Shitzu Breathing Problems

RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Marion K. (Guest Post) (11/29/2008) "Pippi", my 3 year old Shih Tzu snorts a little when she greets me in the morning. I haven't noticed breathing difficulties but someone told me it could kill her. She is supposed to have surgery for patellar luxation but maybe I should talk to my vet about the surgery on her nose first. By the way, I have health insurance for "pippi" and it has already paid for itself this year. Shih-tzus are the most wonderful companions and I am so happy that they do live a long life. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Jay (Guest Post) (11/21/2008) I have a 4yr old Shi Tzu. He sometimes starts making an awful snorting noise. My vet is also a Shi Tzu owner. He describes the condition as "reverse sneezing." He suggested cupping my hand over the dog's nose. This will cause him to swallow and this somehow stops the distress. It works for our dog and it works for his. I hope it works for yours! That sound scared the poop out of us the first time it happened. : ) Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by morganandb (5) | (11/19/2008) Contact HI again- for the smelly shih's- get them hollistic food- I use nutro ultra: no more skin problems, no itches, no desperate licking- also check for full anal glands.Maybe he needs expressing. We love shih's!!! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by morganandb (5) | (11/19/2008) Contact I discovered how to stop these attacks- I have 4 and three of them are doll faces- with very short snouts- so they tend to have more attacks- as soon as it starts: OPEN HER MOUTH WITH YOUR HAND- INSERT YOUR INDEX FINGER DOWN HER THROAT THE THROAT STICKS TOGETHER-AND CAUSES THIS ATTACKS- AS SOON AS YOU INSERT YOUR FINGER THE MEMBRANE SEPARATES AND ALLOWS AIR TO GO IN- THATS IT- THE ATTACK IS GONE. PLEASE TRY IT WITH YOUR SHIHS- THERE IS NO REASON TO SEE THEM SUFFER IN VAIN- iM POSTING MY DISCOVERY EVERYWHERE SO THE OWNERS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO. I used to cry everytime until I thought one of them would die from one attack- in desperation I inserted my finger downs her trhoat- and guess what -it stopped the attack inmediately and works on all dogs. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By May (Guest Post) (11/19/2008) I discovered how to stop these attacks- i have 4 and three of them are doll faces- with very short snouts- so they tend to have more attacks- as soon as it starts: open her mouth with your hand- insert your index finger down her throat the throat sticks together-and causes this attacks- as soon as you insert your finger the membrane separates and allows air to go in- thats it- the attack is gone. Please try it with your shihs. There is no reason to see them suffer in vain- I'm posting my discovery everywhere so the owners know exactly what to do. I used to cry every time until i thought one of them would die from one attack - in desperation I inserted my finger downs her throat- and guess what -it stopped the attack immediately and works on all dogs. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By pea (Guest Post) (10/25/2008) Hi I have an 11 month teddy bear and she has just started what i would associate as pug breathing noises, she only seems to have these moments when she has her neck tilted upwards. It sounds awful and she appears to struggle for breath. I just want to tell her not to look up wards as this brings it on. I have to comfort her while she is going through this. its very worrying as she is so young still. She is gorgeous and warm friendly and will be a treasure to have. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By DJ (Guest Post) (09/28/2008) My Shih Tzu will be 19 in December. We have never had any problems with him, and he is a loving member of our family. But a few months ago he woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't breath through his nose. It has been down hill ever since. The vet tells me that it is probably teeth and gum problems, so bad that it is affecting his nose and/or sinuses. I know all about teeth care and the affects of not taking care of them. We did our best. The vet says due to his age, there isn't anything they can do. He is on a cycle of clindamyacin. Occasionally I give him 1/2 a decongestant. I also use artifical tear drop for his eyes. Basically, we are deciding every day what his quality of life is like, and want to do best by him. I just wish there was something else we could do for him. I was googling for information and came upon this discussion. I was hoping to find perhaps someone with similar experiences and success, and/or a vet that has had success with these cases. Thanks. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Bettina (Guest Post) (09/17/2008) Can someone tell me what to do about my Shitzu's sleep apnea? It also has to do with breathing, but during the day Benny-Boo manages the problem very well. At night, (or when he sleeps), his breathing is VERY heavy, his little chest heaving and everytime, he is shocked into wakefulness with a jolt like when we sleep and fall off a cliff. Poor little guy is only 11 months old and can't ever seem to get any sleep. And when he looks at me with that fuzzy little pancake face, I almost cry every time. He's so sweet. Please somebody feed back. Thanx. team @ tcsn . net Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Ellen (Guest Post) (09/15/2008) My six year old Shih Tzu started coughing this summer and within a week or iso t was a violent choking that sounded like a goose. They treated him for kennel cough, but he didn't respond to the meds so they now think he has a collapsing esophagus. It's so sad and frightening. He can't do the things he loves without choking and gasping for air. My advice to all owners of small dogs is to use a harness. I wasn't aware that a regular collar and lease could magnify such problems. Don't put anything around their necks! