"honking" scary breathing

[rebecca23]

Hi all,
Jake just turned one and a few times in the past he has started doing this loud breathing that almost sounds like honking. It seemed like he was trying to clear his throat or almost like a cat coughing up a hairball. Anyway, he always just did this once and very infrequently. Last night at 2am he started doing it and it lasted about 5-7 minutes...scared me to death!! It was very loud at first and then got quieter. It almost seemed like the sound was from him sucking in air. I'm now worried it's a breathing problem. I can't get in to see my vet until next week. Any suggestions on what this might be until then?? He hasn't done it since last night, thankfully.
Thanks for any advice!

[imogene]

it sounds like reverse sneezing to me. It's scary but not really all that much to worry about:eek::) especially since your frenchie does is so infrequently.

Once in a while my Sam will sneeze out - and to the whole big trumpeting blow through he nose - it is funny that he can do that - My Belzie only sneezes in reverse.

[rebecca23]

Thanks,
I did end up getting into the vet today and she thinks it probably was a sneeze or cough all related to Jake's allergies. He's going to be on antihistamines for 10 days so hopefully that will help.

-Rebecca (and Jake)

[imogene]

Environmental allergies can be tough to get a handle on. Hopefully this is a one time thing and doesn't become a chronic issue. Since Jake's episode happened at night you probably should wash his bedding. Belzie gets pretty bad if we leave her bedding and crate cover for too long. The antihistamines will help, but they don't actually treat allergies, just suppress the symptoms, so if he becomes really bad you may want to investigate changes you can make to your home to minimize allergens. :)