You’ve probably seen it, and while it may look scary, it’s not dangerous. It’s usually short-lived and more common than people think. Still, they shouldn’t be ignored.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what it is, why it happens, and what to do.

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. Here, dogs will usually:

• Stand still and look surprised

• Stretch their necks forward

• Make repeated snorting or gagging sounds

• Breathe in quickly through their noses

While the noise can be intense, most episodes last under 30 seconds and resolve without any intervention. It’s not usually an emergency. 

What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Let’s talk about what usually triggers reverse sneezing in dogs. Some causes are easy to detect while others are sneaky. Here are the common reasons why your dog may start reverse sneezing:

Environmental Irritants

These are things in the air that can irritate your dog’s nostrils, which can be: 

• Dust, pollen, and mold

• Smoke or strong perfumes

• Chemical or cleaning products

Breed 

Some breeds are more likely to reverse sneeze due to the shape of their faces and airways. This means that small and brachycephalic breeds are prone to this condition, which includes:

• Pugs

• French Bulldogs

• Shih Tzus

• Boston Terriers

• Chihuahuas

Physical Irritation

Anything that may tickle or bother your dog’s throat can set off an episode. This may include: 

• Pulling on the leash too hard

• Eating or drinking too fast

• Foreign material in the throat

Medical Issues

In some cases, reverse sneezing in dogs may be linked to a medical problem, such as allergies, respiratory infections, and nasal tumors. A common indicator is when the reverse sneezing becomes too frequent.

Emotional Reactions

Additionally, dogs may also reverse sneeze when they get too excited, get stressed or anxious, or get overstimulated. The strong emotions cause the rapid breathing that irritates the throat and soft palate, resulting in the muscle spasms that cause the reflex. 

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:

• Massage the throat gently to help relax spasms

• Offer water to help clear irritants 

• Briefly cover your dog’s nostrils to encourage a deep breath

• Gently blow on their nose to encourage swallowing and breathing

• Move them to fresh air or a quiet space

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

• Don’t force open the jaw

When Can Reverse Sneezing Become Dangerous?

Most episodes will be harmless, just surprising. However, there will be signs to consider to know if they’re serious. 

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

If you notice any of these signs, then be sure to bring your dog to our clinic. We’ll help get them back on their feet.