It often happens out of nowhere. One moment, your dog is perfectly calm. Then suddenly, they freeze, extend their neck, and begin making rapid, alarming snorting sounds. It’s not quite a cough. Not quite a sneeze. It’s something else entirely.

Maybe you’ve seen it. Your dog suddenly stiffens, starts making odd snorting sounds, like they can’t quite catch their breath. It looks scary. And for a moment, it feels like something’s wrong. What you’re probably seeing is reverse sneezing. It’s more common than people think. Usually not dangerous. But still, something you shouldn’t ignore.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what it is, why it happens, when to worry, and how we at Noble Vet Clinics support concerned pet parents like you every step of the way.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse sneezing, what we call paroxysmal respiration in veterinary terms, is a reflex. Instead of pushing air out like a normal sneeze, your dog pulls it in sharply through the nose. It sounds strange. And it looks even stranger.

The trigger? Usually, some kind of irritation where the nasal passages meet the throat. That small junction, called the nasopharynx, can react to things like dust, allergens, or even a sudden temperature change. Reverse sneezing is your dog’s way of clearing it out.

You’ll hear loud, repeated snorting. Most dogs freeze when it happens, extend their neck, and start pulling air in fast, like they’re trying to inhale a sneeze that won’t come out. It can sound harsh, but it usually passes within seconds.

What Does Reverse Sneezing Look and Sound Like?

If you’ve never seen it, it’s easy to panic. Dogs often:

• Freeze in place abruptly

• Extend their neck and flare their nostrils

• Emit a loud snorting sound akin to choking or gasping

• Look panicked, though they usually remain conscious

• Resume normal behavior within seconds

Because the noise is so intense, many pet owners mistake these events for respiratory distress. But most reverse sneezing episodes last under 30 seconds and resolve without intervention.

Curious what it sounds like? Here’s a helpful example from VCA Hospitals.

What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Let’s talk about what usually triggers reverse sneezing in dogs. Some causes are easy to manage. Others need a closer look.

• Dust, perfume, and chemical cleaners in the air

• Nasal mites, tiny parasites that inflame the nasal passages

• Grass seeds, fur, or debris stuck in the nose

• Overexcitement or heavy breathing after play

• Allergies, pollen, mold, even food sensitivities

• A soft palate that’s too long, especially in flat-faced breeds

• Pressure from a tight collar or pulling on the leash

Some dogs only experience a reverse sneezing episode once or twice in their lifetime. Others, especially those with chronic irritation or allergies, do it more regularly.

One study from Southeast Spain found that over half of the dogs examined (52.9%) had experienced at least one episode in their lifetime. It’s more common than most people think.

And here in the UAE, it’s not unusual to see reverse sneezing linked to the dry climate or exposure to incense, such as bakhoor. We see it often.

Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous for My Dog?

Most reverse sneezing episodes are harmless, albeit startling, rather than serious. However, if your dog is experiencing frequent or prolonged events, a deeper concern may be at play.

Here’s a simple comparison to guide your judgment:

A study from Frontiers in Veterinary Science tracked 30 dogs with chronic reverse sneezing. The findings were significant:

• 60% had experienced reverse sneezing episodes for over 3 months

• 60% experienced multiple episodes each week

• 57% were diagnosed with inflammatory airway diseases

• 27% had anatomical issues like an elongated soft palate

• 10% had foreign material or nasal mites as root causes

These numbers reveal what we already see in practice. Most cases are manageable once the true trigger is identified.

How Can You Tell If It’s Reverse Sneezing or Something Worse?

Some conditions resemble reverse sneezing but carry far more serious consequences:

• A collapsing trachea creates a honking cough, often in small breeds

• Persistent sneezing in dogs can point to nasal tumors or chronic rhinitis

• A foreign object in the throat may cause gagging or vomiting

• Kennel cough, asthma, or infections also cause coughing or respiratory noise

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, especially if symptoms escalate or last longer than expected, consult your vet. Early clarity can prevent unnecessary stress and complications.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Starts Reverse Sneezing?

During an episode, your calm energy is the most helpful medicine.

Here's what we recommend:

1. Massage the throat gently to help relax spasms

2. Briefly cover your dog’s nostrils to encourage a swallow

3. Move them to fresh air or a quiet space

4. Avoid touching their mouth or trying to “shake it off”

Never use water, food, or sprays to interrupt the sneeze. And don’t force open the jaw. It can escalate fear or risk injury.

If your dog begins to reverse sneeze more than usual, or the pattern changes, reach out. We’ll help investigate the cause.