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Ivy (Guest Post) (09/05/2008) My baby is about 9 months old now. He is a boy, name is Muffin. He has the same problem, happened more often when he was baby. He is getting better now, my vet says the same thing about they have such a short nasal passage. Apart from this, he is heavy, happy muffin! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Susan (Guest Post) (07/30/2008) Thank you for the info. Our 7 month old has just started doing this. It is so scary. I am calling the vet tomorrow. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By jjay (Guest Post) (07/30/2008) I, too, have a little girl shih tzu, and love her too death. But when she has these spasms it oh so scary, I will try a few of the things I have read. Thanks everyone. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Mike from GA (Guest Post) (07/24/2008) Thanks for the great post! Its good to know that others are having the same issue, knowing that we aren't alone in this is comforting. Our 3yr. old female Shih Tzu Chloe does the same thing. She's very active, loves to fetch and will do so for hours. This doesn't cause her to have the breathing problems. When shes ready to stop fetching, she will go lay down and chew her toys. What I have noticed is that at times we will be playing with her and she gets very excited, runs around, barks (which she hardly ever does), then coughs. If we continue to play after the coughing she has an "attack", which is why we stop after the coughing starts. She's very small, but full grown at 6 pounds. I've not really seen her do this at other times, so I'm not sure. We live in Georgia, and I do believe the climate impacts her breathing as well. She has allergies, and her eyes run as well. A warm damp wash cloth nightly helps to keep her face from having the odor described. No soap, just water. I'll try these fixes if she happens to have another attack. Usually I just hold her and calm her down. I'll try the throat rubbing, or the blowing in her nose. I would recommend this breed to anyone who lives mostly inside. She the perfect apartment dog. In our apartment she has plenty of room, sheds little to none, and wants to be with you at all times. Very good company. But is still enough of a dog to bark if she hears strange noises, or when someone knocks on the door. From having had labs and cattle dogs, she's definitely a better inside dog. Hope this helped as I was helped here! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Arlene taylor (Guest Post) (07/15/2008) My shitzu Katie is 8 years old and only does the reverse sneeze in the summer months. Scares the life out of her and me as well. So good to know that it is a common ailment among this breed. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Autumn (Guest Post) (07/03/2008) it sounds like asthma. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Ronald LaMotje (Guest Post) (06/29/2008) I was told by my Vet. the way they are born causes this problem. It can lead to worse problems. I hate to tell you, but these dogs as loveable as they are, don't live long. Report Spam or Abuse Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Martyna (Guest Post) (06/12/2008) I have an 8 month old shitzu, she does have the same problems and I just give her water. If she doesn't want to drink, try to put their faces in it, then they realize they are thirsty and drink. After that, they are all better, they have very small lung pipes and it gets to them if they don't drink for a while. Good luck! PS: shitzus are the best breed they are soo friendly. I recommend getting one. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Nicole (Guest Post) (06/07/2008) I might be getting a shitzu in the next 2 weeks. I have heard what you all have said and was just wondering if he will have the problems from the start. And when they stop and if they need to go to the vet very often. Please reply Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By danny (Guest Post) (05/20/2008) To reply to the breathing problem; I too had my dog do the exact same thing. Please don't worry its normal, but I must admit very scary. I used to take him outside and walk him. It passes, there is a flap of skin in there throat that closes. That's what my vet said. Please don't worry and kiss your dogs for me. I wished I had kissed my baby more often. He was 15 when he passed away and he had the breathing problem from very young. It's ok. Take care, Dan Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Sylvia Rodriguez (Guest Post) (05/14/2008) I have a 5 years old male shitzu name Polo. He have the same problems. For the first 2 years his breathing condition was very severe. Our vet gave us an allergy medication for the spring season. That seems to help him a lot and also steam water at nights helps his breathing. Now, his nose is a bit bigger now. :-) His breathing condition has improve with time. He now gets this mini breathing attacks like he is choking. I usually rub his head and neck and hug him and he is back to normal. They like attention too. He is very active and like to play and eats well. Very good dogs. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By (Guest Post) (04/25/2008) When they do that they are hyperventilating, yes that is all you can do is rub there back and help them calm down. My dog use to do that all the time and he lived to a ripe old age. Rub and pat them on the back to help them breath. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by luvmygingerkids (374) | (04/01/2008) Profile | Blog! | Contact Hi! I've owned, fostered, and rescued Shih Tzus for 25 years. Because they are a brachycephalic breed, they are predisposed to all sorts of problems -- nasal, eyes, teeth, etc. What it sounds like your Shih Tzu is doing is called an "inverted sneeze." Gently rubbing his neck while he's doing this will calm him down and help shorten the "attack." You might want to bring him in to the vet to rule out inhalant allergies (especially if he licks his feet). Anything to make our fuzzy pancakes comfortable. Take care! