A shih tzu dog owner has gone viral for panicking the first time they thought their puppy was choking, paying an emergency veterinarian £250 ($315) to learn that the puppy was actually just reverse sneezing.

In a video shared on TikTok by the puppy's owner, who goes by the username Babybaxdog, where they describe the incident, the dog can be seen healthy and happy, peacefully sleeping on its dog bed next to its teddy bear toy.

The video also features a caption that says: "You're lucky we love you, little drama Queen."

The post has attracted plenty of dog lovers and dog owners, reaching over 47,400 likes, 769 comments and 1331 reshares so far.

You’re lucky we love you, little drama Queen 🙄😭❤️ #fyp #ohno #dogsofttiktok #shihtzusoftiktok #shihtzu #puppies #funnydogs #puppiesoftiktok #shihtzupuppy #babydog #cute #adorable #uk

According to research by Hill's, shih tzu dogs are usually perky and happy, and they need a large amount of personal attention and because of that they get easily spoiled.

They require about 20 minutes of exercise every day, and they have a high tendency to bark. Their life expectancy usually ranges from 11 to 14 years.

Research by Finances Online shows that shih tzu were the number seven most popular dog in the United States during the pandemic in 2020.

Most users praised the owner for being an attentive parent.

One user, ShariW said: "He's adorable. $250 isn't bad for peace of mind! Glad he isn't sick." The Doggie Days said: "It's [a] new pet parent thing. When we got our first Maltese I too panicked to hear him wheezing." And Shawn Smith3316 added: "Aww! Better safe than sorry."

Other shih tzu owners shared their experience with their own pups.

BleuShihtzu commented: "They should really warn us that shih tzus reverse sneeze. we rushed ours to the ER at 3am & paid an arm & leg just to be told its drama sneezing." And Bella, Zara, Lily, Ruger said: "All my dogs do it. It's kinda scary when they can't stop!"

Cliona wrote: "My shih tzu x yorkie pup gets them sooo much! Feel so sorry for her when she gets over-excited!" User7523009369019 added: "I took my dog to the vet thinking she was dying but it was because I gave her too much dinner. £300, most expensive meal ever."

"It was [its] cuteness getting out of its body," joked Cris Grym. Vicky Hill said: "What a precious baby. Thank god is was good news. We all learn too I just can't convince my 82 year old Mom. She still freaks out. Doesn't believe me."

Another user, lolololololo0lo asked: "What does it sound like? I have a shih tzu also and he makes weird noises sometimes I wonder if those noises are reverse sneezing." And Ivy Mendoza answered: "sounds like they're wheezing."

Alexia Gallo suggested: "My dog used to do that!! We'd always rub her throat and belly to make sure she was relaxed enough but it didn't start til later in life."

Another suggestion comes from user652758688048: "Try just placing your hand under their head to lift it up and cover only ONE of their nostrils for a few seconds. Works on my fur baby every time."

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