respiratory conditions, such as a collapsed trachea, wheezing episodes are typically harmless. Also known as “reverse sneezing,” it’s common in brachycephalic breeds. Chihuahuas can still breathe during these wheezing or reverse sneezing episodes, and they won’t experience any pain or lasting effects.

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing is the colloquial term used to describe episodes in which a Chihuahua or any other dog rapidly and convulsively inhales air through the nose. Some of these episodes last just seconds, whereas others may last for up to two minutes. Regardless, reverse sneezing involves the rapid and uncontrollable inhalation of air through the nose.

Sneezing, of course, involves the rapid and convulsive exhalation of air. Reverse sneezing is essentially the same but backward. Rather than exhaling air, Chihuahuas inhale air during reverse sneezing episodes. 

Here’s what to expect during a typical reverse sneezing episode:

  1. The Chihuahua will stop what he’s doing and stand still.
  2. He will extend his neck out.
  3. He will begin to quickly inhale air through his nose.
  4. During these inhalations, the Chihuahua will make wheezing, snorting, hacking or goose-honking noises. His chest will also expand and contract.
  5. After the episode has passed, the Chihuahua’s behavior will return to normal.

In the veterinary industry, the clinical term used to describe these episodes is paroxysmal respiration. Paroxysmal means occurring periodically with short episodes, and respiration means the act of breathing. Whether it’s wheezing, reverse sneezing or paroxysmal respiration, though, they all refer to the same type of episodes.

What Causes Reverse Sneezing? 

Reverse sneezing is believed to be caused by spasms of the soft palate. Not to be confused with the hard palate (see illustration below), the soft palate is a section of muscle tissue covered in a protective mucus membrane. In both dogs and humans, it’s used to block off the nasal passages when swallowing.

The soft palate consists of muscle tissue that, like other muscles in a Chihuahua’s body, can succumb to spasms. If the soft palate becomes irritated or inflamed, for instance, it may begin to spasm. These spasms can manifest in the form of reverse sneezing.

Illustration of the inside of a Chihuahua's mouth showing the soft palate
Illustration of a Chihuahua’s open mouth, showing the hard palate, soft palate, tongue and tonsils. The soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is responsible for reverse sneezing.

Reverse Sneezing Triggers

Reverse sneezing episodes may occur spontaneously and for no apparent reason. Other instances, however, may involve a trigger.

Anything that causes the soft palate to spasm is a potential trigger. Triggers may irritate, inflame or tickle the soft palate, resulting in a spasm.

Common triggers for reverse sneezing include:

  • Dust, pollen or other airborne pollutants
  • Nasal mites
  • Excitement (e.g. running around in circles or playing with a toy)
  • Household cleaning chemicals
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Pulling on a Chihuahua’s collar
  • Allergies
  • Foreign objects stuck in the throat
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Eating or drinking too fast
  • Blood-filled polyps in the throat

Why Reverse Sneezing Is So Common in Chihuahuas

Reverse sneezing can affect all breeds, but it’s particularly common in small dogs like Chihuahuas. A study of over 700 dogs found that Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas had the highest predisposition to reverse sneezing of all studied purebreds.

Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are brachycephalic breeds, so they have smaller and shorter heads than non-brachycephalic breeds. Normally, a dog’s soft palate will remain isolated to the back of the mouth. In brachycephalic breeds, though, the soft palate may extend partially into the throat where it interferes with the trachea.

When a Chihuahua’s soft palate begins to spasm, his trachea may become partially obstructed. The convulsing muscle tissue at the roof of his mouth may occlude the flow of air into and out of the trachea. The Chihuahua should still be able to breathe, but he may not be able to fully inhale. The Chihuahua may then experience a reverse sneezing episode until the spasm has stopped and his trachea is no longer obstructed.

Let Your Veterinarian Know!

Brown-and-white Chihuahua experiencing a wheezing episode outside

Reverse sneezing episodes will typically pass on their own. Because they can be mistaken for signs of a more severe respiratory condition known as a tracheal collapse, you should let your veterinarian know about these episodes. Licensed veterinarians know how to distinguish between reverse sneezing episodes and tracheal collapse.

You may even want to record your Chihuahua during an episode. Just pull out your smartphone and take create a short video of the episode. When visiting your veterinarian, you can show him or her the video. Along with performing an examination, your veterinarian may use this footage to determine if your Chihuahua is experiencing reverse sneezing episodes or a collapsed trachea.

Your veterinarian can also check your Chihuahua for underlying causes. Soft palate spasms may be caused by the triggers listed above. Nasal mites and upper respiratory infections, for instance, can cause the soft palate to spasm. During the visit, your veterinarian can rule out underlying causes such as these. Alternatively, if your veterinarian identifies a mite infestation or upper respiratory infection, he or she can treat it.

