Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: For the past year my dog coughs a little and acts like he is wanting to get rid of something.He gags.He is a Lhasa apso/shitzu.He usually does this when he gets excited,like when I come home.He eats,drinks,goes to the bathroom well.He likes to play and still loves to walk.Is a serious thing and I don't have much money to take him to a vet unless I absolutely have to.

ANSWER: Ruth -

The symptoms you describe sound like reverse sneezing.  Dogs that have the reverse sneezing syndrome often exhibit these signs when they are excited such as during feeding time, when the owner comes home from work, etc.  A visit to the veterinarian is still warranted to rule out collapsing trachea and heartworm disease.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I want to know some things.How do I know if my dog is suffering and his time is up?How long can a Lhasa Apso/shitzu live?

Answer
Ruth -

i am not sure I understand why you think your pet is suffering.  Reverse sneezing does not denote a problem; it is simply a syndrome.  Most pets do quite well with it.  Now if your dog has other problems, then talk with your vet to determine if the dog is suffering.  If your dog is eager to eat and interacts with her surroundings, then there is no reason to say that she is suffering. Dogs of that breed often live long lives (10-15 years) with good health care.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM