CANINE CREEK®
Dog Wash & Pet Boutique

Where dogs would shop
if they could drive! ®

CANINE CREEK
Dog Wash
& Boutique

Recently, a good friend of my wife’s e-mailed us with regard to her beloved foxhound and some concerns that she had as the dog had awakened several times " gasping ". After a few minutes, the dog would calm down and stop gasping and everyone would go back to sleep. As they are in North Carolina, I could not personally examine the dog but, given the time of year, I suspected that the dog was actually "reverse sneezing" rather than gasping. A trip to the local veterinarian confirmed my suspicions and ,with medication, Jackie is now sleeping through the night as are her relieved "parents’. Reverse sneezing is actually a pharyngeal gag reflex causing rapid inhalation and exhalation. It is a symptom of inhaled allergies and, as mentioned, is common this time of year. Other symptoms of inhaled allergies are chewing and licking of paws, sneezing, runny eyes and /or nose, lethargy, rubbing of the face and chewing at the flank and belly. In general, dogs do not suffer from asthma but their inhaled allergies manifest themselves in the above mentioned ways. Reverse sneezing may also be caused by nasal mites and can go misdiagnosed as a symptom of allergy. A visit to your veterinarian will determine what the cause actually is.

Inhaled allergies can be treated with oral medications, topical medications, injectable medications or a combination of any of the above. Allergy testing and desensitizing injections are also available to attempt curing the allergy rather than just controlling it. Your veterinarian can help you to decide the best route to take for your pet’s individual needs.

To help your pet at home, try to decrease their antigen exposure by cleaning their bedding frequently, discouraging them from sleeping in front of vents, shampooing and vacuuming carpets, bathing and wiping them down, and keeping them indoors as much as possible. The use of fish oils (high in Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids), and antihistimines as well as the aforementioned baths are the best way to decrease the allergic reaction without the use of pharmaceuticals. Consult your veterinarian before using any of these items.

On another note, with nighttime temps dropping, please make sure that your pets have adequate protection from the elements. If you are changing antifreeze in your vehicles, please be careful as a very small amount can be lethal. Antifreeze tastes sweet and even cats lap it up. Halloween is on its way so be sure to keep your pets safe, especially if you have a black cat.

Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234