Treating Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know
Reverse sneezing, or
paroxysmal respiration, is a common but sometimes alarming condition that affects many dogs. During an episode, a dog will quickly and repeatedly pull air into its nose, creating a loud snorting or honking sound. Though it may appear distressing,
reverse sneezing is usually harmless and self-resolving.
What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
The most common triggers of reverse sneezing include:
- Irritants like dust, pollen, perfumes, cleaning products, and smoke
- Allergies—environmental or seasonal
- Nasal mites, respiratory infections, or foreign objects
- Brachycephalic breeds with elongated soft palates or narrow airways
- Excitement, pulling on a leash, or eating/drinking too quickly
Occasionally, no clear cause is identified, and the condition is labeled as idiopathic.
Recognizing a Reverse Sneezing Episode
During an episode, a dog may:
- Stand still with an extended neck and flared nostrils
- Make rapid snorting or honking sounds
- Keep their mouth closed
These episodes typically last a few seconds to a minute and end spontaneously. The dog quickly returns to normal behavior afterward, with no lasting effects.
How to Treat Reverse Sneezing at Home
In most cases, treatment isn’t necessary. However, there are simple techniques that can help shorten or stop an episode:
- Gently massage your dog's throat to stimulate swallowing and end the spasm
- Calm your dog with soothing words and gentle petting
- Briefly cover the nostrils to prompt swallowing, breaking the sneezing cycle
- Blow gently on the dog's face—some owners find this effective
These methods may not always be necessary, but they can offer quick relief if the episode is prolonged.
Veterinary Intervention
If reverse sneezing becomes
frequent, intense, or begins to affect your dog’s quality of life, a veterinarian should be consulted. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Reviewing the dog's medical history and a video of the episode
- Conducting a physical examination
- Ruling out other conditions like infections, tumors, or collapsing trachea
- Running diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, or rhinoscopy
Medical Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Allergies: Antihistamines or corticosteroids
- Nasal mites: Antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin
- Anatomical issues: Surgical correction for an elongated soft palate
- Environmental irritants: Removing the source of irritation (perfumes, cleaning products, etc.)
Breed Predispositions
Some dogs are more prone to reverse sneezing than others:
- Small breeds such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies
- Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus
Their anatomical traits—narrow airways, elongated palates—make them more susceptible to episodes.
Understanding the Prognosis
The outlook for most dogs experiencing reverse sneezing is excellent. It’s a
benign condition with no long-term health implications in the vast majority of cases. Owners should monitor the frequency and intensity of episodes and seek veterinary attention if symptoms worsen or change.
When to See a Vet
Contact a veterinarian if your dog’s sneezing episodes:
- Become more frequent or prolonged
- Are accompanied by coughing, choking, or nasal discharge
- Lead to fainting or difficulty breathing
- Appear to be something more serious like a respiratory infection or tumor
Capturing a video of an episode can be highly beneficial for diagnostic purposes.
Final Thoughts for Pet Owners
Though reverse sneezing may be frightening to witness,
it's rarely dangerous. Educating yourself about the condition and knowing simple at-home interventions can help you manage it confidently. If the behavior changes or you feel something is wrong, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance.
Understanding reverse sneezing empowers you to provide
calming support to your dog and make informed decisions about their health.
