Most episodes seem to happen when the little dog gets excited and start breathing rapidly or when he first goes out into cold outside air. My little pug-mix has these episodes when he runs in the grass, trying to smell too much, too rapidly. A typical episode lasts a few seconds, but some dogs have spasms that go on for a minute or more. If you distract the dog, pick him up, stroke his throat or otherwise get his attention, the sound usually stops at once, leaving absolutely no after effects. Usually, this only happens a few times on any day.
Allergies play a role in other individuals.
Most dogs can live with these occasional spasm, especially if you learn how to dissipate an episode by calming your dog down with words or petting. Occasionally a dog has such abnormal pharyngeal structure that episodes are accompanied by worse symptoms, including spasmodic coughing and even loss of control or fainting. Post any questions for discussion on our Pets Bulletin Board . Prodigy Communications L.P. All Rights Reserved.