You don’t need to take your veterinarian each time he experiences a reverse sneezing episode, but you should still inform your veterinarian about your Chihuahua’s episodes.

Treatment for Reverse Sneezing

Chihuahua drinking water from a bowl fast

In most cases, reverse sneezing doesn’t require treatment. Some Chihuahuas experience these episodes on a daily basis. As long as it’s true reverse sneezing and not a collapsed trachea, the episodes should pass. With that said, removing or managing the triggers can minimize the frequency of reverse sneezing episodes. 

If your Chihuahua experiences reverse sneezing episodes when you tug on his collar, for instance, consider switching to a harness, instead. Collars focus the pulling force on the neck, whereas harnesses distribute the pulling force across the body. Using a harness to walk your Chihuahua will alleviate pressure on the neck so that he’s less likely to experience reverse sneezing episodes.

If you believe airborne pollutants are to blame for your Chihuahua’s reverse sneezing episodes, try to improve the air quality in your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Micro-sized pollutant particles may work their way into your Chihuahua’s mouth and throat where they cause his soft palate to spasm. 

Improving the air quality in your home will result in lower levels of airborne pollutants. Changing the air filter in your home at least once a month will result in cleaner air. Vacuuming and dusting the floors will also result in cleaner air. Another tip is to decorate with houseplants. Houseplants aren’t used strictly for aesthetics; they can clean the surrounding air by absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen.

Your veterinarian may be able to treat the underlying causes of your Chihuahua’s reverse sneezing episodes. Upper respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics or antivirals. Nasal mites can be treated with anti-parasitic medication like ivermectin. Throat polyps can be treated with surgery.

How to Stop Your Chihuahua’s Reverse Sneezing Episodes

Most reverse sneezing episodes will stop once your Chihuahua’s soft palate spasm has ended. However, you may be able to shorten the duration of these episodes.

While there’s no foolproof way to stop all reverse sneezing episodes, some owners have reported success using the following methods:

  • Gently rub your Chihuahua’s throat.
  • Place your thumb and index fingers directly over your Chihuahua’s nostrils.
  • Gently blow air in your Chihuahua’s face.
  • Speak softly to your Chihuahua to try and calm him down.
  • Run your hand under some cold water and place it against your Chihuahua’s lips.

Most of these methods work by encouraging the Chihuahua to swallow. If there’s something stuck in the Chihuahua’s throat, it may irritate his soft palate and cause a spasm. Swallowing should clear the Chihuahua’s throat.

Video of a Chihuahua Reverse Sneezing

This video shows a Chihuahua experiencing a reverse sneezing episode. The Chihuahua stops in his track and begins to wheeze. It sounds like the Chihuahua is gasping for air, but thankfully he’s experiencing a typical reverse sneezing episode.

In Conclusion

Wheezing or reverse sneezing is more frightening for owners than for Chihuahuas. It involves spasms of the soft palate at the back of the mouth. When Chihuahuas experience a reverse sneezing episode, they’ll rapidly wheeze while inhaling air through their nose.

References:

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/gesundheit-reverse-sneezing-in-dogs/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_sneezing

Does your Chihuahua experience have wheezing or reverse sneezing episodes? Share your story with our community of fellow Chihuahua owners and enthusiasts in the comments section below!

Comments

    • Susan
    • September 11, 2020
    Reply

    My Chi has had an episode that seems to be lasting 2 days. The hacking is not bad but continual. What could this be? It’s making his eyes water. He just wants comfort and I’m sitting with him all the time. He just seems frightened and confused by it?

      • Karen mills
      • May 14, 2022
      Reply

      Ok quick remedy that works with my now five year old chiwawa is I put one finger over one nostril. With in seconds it’s over. Whatever mucus causing it usually drains out. She Sunshine vary rarely has episode because I started doing this at such a young age. She seems to know how to controle it off one comes on. Good luck with the babys

      • Ellen G Dunn
      • February 15, 2023
      Reply

      Your beloved Chiweenie exhibits symptoms of an allergy. This breed is highly sensitive around certain perfumes, hair spray. Ask your vet what dosage is recommended for your sweet baby.

    • Susan
    • September 11, 2020
    Reply

    My Chi has had an episode that seems to be lasting 2 days. The hacking is not bad but continual. What could this be? It’s making his eyes water. He just wants comfort and I’m sitting with him all the time. He just seems frightened and confused by it?

