Pharyngeal-gag reflex in plain English it is what is best described as reverse sneezing. This is when your pooch sucks or breathes in air in a weird way. Normally, any sneeze pushes air out from your nostrils. In a reverse sneeze, air is pulled into the nose. In some cases it looks as if it is having an asthma attack, often wheezing while standing still with its head upward. The cause of this is mostly due to irritants stimulating the soft palate to spasm. During the spasm, the dog's air passages narrow down and make it difficult for breathing in.

Often this reflex is associated several factors may be mild causes, which need no medication: excitement, eating or drinking fast, a rough jerk on its collar, irritants (like a new coat of paint or fumes from spray paint). There are cases wherein the cause would most likely need medical attention: respiratory tract mites, allergies, and viral infections, swallowed objects that get caught in your dog's throat or post-nasal drip. In some cases, especially in brachycephalic (skulls short in proportion) breeds like the Boxer or King Charles Cavalier dog breeds; this may mean respiratory problems (i.e. soft palate abnormalities). Precaution is recommended for owners of these types of dogs, it would be better to consult your veterinarian.

Witnessing a pet dog in distress can alarm any pet owner, but experts say it is not as bad as it looks. First check if the dog indeed swallowed something too big for its throat, it would be better to go to a professional veterinarian for this case. If it is suspected to be just a minor thing that caused the pet to have a reverse sneeze, a pet dog owner can relieve their pets by closing your dogs nostrils for a second or two and massage its throat.

Pet dog owners can also a home examination (for information to tell the vet) by feeling the pet's soft palate; a tender feel indicates an infection and a trip to the vet.