Dog behavior question

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

We have taken over the care of my father's dog Patty, a 9(?) year old Jack Russell Terrier. She has not had even the most basic training, and was not raised as well (from a psychological standpoint) as she could have been. My father meant well, but was rather old school in his ways with dogs.

Patty does have some 'strange' behaviors, but one in particular I'm very curious about. Many times when I am near her, she has a behavioral "sneeze". It's not a real sneeze, I can tell it is obviously a behavior of some sort. Nonetheless, she regularly sprays saliva all over my legs and feet

. I have never come across this behavior with a dog, and I was wondering if anyone here might know what this "sneezing" means.

Terry57 · May 30, 2015

My Peke, Church does that whenever he gets excited...he sneezes over and over til he calms down. His are actual sneezes though...

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Terry57 said:
My Peke, Church does that whenever he gets excited...he sneezes over and over til he calms down. His are actual sneezes though...

Well, they're real sneezes in the sense that I get sprayed lol! But it doesn't happen to Don. She only does it to me... I wonder why.

Terry57 · May 30, 2015

Maybe she really likes you? Church does it more with me than Reg, he is a Mommy's boy.

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Terry57 said:
Maybe she really likes you? Church does it more with me than Reg, he is a Mommy's boy.

I'm thinking it's maybe nervousness? Or excitement, but not in a good way. Not that she has any reason to be that way with me.

Lol, no... she likes Don better in fact. ALL animals love Don. He's the animal whisperer for sure.

Christinenc2000 · May 30, 2015

I have a Jack and he will do this when really excited.

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Christinenc2000 said:
I have a Jack and he will do this when really excited.

Interesting. Then maybe it's not as uncommon of a behavior as I was thinking. Anyone else have this?

getwozzy · May 30, 2015

When was the last time Patty had a check up?? I would take him to the vet to rule out any illnesses.

Christinenc2000 · May 30, 2015

getwozzy said:
When was the last time Patty had a check up?? I would take him to the vet to rule out any illnesses.

Good Idea ! Jake my Jack has ear issues now and then. Some type of allergy in the spring. But he does sneeze at other times. He is 14 years old Great dog still very active.

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Thanks Shirre, Patty has had a check up a couple months ago, and the vet said she was healthy. We updated all her vaccines that needed updating at that time.

getwozzy · May 30, 2015

RavensGryf said:
Thanks Shirre, Patty has had a check up a couple months ago, and we updated all her vaccines at that time.

Was he sneezing at the time? Was it discussed with the vet? If not, a follow-up couldn't hurt....

Allee · May 30, 2015

Julie, do you know if Patty was tested for tracheobronchitis? Did they do a specific test for heartworms or is Patty taking preventative heartworm treatments? Those are just two common illnesses that present with chronic sneezing, vet clinics don't always automatically test or vaccinate for either one.

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Okay, I will take her for a further follow up. Thanks

. I feel that it is only behavioral as she only does it when I give her the food bowl. Still I will take her for a more complete thorough exam to look for other things that may be going on in her body, as she is a senior now. We plan to take care of her as we take care of my birds

Christinenc2000 · May 30, 2015

Here is a pic of my Jack They are great dogs

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Oh that is cute!! Love the fact that he can keep the glasses on

. Thanks for sharing.

Christinenc2000 · May 30, 2015

That was hit one trip in the boat. Only once. He wanted to swim with the dolphins so can't let him on anymore

Way to active. A friend bought the life jacket

Allee · May 30, 2015

Christine, What a cutie! Now that we've seen your Jack in swim gear, we need more photos, please!

Julie, another possibility is allergies, environmental, or food allergies can cause severe reactions.

Kiwibird · May 30, 2015

Better sneezing than peeing! My friends dog used to pee all over the floor every time they came home (or he heard a loud noise, or he got a treat, or just at random:52

. I hope Patty is all healthy when the vet looks him over

chris-md · May 30, 2015

Look up pharyngeal gag reflex, or reverse sneeze. This could be what you are seeing. It's common in certain breeds (mostly brachycephalic , or smoothed nosed like pugs). It's harmless and often triggered by excitement. My yorkie does it with some frequency.

RavensGryf · May 30, 2015

Thanks

. Chris, I looked up the link. It's not that reverse sneeze. Another curious thing is she kind of snarls her face up when she does it too. It does tend to come with some sort of excitement.

Dog behavior question

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