Why do Dogs Honk Like Geese?
Why does my Yorkie sometimes make this goose like
sound, like he can’t catch his breath or has something
stuck up his nose?
Charmaine
Mendocino, CA
Dogs generally make goose-like noises when they cough. Since foreign objects lodged in the nose usually cause sneezing, it isn’t likely that your Yorkie has something stuck up his nose.
In young dogs, kennel cough (also known as infectious tracheobronchitis) is a common cause of goose-like honking. Kennel cough is a contagious disease that almost never is life-threatening. Most cases are self-limiting (which means that they resolve on their own without treatment).
In older small dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, a syndrome called collapsing trachea frequently leads to a honking cough. Collapsing trachea occurs when the firm rings supporting the wind pipe begin to weaken. It leads to a chronic tickle in the throat.
Heart disease is another common cause of coughing in older small dogs. Yorkies sometimes develop leaky heart valves as they age. This causes fluid to build up in the lungs which leads to coughing.
Several less common causes of coughing also are possible. These include, among others, pneumonia, bronchitis and heartworm. Visit my website for more information, or, better yet, go to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Photo: Minnie at the beach. No sign of coughing.
You have questions. 
It can also be something called reversed sneezing. Our shiba Dewi has that sometimes when she gets a bit overactive. The best way to “cure” this is calm her down and rub her throat gently.
All the issues you mentioned can be the cause of the “honk” (and are also scary things to read), but from my experience with my own Yorkie it can also be reverse sneezing. Jay-Jay has always done this. It was even mentioned on the Yorkie edition of Animal Planet’s “Breed All About It”…
REVERSE SNEEZING (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex)–is a dramatic, rapid inhalation and exhalation of air through the nasopharynx. Dogs may do this when they have a mild irritation at the back of their throat. Often confused with seizuring or gasping for air, it is usually a harmless event.
“Reverse sneezing isn’t really a health problem, but something that dog owners should be aware of as it is very common in toy breeds. It is characterized by honking, hacking or a snorting sounds. It usually happens when a dog is excited or can sometimes happen after drinking, eating, running around, or while pulling on the leash. The dog will usually extend his/her neck while gasping inwards with a distinctive snorting sound, it is reverse sneezing.
Usually by gently rubbing the throat of your dog, the spasms will stop after they swallow a couple of times and that’s the end of it. Other dogs respond well by taking them outside for some fresh air. Or you can plug the nose holes forcing the dog to breathe through her mouth and that will usually stop an episode as well.
Reverse sneezing is a harmless condition and medical attention is not necessary. It is important to not confuse reverse sneezing with a collapsing trachea.”
Blackie use to do this when he would sleep especially on his back. I would roll him over and rub his throat and tell him to relax. I thought maybe it was being caused by his collar and leash. I no longer use his leash but now use his harness for walks. I havent heard him do this in quite some time…. many many many months. Its a very scary sound and I am glad he doesnt do it anymore.
My papillon mix, Gus, does this sometimes, usually in the morning. I’ve wondered if maybe he has some allergies,but maybe it’s one of the reasons listed above in the responses or article. Thanks, very helpful!
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hi, my 2 year old silky terrier does this when i come home and open his crate door. he jumps 3 feet high all excited and then starts his goose imitation. i have only seen him do it when over excited.