I need some info from either a fellow puggle owner that has experienced this or a Vet. My poor little puggle occasionally has this problem where out of the blue he starts making this "honking" noise and I can't tell if he's trying to scrape phlegm from his little throat or if there is something blocking his little sinus' but it sounds just horrible and I feel SO helpless while he is experiencing this "attack".

The only thing I can think of is that maybe he needs more moisture in the air? I've heard (and I plan on trying to find more info on this now) that pugs and puggles have slight breathing problems with their "smooshed" in little muzzles.

I don't know but I would really love to know what is wrong when he is experiencing this and also would love to be able to help him if I can.

Thanks!

This sounds kinda familer to the problem iv'e experienced with my 11 year old peke/poodle mix named Scotty. Im obviously not a vet, but what your describing sounds alot like what he always does and has been doing for years. I'm almost positive it isent harmfull to the dog. Im also pretty sure it commenly occurs in smaller dogs with smushed in faces. Now since not treatable i have found away from stoping the attacks while they are happening... While he is doing his little episode i put my finger over his nostrills which forces him to breath out of his mouth. This almost always stops that "honking" noise. I hope this helps.

Don't know what a puggle is (is that a pug mix?) but I suspect that what you are describing is a "Backward Sneeze". I had a sheltie mixed that did that occasionally when he got excited and my mother's lhasa does it. I've also heard that short-nosed dogs like pugs do this as well. Here's something I found online:

The backwards sneeze.
This is known as a reverse sneeze. It is common in small-breed dogs, especially when they get excited or are drinking water. Owners become concerned when their pet makes these noises; some even fear that their pet cannot breath. In general, it does not cause the dog any harm and does not lead to any significant breathing problems. Reverse sneezing usually goes away within a few seconds to minutes. It may be helpful to massage the neck and try to calm the animal if it was previously excited. Some animals can have this condition for their entire lives, or it may develop as the animal ages.

Causes of reverse sneezing include allergies, viral infections, excessive soft palate tissue, and nasal mites. Some cases of reverse sneezing are idiopathic, which means there is no identifiable cause. A reverse sneeze results from irritation to the nasopharynx. This irritation causes the loud inspiratory and expiratory snorts that prompt the owner to take the dog to the veterinarian. The nasopharynx can be thought of as the part of the throat just above the soft palate. The soft palate is a soft, fleshy tissue extension off the hard palate, or roof of the mouth. If this problem continues, or appears to be severe, you should consult with your veterinarian. However, most of the time there is nothing to worry about.

Yep backward sneeze. My mim pins have that a lot. Have you noticed anything that triggers him, like being outside, running around, etc? Have him checked out by the vet and either get some allergy meds from the vet, or ask what the dosage for benydryl over the counter would be.

When the fits start though I always make sure to take Bella or Luna and sit with them and pat them on the back and I talk to them in a calm and smooth voice. It helps them calm down so they will breathe better. Then I give them some allergy meds.

Wow you guys, so helpful!!! Thanks for helping me relax about it - I was so worried my poor little guy had major probs. And you know, come to think of it, I've never heard him "outward" sneeze. My other pup sneezes regularly but my puggle never has. I've never noticed any certain situation or time of day or anything when this happens. And it's not very often - thank goodness - but whenever it DOES happen, I hurry to his side and just talk calmly and rub his tummy but now I know I can try massaging his neck or covering his nostrils and see what works best for him. You guys are great - thanks again! ((hugs))

Glad to help! Yep, first time my sheltie did it, I freaked out and ran him to the vet! Was SURE he was dieing!

[puggle83]

My 3 month puggle does the same thing. The vet said if it gets bad you can give em 1mg of benadryl per lb. so, 20lbs=20mg and so on. =)

[Marco]

This is a very old thread, about a year old, actually. Just to answer the question for any more onlookers, it's basically a cough. They do this when they have kennel cough also, it doesn't harm them; only gives them a bit of a sore throat if they cough for too long. Give them a bit of water, it'll calm them and stop the coughing.

All dogs could have this, it's sometimes brought on by the dog getting excited, the dog running around, having some food, swallowing air...You can't really do anything, but it's not unusual for a dog.

[Yogi]

Sorry, but if it is kennel cough yes it can harm them and can lead to death.
Many small breeds do what is referred to as reverse sneeze that sounds like "honking". This is generally associated with over excitement. In other cases this same type of cough is due to mile allergies which would explain the benadryl.
Frecs covered it very well. Being this is part Pug, like many short or smooshed muzzled dogs, breathing issues are common.

[sweetdog888]

My dog is also experiencing that backward sneezing and this thread is very helpful. Thank you guys!

[Mr. Vega]

Pugs, boxers, bulldogs, anything with a short, stubby nose are always suspect for what's known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. These guys will make all sorts of weird sounds and can have little "attacks" as well. Their nasal passages tend to be constricted, soft palate of the mouth tends to be elongated, and part of their larynx protrudes into the airway as well. If the dog is overweight, it is also likely to get a collapsing trachea. All of this will cause weird respiratory noises, gagging, etc...

[DoggieVogue]

My dog does this and the vet said that it was reverse sneezing. He is a Boston Terrier, so he has a smushed face too. This is a very common problem for smush faced breeds. I massage his throat up and down when he does this and it stops. I'm not sure what exactly causes it, but the rubbing always makes it quit.