    • Ginger Rupp
    • May 7, 2020
    Reply

    I have found besides rubbing the throat and belly, that a humidifier with eucalyptus oil helps at night. I do this every night and it has helped stop the wheezing and hacking along with a Benadryl. Mine is only 1 and half pounds. She was a runt!

      • Winter
      • June 21, 2023
      Reply

      Isn’t Eucalyptus oil poisonous to pets??

    • Jessica Feiel
    • February 4, 2020
    Reply

    Oh my goodness my 9-year-old lovie has done this for 3 years now in short episodes and quickly gets over it but it has always worried me. I would get down with her to calm her down. I always felt like it was from being excited from playing with my daughter and now with the new pup ( we got the pup because our fur baby isn’t able to have babies, unfortunately) but the pup does bother her so when an episode happens we separated them. I never thought it had a name or other causes.

      • Mary AnnBrendle
      • October 16, 2021
      Reply

      Good morning everyone I thank you so much advice my dog has the same thing she sounds like she’s got a hairball in her throat but she doesn’t I don’t know what’s causing it I’m sorry it’s got allergies I’m not sure but I rubbed her stomach and she seems like she’s doing a little better so I take you out there if anybody else could need some advice we all can work together may God bless you all

        • Susan Simas
        • June 16, 2023
        Reply

        My Chiweenie has these episodes everyday. She’s 6mos old. It’s really scary. This is not going to cause her to pass way is it?

    • D. Smith
    • December 22, 2019
    Reply

    My Chihuahua gets that hacking cough too. Had a bad episode about 6 months ago and he fell on his Side. T hought he died. He came too after awhile. Today he had another episode where he fell on his side again. Will take again to the Vet. Any ideas out there? Worried about the passing out. Thanks

      • Dianna Davisson
      • April 16, 2023
      Reply

      Mine is 14 yrs old he always had a breathing problem. My late husband rescued him. The older he got he would pass out to know there is a more Serious problem he will be sleeping. I will be woken up with an awful stress noise from him and he looks and feels like he’s dead, which scares me to death. I grab him up, and I start rubbing his chest, his lungs on the back and talk to him and then he comes around that has happened 3 times in the past mouth. I give him Benadryl every morning before I go to work I’m half scared to sleep or go to work afraid of losing him because his air way has collapsed or something his tongue would even turn purple this morning. His eyes were in the back of his head. I thought he was gone for sure my heart is broke. I got to help my boy. He’s my one and only baby.😢😭

    • Dru
    • September 10, 2019
    Reply

    Our 11 yr old chihuahua Chuy has done this for quite some time now, like the article stated it is mostly after he drinks a lot of water or when he’s outside sniffing with his nose in the grass. I do feel bad for the little guy, but it never lasts too long and he never seems to be in the pain. Glad to know I’m not the only one and that this is quite common.

    • Christina L White
    • September 1, 2019
    Reply

    I hate hearing mine sneeze and cough, but she was also hurt when she was 6 weeks old so she is my little angel. I love her like my children and grandchildren. I spoil her rotten but she deserves it. She is always shaking which I wonder sometimes if it’s anxiety and that she is cold. She is a year old dark brown small long-haired named Cocoa.

    • mary
    • January 30, 2019
    Reply

    When Izzy does this, she always comes straight to me for comfort and I hold her and gently rub her throat while talking softly to her. I don’t know that it necessarily helps her get over it, but it does comfort us both, as the episodes seem to scare her and I can’t handle her being upset or afraid. Never lasts long, but boy did it scare me the first few times she did it! Hers usually come from getting too excited or drinking too fast.

      • Lisa
      • July 3, 2022
      Reply

      Mary, that is exactly how my Chawalla & Bailey are, Chawalla don’t do it as often, but when she does it scares me to death ( she is my baby ), she will be 5 yrs old July 17th. An she has had 3 or 4 seizures in the middle of the night i have had to hold her with comfort not show any kind of emotions other then caring, loving, an comforting to get her to snap out of it, every day I expect her to have another one, but she hasn’t, an that’s an amazing feeling to. Now Bailey on the other hand is constantly having the gasping for air episodes, that is so scary it brings tears to my eyes her episodes last way more then 15 to 30 seconds, it’s terrifying an while it’s so terrifying, an scary i still have to remain calm, cool, collective, an comforting for her. By the way Chawalla is Bailey’s Mama an Bailey will be 7 months on July 13th. Chawalla’s come from drinking to fast, an Bailey’s come from drinking to fast, an being over excited, an sum times i think she wants extra attention too, I could be wrong about that part. Pray that your little fur baby don’t have the episodes anymore.

