If you’ve ever seen your dog suddenly stop, stretch their neck, and start making strange snorting sounds, it can be quite startling.
It’s hard not to worry when your pet looks like they’re struggling to breathe. However, you might be witnessing your dog reverse sneezing. This is a condition that might look dramatic and worrying, but it’s usually harmless.
Understanding what reverse sneezing in dogs will help you know whether your dog’s condition needs urgent care or other treatments.
What is Reverse Sneezing?
Reverse sneezing in dogs is not actually a type of sneeze at all. It’s considered more of a reflex caused by irritation in the back of your dog’s throat or nasal passage. Instead of pushing air out, your dog rapidly pulls air in.
During a reverse sneezing episode, your dog might stand still, extend its neck, and make a loud snorting or honking noise. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. It might look and sound concerning, but it’s usually not painful or dangerous for your dog.
Common Causes of Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing can be triggered by various reasons, from allergic reactions to simply being overexcited. Here’s a list of the common causes of reverse sneezing in dogs.
Allergens
Dust, mold, pollen, or other environmental irritants can trigger episodes of reverse sneezing.
Environmental Irritants
Smoke, strong perfumes, cleaning products, or even air fresheners can trigger this.
Tiny Particles
Dirt, grass, or small seeds that can get caught in your dog’s throat or nose can cause this episode.
Exercise or Excitement
Some dogs that get overexcited or too tired can suddenly start reverse sneezing.
Body Structure
Dogs with flat faces, like pugs or bulldogs, or those with small nasal passages are more prone to reverse sneezing.
Nasal Mites
Tiny parasites in your dog’s nose can irritate the nasal passage, causing frequent episodes.
There are some natural reverse sneezing causes, such as drinking water too fast or pulling hard on their leashes. You can try to observe your dog carefully to identify what is triggering reverse sneezing.
How to Recognize Reverse Sneezing in a Dog
If you’ve never seen reverse sneezing before, you might get extremely worried for your dog. But once you know what it sounds and looks like, it’ll be easier to identify. Here’s what typically happens when your dog reverse sneezes.
Your dog suddenly stops and stands still.
It will extend its neck and pull its lips back slightly.
You’ll hear a loud snorting sound similar to a goose-honking.
It ends on its own after a few seconds up to a minute.
You must stay calm while observing your dog. If your dog resumes its activity or returns to its normal self after the episode, it’s likely just reverse sneezing. However, if you notice that your dog is having difficulty breathing, you must call emergency vets immediately.
Diagnosing Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
When you’re unsure whether your dog is only reverse sneezing or needs serious medical attention, a trip to the vet can help to put your mind at ease. Your vet should be able to diagnose potential issues as to why your dog is reverse sneezing.
When you’re at the clinic, your vet may ask certain questions.
Has your dog been around anything that could irritate their throat or nose?
Are there other symptoms, like coughing, discharge from the nose, or difficulty breathing?
How often do these episodes happen?
If the reverse sneezing episodes are frequent or unusual, the vet may recommend additional tests. These diagnostic tests may include X-rays or nasal exams to rule out conditions such as collapsed trachea or respiratory infections.
It may be best if you take a video of your dog’s reverse sneezing to show your vet. This will be very helpful in detecting any underlying health conditions that may be causing it.
Treatment and Management of Reverse Sneezing
Most of the time, reverse sneezing doesn’t need any treatment. But if your dog has frequent episodes or seems uncomfortable, there are certain ways you can help.
When at home, you may gently massage your dog’s throat to help the spasms. You can briefly cover their nostrils, which should make them swallow to clear the irritation. You may also encourage them to drink water or lick a treat.
If the veterinarian detects that allergies cause reverse sneezing, antihistamines may be prescribed. If the cause is nasal mites, your vet may prescribe anti-parasitic medication. For rare causes of chronic reverse sneezing, the vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines.
When to See a Vet for Reverse Sneezing
While reverse sneezing is usually harmless, there are signs that will tell you that it’s time to bring your dog to the vet. Your vet should be able to confirm whether it’s reverse sneezing and rule out concerning health conditions.
The episodes happen more frequently, or they last longer than usual.
Your dog shows other symptoms, such as weakness, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing.
You’re unsure if it’s reverse sneezing or something more serious.
Preventing Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
You might not be able to prevent reverse sneezing entirely, but there are many simple steps that you can do to make the episodes less frequent.
Keep Your Space Dog-Friendly
Maintain your home’s cleanliness to minimize the dust, pollen, and mold that can irritate your dog’s nose. If allergies are an issue, consider an air purifier to help your pet breathe easier.
Avoid Strong Smells
Dogs have sensitive noses, so try to avoid heavily scented products, such as air fresheners, cleaning sprays, or perfumes near them. If you use these products, make sure to air out the room afterward.
Be Mindful of Outdoor Debris
Check areas where your dog plays, and try to find tiny sticks, grass seeds, or dirt that could sneak into their nose or throat, which may trigger reverse sneezing. If possible, try to limit your dog’s playtime in these areas and offer alternative spaces for play.
Help Them Stay Calm
Overexcitement can sometimes be the reason for reverse sneezing. Try to create a calm environment during playtime or when guests arrive to manage their energy levels.
Switch to a Body Harness
If leash pulling seems to be triggering reverse sneezing in your dog, swap out the collar for a harness. This can reduce strain on your dog’s throat and make walks more comfortable.
Regularly Groom Your Dog
Dogs prone to respiratory issues, especially those with flat faces, can benefit from regular grooming to keep their noses clear of excess fur or debris.
Prevent Parasite Infestations
Ask your vet about how to prevent nasal mites and other parasites in your dog. A parasite prevention plan can help your dog’s airways to be free from irritation.
Conclusion
Reverse sneezing can appear and sound concerning, but it’s rarely something you should worry about. You'll feel more confident and prepared once you understand your dog’s triggers and know how to handle an episode.
Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, your vet is just a call away. This is why veterinarians recommend regular health check-ups for pets. It’s advisable to schedule a vet consultation annually and more frequently for senior dogs so any underlying health conditions can be detected and treated early.
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