February 2015

Our veterinarian Dr. Fulop talks about reverse sneezing.

Does your dog ever make a funny choking sound that only lasts a few seconds but scares you to death? It can also sound like a little pig snorting. This episode could be a reverse sneeze. Instead of sneezing out the nose they suck the air in through their nose. As frightening as it is to hear this, there is no harm to your dog from this.

video example of a reverse sneeze.

Poopsicles!

Have you ever caught your pet eating their stool or the stool of another pet? I recently read a couple of articles on the subject, and why pets have this off-putting habit, also known as coprophagia, is still not exactly known. Here are some common explanations:

• One explanation relates to a nutritional deficiency. For example, fresh poop might contain food residue and beneficial bacteria, basically a prebiotic, your pet may need. Interestingly, dried out poops lack these benefits.
• Another reason for stool eating is purely behavioural – particularly this time of year your pet may enjoy the hard and crunchy texture.
• There are numerous medical conditions that can also contribute to stool eating.

Your dog’s stool eating can pose a threat to household members. Think about it – their tongue is their toilet paper!