Dog Hacks & Coughs

by Shawn Graham
(Ellensburg WA)

Why does a 6 mo. Chihuaha ( F ) tend to harshly cough & sorta hack when it gets somewhat excited?

Usually about 6 or 8 good coughs lasting overall about 30 - 45 seconds all together.






Hi Shawn
It sounds as though your pup is 'reverse sneezing', which is a sort of bronchial spasm that's most often seen in tiny or toy breeds, especially those with shortened, or very small, muzzles.

It's not dangerous, although it does sound odd, and is often brought on by over-excitement or anxiety. Sometimes you can stop an episode of reverse sneezing by gently rubbing the dogs throat or by holding two fingers across his nostrils for a few seconds (again being very gentle).