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by Snugglesmummy (1) | (04/01/2008) Contact I have two of these most adoreable darlings myself and yes they suffer from the reverse sneezes too. Their cute little noses cause it. I hold mine and comfort them when it happens..thankfully it does't seem to be as much as it used to. I feed them high qualilty food now, and try to keep them away from anything(as much as realistically possible) that would cause their allergies to act up. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Jennifer (Guest Post) (03/25/2008) My Shitzu's name is Feebee she is one year old and she has these same attacks it scares me so much I just try and calm her rubbing her and when she is done she shakes and just wants to be held. It doesn't happen all the time sometimes it will be weeks before she does it. She sleeps beside me so I can hear if she has any problems as she wants me there if she does . Dr said that is common and that is it. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Mike (Guest Post) (03/23/2008) Our vet told us the most un-evasive method to help our dog with the reverse sneezing is to blow into their nose when they do it and after until they are back to normal. This forces them to actually focus on their breathing. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Denise (Guest Post) (03/23/2008) I have a Shitzu who also has breathing problems but she only does it when she gets excited and I just pick her up and she lays her head on my shoulder and I tell her to calm down by whispering in her ear and it works sounds like she is a little pig snorting. She is 16 months old. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Carina (Guest Post) (03/21/2008) My shitzu passed away this past Sunday from heart failure. It has been the most difficult experience. Please I urge all Shitzu owners to please be cautious with their dogs breathing problems, for we were told this is why Jazzy had heart failure. It was due to her breathing problems. We will all miss her dearly. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Leann (Guest Post) (02/24/2008) My 8 week old shitzu is breathing as you all described I thought she had a chest cold she sneezes a lot too our vet said to run the vaporizer to help her breath helps a lot at night she goes to the vet tomorrow hope its good news. Thanks for all the good tips helped a lot! Report Spam or Abuse RE:smell from their nose Post By sonja king (Guest Post) (02/21/2008) My husband just got a puppy from the flee market he is in very good health. He has already been to the vet. I was just worried about the smell that come form his nose. It doen't run only when he falls into his little water dish. I keep him very clean, but eye are very have to keep clean does anybody know and easer way to clean his eye because that maybe were the smell is coming form also we have meds for his eyes from the vet Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Ivy (Guest Post) (02/11/2008) Ping and Pong do the same thing. Calming helps, but now they seem to do it only when "mommy" comes home so we are not sure if its real or for attention that they have no lack of... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By cindy (Guest Post) (02/05/2008) My mom just bought a shitzu yesterday and took to the veternarian today and he said that many of these dogs have nostrils that are too small. He said that as the dog gets bigger its nostrils will, but many have to have a laser surgery to correct the problem. However this will not happen until it is around six months old. The laser surgery is not suppose to be a big deal and isn't very expensive. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By North Dakota Girl (Guest Post) (02/03/2008) I had a shitzu for many years. Our dog died at age 13 or 14. He started having those breathing problems when he was really excited or when we would go for walks. Found out later he had congestive heart failure (water around his heart). He eventually died from it, but he was a a great dog. I would suggest bringing in your dog to make sure it isn't something serious like that. Try to nip it in the bud early, if it is. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By hunter (Guest Post) (01/19/2008) My little dog Tucker as random breathing problems and we think it might be asthma but we know how to help him but it worries me that he could die :( HELP! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By victoria yates (Guest Post) (01/07/2008) I had 2 ahitzu, untill 1/5/08. Finish died on me and i dont know why. He started coughing 2 days before and I was going to take him to the vet the next day. I thought it was just a cold but aparently not. He didn't make it through the knight. I don't understand. He showed no other signs. Does anyone have any ideal what might have happen. I miss him alot. He was only 7 years and I have another one and he is 12. Finish also had the reverse sneezing. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Cathy (Guest Post) (12/31/2007) Kim, regarding the problem you stated with your shitzu's itching problem, we had the same problem for several years. Finally a lady at the pet store told us he was probably allergic to chicken and all chicken by products. We changed his food and bought dry dog food with no chicken or by products, also we have to watch his treats, we special order his treats from Sister Joan's treats online, they are made only with liver and water. What a difference this made his itching stopped, but if he ever gets anything with chicken in it, the itching comes back. I hope this helps, our little dog suffered for several years before we figured it out. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By steve (Guest Post) (12/30/2007) Our boy shi tzu does the reverse sneeze thing too! Very scary at first but he just deals with it,now he got lymph gland issues going on, we got vets onto this and things look hopeful. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By abby (Guest Post) (12/20/2007) my shitzu is 7 yrs old and does the same thing. I lift her up by the front legs, standing on back legs and it stops it, she is always so happy afterward. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Patti (Guest Post) (12/07/2007) I have a Shitzu with the same problems. At first we thought he had asthma. But as we investigated we found out that it is backward sneezes. Our vet confirmed this also. Hope this helps. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by mamax27 (3) | (11/21/2007) Contact hello everyone!!! I am looking into finding a companion... not for breeding but just to keep my mut company.. I decided to look for a shitzu because of their personality and how adorable they are...from the sounds of it though... these little guys are common to have breathing problems... my mut is very playful and now I am afraid it would be too much for a shitzu to handle... are your shitzus very active? and does this happen to all shitzus? I am afraid to bring a little buddy that would be too much stress in our household for him to handle... can anyone get back to me b4 I make up my mind... thank you all!!! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By guest (Guest Post) (11/09/2007) My vet also said it was reverse sneezing. It was scary when my dog did it the first time. One thing I found to work is to use your fingers and plug its nose. It makes my dog breath through her mouth and it stops it immediately and she goes on about her way as though nothing has happened. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Tina (Guest Post) (11/06/2007) I have 2 Shitzu Pups myself. Kiya & Llona. They will be married this coming up summer and have pups the following year. They too have the snorting, heavy breathing, and oh my gosh, can Kiya snore at night! This is just the kind of pups we have to spoil! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Jasmine (Guest Post) (11/01/2007) Most of the time my dog does it when it's hyper. So the best way is to try and get her/him to calm down. It'll go away for sure. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By tammy (Guest Post) (10/29/2007) My shih tzu is only 8 weeks old and I'm experiencing the same problem you are all describing. It sounds as if is nosed is stuffed up all the time. it doesn't seem to be as bad when he sleeps, but it just sounds like its so uncomfortable for him. Is there anything I can do to relieve this for him. Thanks everyone. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shihtzu Breathing Problems Post By kim (Guest Post) (10/18/2007) I also have a shihtzu that sneezes a lot I give him children's benadryl about 1/4 of a drop it seems to help a little not like I expect out of the medicine. Does anyone knows what I could do about him scratching all the time. It seems to get worse when he's excited. There's no fleas or ticks. He gets oatmeal baths once a week. Nothing is helping. Please respond. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By shitzu (Guest Post) (10/18/2007) my dog has a problem breathing to sometimes she is about 5 months old. so we are gonna wait and see if she gets any better. Report Spam or Abuse My shitzu has a odor Post By Emily (Guest Post) (09/24/2007) My shitzu has a odor to her I got her on frontline and give her baths weekly and everything, but she has a musky smell to her. How do i get it off her? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By jackie (Guest Post) (08/26/2007) I have a three year old Shitzu and has reverse sneezing. For the past year has been consistently dripping from his nose and it has a foul smell. The vet gives him antibiotics which help while he's taking it but when he finishes the med it starts all over. She wants him to go through surgery. I can't do that right now does anyone know of any other treatment I can use. The smell that comes out of his nose is really bad. Help! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By scott (Guest Post) (08/18/2007) just read all of your remarks and have to say seems to be the common thing in this breed. mine has had the same problems in the past. he's now 15 months old and thankfully he hasn't had a "asthma attack", as i call it for 3 months now. when he did i did what most of you did, and tried to assure and calm him while trying to stop it, Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Cola (Guest Post) (07/29/2007) We have also had breathing problems with our 11 year old Shitzu. Our vet has used the term reverse sneezing or reverse hiccops. Rubbing the throat with head up helps. It seems to be worse during allergy season (summer) His recent bout led to antibiotics and prednisone to calm his spasms. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Carleen. (Guest Post) (07/03/2007) I know what you are all speaking of and yes rubbing their throat does work But I need to know why my puppy cannot breathe out of its nose? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Kelly (Guest Post) (06/08/2007) My "Casanova" has been having a problem for about a month with breathing and now a runny nose. Tried anibiotics, got his teeth cleaned and now they are recommending a fungal test anyone deal with this and their shih tzu? