What Is Dog Reverse Sneezing

A dog reverse sneeze is an involuntary, rapid inhalation through the nose that sounds like a snort or a bark. It is usually harmless but can be alarming to pet owners.

The most common cause of a dog reverse sneeze is the animal catching something in his throat. This causes him to reflexively swallow and suck in air through his nose, which produces the sound.

How do I get my dog to stop reverse sneezing?

What Should I Do If My Dog Reverse Sneezes? A common remedy is to hold the dog’s nostrils closed for a second and lightly massage its throat to calm him. Lightly blowing in his face may also help. This should cause the dog to swallow a couple of times, which will usually stop the spasm of the reverse sneeze.^[1]

What triggers reverse sneezing in dogs?

Any irritation to the nose, sinuses, or back of the throat can trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. Irritants can include nasal mites, secretions, foreign bodies such as seeds, pollens, or grasses, allergies, smoke, odors, masses or an elongated soft palate.^[2]

Should I be worried if my dog is reverse sneezing?

While the occasional reverse sneeze is usually nothing to worry about, if it increases in frequency or becomes worse, it’s best to have your pet seen by your veterinarian. If not properly addressed, some respiratory illnesses can be contagious to other pets, become chronic or even be life-threatening.^[3]

When should I worry about reverse sneezing?

While the majority of episodes of reverse sneezing are nothing to worry about, they can be an indication of a serious health problem if the episodes become chronic, last over a minute, come in bouts where the dog stops and starts reverse sneezing for several minutes, or begin in a dog that has never previously suffered …^[4]

What breeds reverse sneeze?

The reverse sneeze, or paroxysmal respiration, is a respiratory condition that occurs in some dogs. Brachycephalic breeds, like boxers, pugs, and bulldogs, are more likely to have this condition, as well as tiny and small breeds (because they have smaller throats).^[5]

How long should reverse sneezing last in dogs?

A reverse sneezing episode can last for several seconds to a minute, although longer durations have been reported. It isn’t uncommon for a dog to have two episodes in a 24-hour period. Episodes of reverse sneezing more frequent than twice a day are uncommon, and may merit a visit to the vet.^[6]

Can a dog suffocate from reverse sneezing?

It will not suffocate; the dog will recover completely as it relaxes. There may be a honking sound associated with the episode. Smaller breeds and brachycephalics (pug-nosed breeds) experience this condition more so than large breed dogs.^[7]

How do I know if my dog has nasal mites?

Symptoms of canine nasal mite infection in dogs may include nasal discharge, itchiness of the face, sneezing, reverse sneezing, and nose bleeds. The only way to be certain a dog has nasal mites is to perform a nasal scoping or a deep nasal flushing.^[8]

How common is reverse sneezing in dogs?

In fact, it’s fairly common among dogs (not as much among cats). Still, if this happens to your dog regularly, it is worth following up with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions. Here is everything pet parents need to know about reverse sneezing in dogs.^[9]

What do vets do for reverse sneezing?

Your veterinarian will attempt to rule out other conditions that cause snorting and abnormal breathing such as upper respiratory tract infections, nasal tumors or polyps, and more. He or she might also recommend allergy tests or x-rays. Generally there is no treatment required for reverse sneezing.^[10]

How long is too long for reverse sneezing?

Other than petting your dog, you will simply need to wait out the episode. Most dogs will not suffer from reverse sneezing for more than a minute or so. If this is the first time your dog has suffered from an attack of reverse sneezing, you should take them to the vet.^[11]

Is reverse sneezing a symptom of kennel cough?

What are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough? Signs of kennel cough include a dry cough or a “reverse sneeze.” A reverse sneeze sounds like a sniffling cough through the nose and signifies post-nasal drip or a tickle in the throat. Your dog may seem lethargic and have low energy or he may otherwise appear normal.^[12]