Strange choking sound

Our Pepper (15 weeks old) seems to make a strange sound. I noticed it once while playing fetch & being very active for a long period of time, he suddenly started making this sound..it reminded me of a human asthma attack. It appeared as though he had something caught in his throat or that he was going to vomit (neither of which was the case). He made this same sound again today & I have no idea why he does this. Any thoughts?

• My dog does the same thing. I have asked this question to my vet(s) and I have also seen the answer listed on this WWW board. It has been called reverse sneezing and I have been told that it is nothing to worry about. However, I know that when one hears it, one thinks the worst! When Sophie starts, I will gently rub her chest and/or stroke her ears. This seems to calm her down and stop the wheezing.
  Teri

• My dog also does this. I talked to the vet about it and she said while it is possible that there could be some problem in the esophagus that could cause this, she saw no signs of it in Lucy. She said to watch and listen and if it got worse we could check further (x-rays or something, I suppose). So, I was kind of glad to see that both you and another owner had a similar sound going on. I will be interested to see if you get any other responses. Maybe it is just something in the breed. Lucy is my first maltese, so I am still learning about maltese traits.
  Cathy Brown

• Just a little follow up. I called the vet to get that this is "reverse sneezing". He said it is common among all breeds & that the dog is breathing air through his pharynx causing this noise. He said that a drink, something to eat or a walk in the cool air will help eliminate the sound & that while it may occur again, it is not harmful to the dog and nothing to be concerned about. He said most people call requesting an emergency visit thinking the dog is having an asthma attack. Thank you all for your help. I think this page is a fabulous tool for first time dog owners like me. I'd be lost without all of you.

• This is most likely what you've already been told, an "inverted sneeze". We have one of our females to do this whenever she gets excited; playing with us or another dog, being let outside to run and play, etc. I usually hold her close and gently reassure her and she settles down okay. Often I've found that by cupping my hand over her muzzle (don't force it) she responds quicker. Still I have seen her get over it with no assistance from anyone at all.
  Larry Stanberry-Divine Maltese

• My 4 y/o male Maltese, Oliver, makes the noise as well. Yes, it is when he gets excited, and he gets excited alot! Just as others have said, I calm him down with holding, hugs, talking in a soft, calm voice, etc. and this does the trick. Also, a drink of water (for the both of you!) doesn't hurt either. I've heard it is fairly common among Maltese, that it has something to do with the trachea, and not to worry.
  Laurie B.

• I am the one who is not sure if I have a Maltese or a Bichon, but she (Peety) makes the same noise. It causes alarm in a lot of people that come into contact with her, but I tell them that she does this when she gets excited and I just pet her gently and talk softly to her and it goes away immediately. I'm glad to hear from others who have had similar experiences! I thought my dog was the only one that made these noises!
  Julie

• I can't believe there are others maltese owners who go through the same "asthma" attacks. My Sunshine is 7 years old and has been wheezing for about 4 years now. I have taken her to about 4 different vets and all say not to worry. I have heard everything from tonsilitis to giving sudafed and nothing has helped. Finally, a new vet called it a collapsed trachea, possibly from pulling hard on her leash (which she has always done -- a few pulls too many, I guess). He suggested getting rid of the leash and using a harness instead. You would not believe the difference. The wheezing has cut down dramatically and she seems much more comfortable and happier. I wish I knew this years ago.
  Stacey

• My dog Teddy has the same problem. Our vet said it was called a "reverse sneeze". It happens when he gets real excited. What I do is to rub his throat to calm him down because the more excited he gets the more he snorts. The vet said it is becuase he has narrow nasal passages. Me and Teddy hope this helps you out. It can be scary for the master and the dog!
  Kathy

• My maltese Dancer has the same thing. So do my Standard Poodles and even my Afghan. Its usually when real excited. Will go away by itself - although I usually comfort them. Every breed I have owned - has done this. Toy & Min poodles do it all the time also. I believe it sounds much worst than it really is. My vet says don't worry about it. My Maltese also coughs and chokes after drinking water. I always say "the water has bones in it". Again this is pretty normal for a lot of breeds.
  Joan Little