Dog Reverse Sneezing: What Is It and Do You Need To Worry?
If you’ve ever noticed your dog making a snort-like noise accompanied by short breath, chances are you’ve witnessed a backward or reverse sneeze. Although dog reverse sneezing can be quite alarming to many owners, it’s usually harmless.
But, what exactly is reverse sneezing, how do you identify it, what causes it, and when should you seek veterinary care? Read on for all the answers and more.
What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Medically referred to as ‘paroxysmal respiration,’ reverse sneezing is when a dog forcefully inhales air through their nose. Unlike regular sneezing, which involves rapidly expelling air out, with a reverse sneeze, a dog inhales — creating a snorting or choking-like noise.
Although rarely serious, this phenomenon is more common than you may think, especially in smaller dogs or those with flat faces (brachycephalic) breeds.
The term canine backward sneeze can often be used to describe this behavior — although in reality, it’s not really a sneeze, but rather a reflex that’s triggered by irritation or inflammation of the dog’s soft palate and throat.
How Does Canine Reverse Sneezing Look and Sound?
When your dog experiences a canine reverse sneeze, it may appear as though the poor little pup is gasping for air. Here are just four of the signs you may observe:
- Snorting — a loud, rapid snorting sound is made by a pooch reverse sneezing.
- Stiffened posture — a dog will usually stand quite still, with their head extended and their neck stretched as they inhale the extra air of a reverse sneeze.
- Mouth closed — unlike regular sneezing, when the mouth is open as they exhale air, with a reverse sneeze, the mouth stays shut.
- Last seconds to minutes — reverse sneezing episodes are normally brief but can often feel much longer due to their alarming nature.
Given the symptoms, many owners mistake reverse sneezing for choking or respiratory distress.
Causes of Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Various factors can trigger a canine reverse sneeze, including:
Irritants
Environmental irritants like pollen, dust, or household cleaning agents can regularly stimulate the soft palate of a dog, leading to a reverse sneeze.
If your pup reverse sneezes more in the high-pollen summer months — check out our guides on Dog Seasonal Allergies and Dog Pollen Allergies.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to specific substances, including food in their diet, may be causing inflammation, increasing the likelihood of a backward dog sneeze.
Excitement or Overexertion
When your pup plays, they may become over-excited or experience sudden bursts of energy, like the zoomies. This can occasionally manifest into a reverse sneezing episode.
Dogs often sneeze as a means of communication, showing others they aren’t aggressive, which can also extend to reverse sneezing.
Nasal Irritation
If your dog is one of those canines who enjoys sniffing about and digging in the garden, take care they don’t end up with more than they bargained for. Debris, such as small blades of grass, dirt, or even seedlings, may become lodged in the nasal passageway and cause reverse sneezing.
What’s more, it’s also possible for foreign objects, like a broken piece of their doggy toy, to get lodged in their nose — resulting in irritation. If you suspect your dog has inhaled something they shouldn’t have, don’t try to remove it yourself — you can often cause more harm than good.
Your Dog’s Anatomy
Reverse sneezing is more prevalent in toy-sized/small dog breeds. Likewise, dogs with elongated soft palates or shorter nasal passages, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, are more prone to reverse sneezing. It’s much rarer for dogs with a larger snout, like many of the Hound family, to reverse sneeze.
Respiratory Infections
In some cases, a respiratory infection can cause your pup’s upper airways to become inflamed. This could contribute to a pup’s reverse sneezing issues. If you suspect your dog has canine influenza or kennel cough, you should immediately seek the aid of a vet.
Seasonal Changes
As well as the change in pollen levels, the shift in temperature, particularly during spring or fall, can influence dogs who are prone to reverse sneezing episodes. It may simply be your pup’s way of trying to cool themselves down.
When Should I Go to the Vet for Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
In most cases, reverse sneezing in dogs is quite harmless and self-limiting. However, it’s important to recognize the difference between reverse sneezing and more serious health conditions.
Persistent or recurring episodes of reverse sneezing may indicate underlying health issues, such as:
- Nasal mites.
- Respiratory infections.
- Foreign objects stuck in their nasal passages.
- Collapsing trachea — more common in smaller breeds.
If your dog seems to be snorting a lot, having more frequent episodes of reverse sneezing, or appears to be in distress, you should visit your vet to get it checked out.
Canine Reverse Sneezing Diagnosis
First, your vet will examine your dog, check their medical history, and ask you to describe the symptoms. Recording an episode can be super helpful — allowing your vet to see the problem firsthand. If it’s reverse sneezing, it’s doubtful your dog will do it on demand.
And, they will want to know whether your dog has been exposed to anything likely to trigger respiratory issues — allergies, foreign objects, etc.
Your vet may also want to rule out any other causes of abnormal breathing — such as those we mentioned above — upper respiratory tract infection, collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, and any other foreign bodies in the nasal passages. These would require additional tests — for example, blood or allergy tests or X-rays.
