Understanding Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Reverse sneezing, sometimes called paroxysmal respiration or inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, can startle even experienced dog owners. If you've ever seen your dog suddenly stand still, extend its head and neck, flare its nostrils, and make a loud snorting or honking noise while keeping its mouth closed, you've likely witnessed this odd but generally harmless event.
What Happens During Reverse Sneezing?
During an episode, your dog rapidly pulls air into the nose rather than pushing it out. The episode typically lasts anywhere from a few seconds to about a minute. Most dogs return to normal right afterward with no lingering effects—almost as if nothing happened at all.
- The dog stands still and looks startled.
- The head and neck stretch forward.
- Nostrils flare dramatically.
- Loud snorting or honking sounds occur as air rushes inward.
- The mouth remains closed throughout.
It may look alarming (especially the first time), but most of the time, reverse sneezing isn't dangerous.
Why Does Reverse Sneezing Happen?
The main culprit is irritation of the soft palate or nasopharynx—the area behind your dog's nose and above the back of the mouth. This irritation can cause a spasm in the soft palate muscles, temporarily narrowing the trachea and making it tough for your dog to inhale normally. As a result, your pet repeatedly tries to inhale through the nose, producing that unmistakable sound.
Common triggers include:
- Dust or pollen
- Allergies
- Household cleaning products
- Air fresheners, perfumes, colognes
- Grooming products
- Nasal mites or secretions
- Foreign bodies like grass or seeds
- Cigarette smoke or strong odors
- Tumors or polyps in the airway
- Exercise intolerance or overexcitement
- Eager eating or drinking
- Pulled too hard on a leash or collar
Certain breeds are more prone to reverse sneezing—especially small dogs and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs. Their unique anatomy (elongated soft palates or narrow airways) makes them susceptible. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome can also contribute to frequent episodes.
Other Causes to Consider
While most cases are due to simple irritants, other possibilities exist:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
- Nasal mites (parasites)
- Tumors or masses in the upper airway
- Foreign objects stuck in the respiratory tract
- Disease lower down in the airway system
Sometimes no clear cause emerges—these are called idiopathic cases.
How Is Reverse Sneezing Diagnosed?
Your vet will usually diagnose reverse sneezing based on your description (or better yet—a video) of what happens during an episode. They'll perform a physical exam and rule out other causes for abnormal breathing: things like upper respiratory infections, collapsing trachea, nasal tumors/polyps, foreign bodies in the nose/mouth. If needed, they might recommend further tests such as:
- Blood work for underlying illness/allergies
- X-rays of head/neck/chest
- Allergy testing
- Rhinoscopy (using a camera to look inside nasal passages)
Treatment Options for Reverse Sneezing
The good news? Treatment is rarely necessary. Most episodes stop on their own within seconds to a minute. You can help by gently massaging your dog's throat or calming them with soothing words and gentle petting. Some owners find that briefly covering their dog's nostrils encourages swallowing—which may end the spasm—or blowing gently on their face helps snap them out of it.
- If episodes are frequent/severe:
- Your vet may treat underlying allergies with antihistamines/steroids.
- Nasal mites may require antiparasitic medication like ivermectin.
- Surgery could be considered for anatomical issues (e.g., elongated soft palate).
- If environmental irritants are suspected (perfume/cleaners), remove these triggers when possible.
When Should You Worry?
A single episode rarely means trouble. But call your vet if you notice:
- Episodes become frequent/severe/long-lasting
- Coughing accompanies episodes
- Nasal discharge appears (especially if bloody)
- Your dog has trouble breathing between episodes
- Your pet collapses/faints during an episode
- You suspect something stuck in their nose/mouth
- You’re unsure whether it’s truly reverse sneezing versus another emergency
A video recording can be very helpful for diagnosis at your vet’s office!
The Outlook for Dogs With Reverse Sneezing
The prognosis is excellent: most dogs act completely normal before and after an episode. Reverse sneezing is almost always harmless and self-limiting. It’s much less common in cats; similar signs there could mean feline asthma—which does need veterinary attention.
