12 year old dog - hyperventilating?

Eddy has this thing that I believe a lot of dogs get as they age.
He breathes in short, sharp breaths through his nose and then blows out through his mouth (with his mouth still closed).

Do you know what I mean?

Anyhow, this morning he scared me a bit, he tends to do this three or four times and then goes back to normal breathing.

This morning he had a prolonged 'attack' which took a good few minutes to finish and he looked really quite stressed and upset.

I don't know what to ask really... is there anything that can be done about it? Should I walk him on a harness rather than a collar? Should I see a vet?

Lottie,

It sounds like something a lot of our dogs do that we've had a post about recently. Hopefully someone will be along soon that has the original thread.
What was suggested in that thread is for you to gently massage his throat while it's happening or cover his nostrils and it will stop.
Cassie does it, usually when she's been sleeping and covering her nostrils seems to work.
Hope this helps

This is the thread where is was discussed recently:

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?p=974898

Thanks... Sorry

Thanks, knew it was around somewhere

Don't apologise you daft thing. The first time it happened to Cassie, I was ready to go to the vet with her. It's quite scary when you don't know what it is. xx

It certainly was this morning, in the past it's subsided pretty quick but Eddy started panicking this morning which made it worse!

Thanks - the thread you referred me to is indeed what I've been experiencing with Eddy so I'll try blocking his nose next time it happens

Do you think the fact he was walked on a slip lead by his previous owner despite being a puller could've triggered it?

Our old dog a BC used to do this, I used to worry that he had something in his throat, after a few minutes he was fine again. Blackie has started to do it as well, but the other BC didn't used to bother with it.

Ian

No don't think it has anything to do with the kind of lead. Cassie's been on a harness all her life and has done it since a pup. Think it's just a character trait more than anything. Blocking their nose and stroking their throat really eases it. Try not to worry

Hi Lottie, It probably is just reverse sneezing but, have you considered asthma, as I'm sure you're already aware that dogs suffer with it too. Just in case it's at all a possibility I've included a link (which is actually about holistic treatment for both cats and dogs) in case it's of any interest to you.

ttp://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/amazapet-feline-canine-asthma-treatment.html