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I think my French Bulldog has bad allergies. I think he keeps getting convultions of some sort because hes trying to breath throw his nose while its stuffed. It usually only happens for 10-20 seconds but its pretty scary watching him gasp for air. I irriginaly through he was dry heaving. What can I do or give him to stop this?

Submitted: 122 days and 15 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 2

Already Tried:
I've giving him fish oil pills to help his allergy.

Posted by ChristineLVT 122 days and 15 hours ago.

Info Request

Is he able to breathe fine just before and after these fits?

Does his coloring (gums, tongue) remain pink when this occurs?

Does it affect his attitude before and after?

Any difficulty eating?

Does he seem congested when not having fits?

Any nasal or eye discharge?

122 days and 15 hours ago.

Reply

1. He breaths fine before and after these fits.
2. Gums and tongue do not change color.
3. It does not effect his attitude
4. No difficulty eating
5. No he doesnt seem congested when not having fits
6. he sometimes has nasal congestion, but since hes a bulldog he always has eye discharging

Posted by ChristineLVT 122 days and 14 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks for replying quickly.

It sounds more likely that he is having some reverse sneezing fits. This takes most owners by surprise when they first hear it, as it sounds much more closely related to either choking or gagging or trying to gasp for breath than any form of sneezing. It is also more common in brachycephalic breeds like yours. I've included a link here to explain about reverse sneezing:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Keep in mind, it sounds like loud snorting, looks like choking, and the mouth is often, but not always, open during the reverse sneeze. Often the body shakes with each one produced. As long as his color remains well, it is not often a problem, but related to the anatomy of his breed.

Hope this helps.

Christine

122 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

His mouth is always closed when hes doing this. when it last long I try to open his mouth in order to let him breath. Are there any meds that I can give him?

Accepted Answer

Some people try benadryl which is safe at 1mg per pound, rounded slightly up or down, but this can also not help and can cause some profound drowsiness (which is a normal side effect and will wear off in under 8 hrs). Rarely does this prevent more, but could lessen frequency in some dogs. It is not allergy related, and trying to open his mouth may just cause more stress and cause it to last longer. Since he's staying pink, he is not having any difficulty breathing or oxygenating himself.

Accepts:
Expert:	ChristineLVT
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Answered:	7/22/2009

Certified Veterinary Technician

Licensed veterinary technician (B.S. Mercy College), 10 yrs in animal medicine and training

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Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 2

Already Tried:
I've giving him fish oil pills to help his allergy.

Info Request

Is he able to breathe fine just before and after these fits?

Does his coloring (gums, tongue) remain pink when this occurs?

Does it affect his attitude before and after?

Any difficulty eating?

Does he seem congested when not having fits?

Any nasal or eye discharge?

Reply

1. He breaths fine before and after these fits.
2. Gums and tongue do not change color.
3. It does not effect his attitude
4. No difficulty eating
5. No he doesnt seem congested when not having fits
6. he sometimes has nasal congestion, but since hes a bulldog he always has eye discharging

Answer

Reply

His mouth is always closed when hes doing this. when it last long I try to open his mouth in order to let him breath. Are there any meds that I can give him?

Accepted Answer

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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: MalePet's Age: 2 Already Tried: I've giving him fish oil pills to help his allergy.

Info Request

Is he able to breathe fine just before and after these fits? Does his coloring (gums, tongue) remain pink when this occurs? Does it affect his attitude before and after? Any difficulty eating? Does he seem congested when not having fits? Any nasal or eye discharge?

Reply

1. He breaths fine before and after these fits. 2. Gums and tongue do not change color. 3. It does not effect his attitude 4. No difficulty eating 5. No he doesnt seem congested when not having fits 6. he sometimes has nasal congestion, but since hes a bulldog he always has eye discharging

Answer

Reply

His mouth is always closed when hes doing this. when it last long I try to open his mouth in order to let him breath. Are there any meds that I can give him?

Accepted Answer

Related Dog Questions

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 2

Already Tried:
I've giving him fish oil pills to help his allergy.

Is he able to breathe fine just before and after these fits?

Does his coloring (gums, tongue) remain pink when this occurs?

Does it affect his attitude before and after?

Any difficulty eating?

Does he seem congested when not having fits?

Any nasal or eye discharge?

1. He breaths fine before and after these fits.
2. Gums and tongue do not change color.
3. It does not effect his attitude
4. No difficulty eating
5. No he doesnt seem congested when not having fits
6. he sometimes has nasal congestion, but since hes a bulldog he always has eye discharging