    • Bradi Harding
    • November 13, 2018
    Reply

    My deer chihuahua almost a year is displaying these symptoms but he’s trying to go to sleep and looks like he’s still seizing and it wakes him up I am terrified it looks horrible his twitching

      • Candice
      • December 21, 2018
      Reply

      I get it, My Mikkie is now 5 , love of my life. He does this when I come home from work , when he is overly happy. IT still kills me to see, However, My Mother and I do gently Rub his throat and he is ok. 15 or 30 seconds FEELS like forever. Good thoughts enjoy your puppy.

        • gwendolyn villavaso
        • January 30, 2020
        Reply

        That happens to my Chihuahua. I rub his neck and it helps. He is 13 years old. I adopted him from the shelter when he was 6 years old. I felt so sorry for him. He was there for 7 months. It seems as if nobody wanted him. He is such a good dog. He stays right by my side. I love him so much. He is my baby.

      • Susan Mata
      • February 9, 2019
      Reply

      Hello! I have a teacup longhaired Chihuahua named Lulu. She’s the love of my life.

      She just had an episode that lasted more than 10 mins. I was about to run off to the emergency vet but she seems fine now. Rubbing her neck helped. Usually her episode only lasts for under a minute. Has anyone experienced this, any suggestions?

        • Theresa chavira
        • January 6, 2021
        Reply

        My baby did this last night and tonight. She gets excited when my husband gets home. I thought she was dying until I goggled this and saw all the responses. Thank you for sharing🐕♥️

        • Michelle Nixon
        • February 6, 2021
        Reply

        Yes! My baby is doing it now. Scary huh?

          • sian podmore
          • October 19, 2022
          Reply

          is it normal for a 5 month chiuauha puppy to make a grunting noise after sge has a drink?

      • Gwen Villavaso
      • January 30, 2020
      Reply

      Try to calm him down by massage his neck
      My dog does that and if I message his neck it helps.

      • LV
      • July 29, 2020
      Reply

      We always come home very calmly, never excitedly. Our chi starts the honking from an emotional response.

    • Quin
    • August 10, 2018
    Reply

    I have a teacup chihuahua named baby-rose and she has had these episodes since I got her three years ago I find it helps her calm down when I massage her neck and scratch her belly, I think you just have to find your own way of comforting and calming your chihuahua depending on them.

      • Tammy Wertz
      • September 29, 2018
      Reply

      I have a very one year old tiny little girl, Bella. early on she would make this sound every now and then, but over the past couple of weeks, it’s been several times daily. She like to pull the stuffing out of toys ( ugh) do I had thought she may have swallowed some, so I took her to my veterinarian. He did an exam and X-ray, and said her X-ray looked good then mentioned these little ones known for having enlarged soft pallets. He then suggest sedating her to look down her throat and trimming the soft pallet…she’s 4 lbs, and $900. Reading on here and the comments has made me feel much better about this, and realizing I need to wait and try the suggestions?! Thank you !

        • Cheryl
        • August 15, 2019
        Reply

        My chihuahua is a male 10 months now and his has gotten worse too, several times a day. I’ve had chihuahuas all my life and this is first that ever had this. It’s very scary.

          • Tasha
          • October 6, 2021
          Reply

          Don’t worry…
          I’ve had Chihuahuas in mine too, and they have all made this noise, with no surgery or trips the vet nessary, go onto any forums about these adorable dogs and you will be assured of this common occurrence

    • Cammy
    • June 13, 2018
    Reply

    4 night ago my 2 year old chiwawa started wheezing and hacking. An I took her to the vet the vet ask if she had breathing problems I was really scared an nervous but she was ok an she is doing well.

      • sandra murphy
      • August 29, 2022
      Reply

      When you say rub his neck do you mean back of neck or near the throat part of the neck when they have this episode?

    • Fred
    • April 29, 2018
    Reply

    Our 8 year old female chihuahua has occasional gagging and wheezing spells. I find that taking her into the bathroom, closing the door and running the hot shower seems to help. The steam seems to help with her breathing and the wheezing stops.

      • Dawn Lausen
      • December 29, 2019
      Reply

      I may need to try this as my little one gets these often

    • Jaylyn
    • April 7, 2018
    Reply

    I have a Miniature Boston Terrier and Chihuahua mix. She’s 10 years old now and she is my baby! I got her when I was 9 for Christmas. I begged and begged my mom for a dog and promised her I would always love and care for it. I got Bailey and it was one of the best things to ever happen to me! She is my bestfriend, she follows me everywhere. Everyone that meets her loves her, I doubt I will ever connect with another animal this way again. Anyway, she’s been reverse sneezing for years! It scared me at first but I realized it always happened after I would come home and she would be so excited! I would just hold her and tell her to calm down, and I instinctively knew to massage her neck! But I don’t worry about it too much now, it just looks uncomfortable.