How To Help a Dog With a Reverse Sneezing Episode
While a reverse sneezing episode in most dogs typically resolves itself, there are ways you can help your dog during an attack.
- Stay calm — dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so maintain a calm demeanor and don’t panic. This will help reassure your dog as you deal with the situation.
- Gently massage their throat — lightly rubbing your dog’s throat can help relax the muscles and stop the spasm.
- Cover your dog’s nostrils VERY briefly — covering your dog’s nostrils for a second or two (no longer) will encourage your dog to swallow. This may clear the irritation.
- Offer water — offering your dog water or something cool to lick can often soothe the throat and potentially end the reverse sneezing episode.
- Change the environment — if you suspect an irritant in your pup’s local environment is triggering the reverse sneezing, quickly moving your pup to a different area may help the sneezing to subside.
Preventing Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
While you can’t always stop a canine reverse sneeze, there are certain measures you can take to minimize the frequency of reverse sneezing episodes.
1. Avoid Irritants
Keep your home free of strong odors, excessive dust, and allergens. If you notice your pup is reverse sneezing more after changing a perfume you wear or a cleaning agent you use, try changing back to the pre-reverse sneezing scent.
Regularly clean your dog’s bedding area and living spaces to reduce potential irritants.
2. Use a Harness
Switching from a collar to a harness while you walk your dog can reduce pressure on your pup’s throat, especially with smaller or brachycephalic breeds.
3. Monitor Seasonal Allergies
Work with your local vet to manage any seasonal allergies that may be contributing to your dog’s reverse sneezing habit. Your vet may prescribe medications for those high pollen times of the year, or in more extreme cases, recommend steroid treatment.
4. Regular Grooming
For dogs with long hair or those pups prone to nasal blockages, regular grooming can help prevent a build-up of irritants on your dog’s coat. Medicated shampoos are available that can treat allergies in dogs that may be causing the irritation.
5. Vet Prescribed Medications
In severe or more frequent cases, a veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, or decongestant medications to help alleviate your dog’s reverse sneezing.
Conclusion
Although it can be disconcerting when your pup is snorting and looks to be in distress, fortunately, reverse sneezing is quite harmless. In most cases, a backward sneeze is no more problematic than a regular sneeze.
By understanding the triggers, symptoms, and management techniques of a dog reverse sneezing, you can support your pooch during any episodes and ensure their comfort. But remember, your vet is a valuable resource if you’re ever unsure of your dog’s health.
Dog Reverse Sneezing FAQs
Which Breeds Are More Prone To Reverse Sneezing?
Breeds more susceptible to canine reverse sneezing include:
- Brachycephalic breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus. Boxers, etc.
- Small/toy breeds: For example, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Miniature Daschunds, and Maltese.
When Should I Worry About Reverse Sneezing?
Occasional episodes of reverse sneezing are completely normal and not of concern to your dog’s health.
However, if you suspect your furry pal is experiencing respiratory issues that are making it difficult to breathe, or symptoms are recurring more frequently, visit your vet.
How Much Is Too Much Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Episodes of reverse sneezing that occur more than twice a day are uncommon and will merit a visit to your vet.
What Medicines Help Reverse Sneezing?
For frequent or more severe cases of reverse sneezing, your vet may prescribe medications to treat any underlying issues that may be triggering your pup’s episodes. For example, your vet may prescribe antihistamines or steroids for allergy-related reverse sneezing.
Can Dogs Stop Reverse Sneezing on Their Own?
Yes! While some dogs may have reverse sneeze episodes all their lives, many dogs only develop the condition as they age. However, the spasm that causes a reverse sneeze is only a temporary problem that will subside on its own.
Does Reverse Sneezing Indicate a Heart Problem?
Although many dogs may develop reverse sneezing along with heart and lung conditions, this is certainly not always the case. Some dogs will exhibit signs of reverse sneezing with no underlying health issues — typically, it’s more often triggered by environmental irritants.
How To Tell The Difference Between Reverse Sneezing and Tracheal Collapse?
Reverse sneezing, a benign condition that rarely needs medical intervention, is often confused for tracheal collapse — a more serious condition that often needs surgery. But with both conditions making similar sounds, how do you tell the difference?
- Reverse sneezing is characterized by a loud inhaling noise as your pup attempts to take in air through their nostrils. Tracheal collapse is more of a loud honking cough as they expel air through their mouth.
- Episodes of reverse sneezing will typically be an intermittent event when triggered by specific irritation or allergens. However, tracheal collapse is a chronic health condition with persistent coughing and respiratory difficulties.
- Although reverse sneezing can be common in most small dog breeds — tracheal collapse occurs most often in middle-aged to senior dogs, in particular toy breeds such as the Chihuahua.
