Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/25/2006

Question
Our whippet has a problem with reverse sneezing and a friend referred us to an article which stated that it may be due to ear mites in the nasal passages. We started Revolution a week ago but there doesn't seem to be a decrease in her reverse sneezing. What's your opinion? Would a nasal steroid help take down the inflammation and help her breathe better? Sorry if it is a little out of your area but I hope it's close enough.

Answer
Ear mites do not get into the nose, but some dogs get nasal mites, which are extremely rare!  Revolution may kill them if they are present.

Reverse sneezing has more to do with irritation of the soft palate by things that the dog may snort up into its nose, like dust or foreign material.  The purpose of the reverse sneeze is to suck this material out of the nose and down the throat.

Often during these episodes, I find it useful to turn the dog over with its head back like you are feeding a baby a bottle.  This puts the soft palate back into position.