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By (Guest Post) (04/14/2007) i also have a four year old shitzu with this same thing happening when we took him to the vet we were told that the flap in the back of his mouth which allows him to breath (when open or close to swallow) sometimes sticks causing this noise and awful fear to him & us. now that we know in our babys case it is nothing to worry about we calmly but firmly rub the front of his neck(head up) and it stops almost right away , he does run to me every time this happens and we think he knows it won't be long either.see your vet likely it is the same thing Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Bell (Guest Post) (03/30/2007) Have you had the dogs nostrils checked? Sometimes they are not as open as wide as they should be, which is why air cannot pass through the nostril as well as when the dog is not excited. Simple surgery will correct the problem, but it is not always needed. It is like having a stuffed nose, and not being able to breath correctly. Many dogs have this problem, but often it is not a major problem. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By ele (Guest Post) (03/10/2007) My shitzu also has severe breathing problem some wks. often but other times o.k. I think the short pug face with esophagus pushed back/down causes it but vet not sure either. They say it probably trachea closing. I know excitement or anxiety makes it happen. She is 11 yrs. old and going in for blood work and dental if thats o.k. the day following and I hope she will do o.k. She is my precious pet. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By rgrqnn (Guest Post) (03/03/2007) thank yall very much, took him 2 the vet , said a little fluid in his lungs , old age , gave meds , just gettin old i suppose ,ty Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By (Guest Post) (02/28/2007) Robotussin DM seems to really make a difference , half teaspoon as needed Editor's Note: Make sure whatever you give does NOT contain acetominophen (tylenol) because it is very poisonous to dogs. A half teaspoon seems like a lot of cough syrup to me for such a tiny dog. Best check with the vet to make sure it's safe. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By rgrqnn (Guest Post) (02/28/2007) thank you all much , input is great , will respond when i get the answer Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By rgrqnn (Guest Post) (02/28/2007) thank you all very much Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Frank (Guest Post) (02/05/2007) We too have two Shitzu's a male and a female brother and sister. They have this extreme problem you have just described. It's horrible listening to either of them when they really get going. The breathing really sounds as if the treachea is collaspsing and she can't catch her breath unless we calm her down. The male does not do it quite as often but he's just as bad when he gets going. It only seems to happen when they are either just falling asleep or are already asleep and suddenly awake and they can't catch their breath. I really don't have an answer but I am looking for one too! The last time she had an attack was just 1/2 hr ago and I usually kind of massage her throat and talk to her and try and calm her down which usually works eventully. This time by accident I grabbed her lower jaw and slightly opened it trying to open her airway and this had a very positive quick response, so next time I will try this again. I think from reading how many shitzu's have this problem it seems that the treachea collapses and if you open the airway it helps. Thanks Frank Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Donna (Guest Post) (12/18/2006) We have seven shitzu's and all of ours do that we are not sure what it is i say it is a breathing condition but my husband says that it is a seizure. He states that their tongue is blocking their airway so when ours have an attack he holds their tongue down and it passes. We didn't know if it was something they were comming in contact with because they can go for months without having an attack and then all of a sudden they are having them everyday. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Donna (Guest Post) (05/11/2006) We just took our shitzu to the vet, he said it could be 3 things, reversed sneezing, nose mites or allergies. We are in the process of eliminating these to figure out what is going on. I will keep you updated. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Tatiana (Guest Post) (05/03/2006) My Shitzu does the exact same thing... she has been doing it for the last few months?? It is really starting to worry me! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Dawn (Guest Post) (04/21/2006) Hi, My Dad has a jack Russell, which has the same problem, after a frightening trip to the vets, it turned out to be a narrowing of the esophagus,when she gets excited she coughs alot and sometimes has trouble breathing, which she takes meds for. I don't know if it could be the same thing or not. Either way I thought you should know, Good Luck! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Betts (Guest Post) (04/21/2006) Our Boston Terrier does the same thing. I have also read that it is called reverse sneezing. I have read that it does have something to do with the short nasal passage due to a pug nose. It is a bit scary. We just try to calm him when it is happening. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post By Marilyn (Guest Post) (04/20/2006) My ShihTzu also has this problem. My daughter said it is a reverse sneeze and a friend called it "herfing". I know this is scary, but it seems to pass with patting her on the back. My Gwendolyn is about 12 years old and her brother, Galileo, is well over 15 now. Both are precious. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Shitzu Breathing Problems Post by CEIL (26) | (04/20/2006) Contact My vet said it's because they have such a short nasal passage....pug nose. mine tends to choak some times so I pat his chest and it seems to help. Also they seem to have more allergies than most breeds too. Mine gets a foot fungus in the summer. They are precious though, mine will be 18 soon Report Spam or Abuse