I was so glad to hear of another dog having reverse sneezing attacks! My 5 yr old toy poodle has them so bad, that I am at my whits end. All the vet says is to give her benadryl. Hers are really severe at times, and happens all the time. It started out once in a while., now daily several times a day. Don't be too concerned at once in a while. I really hope yours doesn't have this problem all the time. I have never heard of rubbing the throat or shutting the nostrils. Was so glad to hear of any information I can get. Best of Luck Judy