  1. Reply

    I have noticed when I comfort my Chihuahua by rubbing his neck, and talking calmly to him, it helps him..don’t know if that will help your dog..but it sure helps mine <3

      • Kate
      • May 28, 2020
      Reply

      Yeah and if you take the dog out in the fresh air it helps 👍

    • Chassity
    • February 15, 2018
    Reply

    George I am so sorry for your loss. I felt your heart through your post, it made me tear up. I don’t know what I would do without my baby girl, sometimes I cry just thinking about it. I want to thank everyone for the advice. Thank you!!!! I really thought something was wrong or that I was feeding her something wrong. God Bless you Chiuauhuaha lovers! They love us so much so we try to do the same.

    • Trish
    • January 12, 2018
    Reply

    My 9 year old Chihuahua does this.
    She also snores extremely loud. But my 17 year old Chihuahua used to do it too. I just hold her and rub her neck til she calms down, it usually happens when she’s excited or sleeping.

      • Jen
      • August 21, 2018
      Reply

      17? Wow

    • Claire
    • January 8, 2018
    Reply

    My chihuahua George is 11 years old a year ago he was unwell heavy rapid breathing took him to the vet to be told he had a heart murmur apparently common in small older dogs he had a heart scan and he has a leaky valve on one of his heart valves he takes three tablets in a morning two at tea time and one for bed but he wheazes all the time after a drink like he’s choking it’s the valve spitting fluid back out only lasts seconds but it’s scary because you do think they are going to choke the rubbing of the neck is a good thing to know thanks

      • Sarah
      • January 12, 2018
      Reply

      My 6 month old Chihuahua boy started doing this wheezing and looking as if he couldn’t breathe, I automatically started rubbing his throat, trying to calm him. It lasts only seconds but seems like minutes. Very scary,sad,but as long as I don’t panic your dog won’t

        • Lisa
        • May 4, 2018
        Reply

        how did you find he had a leaky valve at vet or cardiologist?

        • Ann Preece
        • June 15, 2018
        Reply

        Has he/she stopped now or are they still doing it. Our five month old started doing this on Monday and it’s driving us mad. He’s running round just the same as usual but it’s probably worrying us more than it is him. Was going to pop him to vets but then I’ve read it’s quite common in chihuahuas.

        • Linda C Fryns
        • September 6, 2021
        Reply

        My Chihuahua is around 14 yrs has a history of having a heart murmur lately she had been coughing alot is there anything I could give him?

    • Toni
    • November 22, 2017
    Reply

    My 11 year old apple head does this often, sometimes late at night, and sometimes first thing in the morning. If it is a bad spell, and goes on for more than 30 sec or so, I give him a little bit (approx. 1/8 – 1/4 tsp.) of raw, organic, honey. That always clears it right up.

    • Marie
    • November 20, 2017
    Reply

    I have a 2 yr old chihuahua that has always done this after he drinks, it’s scary to watch but by now we’re used to it. It looks like he’s going to throw up, and it happens every single time he drinks, sometimes the episodes are fast and sometimes they last longer. We just got another Chi that’s only 1 yr old and she just started doing too, except not when she drinks but when she eats. I came to this article because I was worried it could be allergies but looks like eating too fast may be what’s triggering it. I feed them turkey with venison kibble from Rachael Ray, their stomachs seem to handle it very well.

      • Pepsi Zink
      • July 18, 2018
      Reply

      Im terrified my baby is hacking all the time now. What do i do

      • kevin
      • August 4, 2018
      Reply

      Try giving adding rocks in the water, that makes them have to go around it to drink it, makes them drink it slower, and when it comes to food, I suggest getting then a toy, that will have them playing and getting 2-3 bites a move, that has stop my chihuahuas episodes and she gets an exercise from it, and enjoys it

    • Kay
    • October 26, 2017
    Reply

    My dog does it every so often. It doesn’t worry me anymore and I generally just ignore it and the episode passes in a couple of seconds. It can be scary for people who don’t know so always make sure to let your family and friends know, especially if they’ll be pet sitting for you. My chis triggers are when she’s very excited when I get home or when my mum gets home and when she drinks water too fast.

    • Susan
    • July 23, 2017
    Reply

    When my Chihuahua reserve sneezes I hold her nose down to her chest for a minute and it stops it.

      • Logan Dresel
      • April 14, 2018
      Reply

      When my Chihuahua does that I pat her back in till she stops and she only does it when she gets too excited when my family gets home or sometimes when she is playing

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