Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Coughing & sneezing · Respiratory symptoms
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What It Is, How To Help, and When To Worry
If you are reading about reverse sneezing dog, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
A reverse sneezing dog makes a sudden, loud snorting or honking sound while pulling air in through the nose. The dog usually stands still with its neck stretched out and elbows apart. It looks alarming, but in most dogs reverse sneezing is harmless and stops within a minute.
It is especially common in small dogs and flat-faced breeds. This guide explains what triggers it, simple ways to help your dog through an episode, and when reverse sneezing is a reason to see the vet.
Important: See a vet if episodes are getting more frequent or longer, your dog has nasal discharge or a nosebleed, sneezes from one side, paws at the face, has trouble breathing between episodes, or the gums look blue or gray.
See the bigger picture
This guide is part of our coughing & sneezing guide, which covers related causes and when to call the vet.
What Reverse Sneezing Is
A Reflex
Reverse sneezing (paroxysmal respiration) is a spasm at the back of the throat and soft palate. The dog pulls air in fast and hard through the nose to clear an irritation.
Short and Self-Limiting
Episodes usually last a few seconds to a minute. Afterward, the dog goes back to normal straight away.
Not a Cough or Choking
A cough pushes air out. Choking dogs paw at the mouth and struggle. If you are not sure, film it for your vet. See dog coughing.
How To Recognize a Reverse Sneeze
The Sound
A loud, repeated snort or honk on the in-breath, like a pig grunt.
The Posture
Standing still, head and neck stretched forward, eyes wide, elbows out.
The Timing
Often after excitement, drinking, eating, pulling on the leash, or waking up.
Normal Afterward
Breathing, gum color and energy return to normal as soon as it stops.
What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Excitement and Leash Pulling
Pressure on the throat and fast breathing trigger episodes.
Irritants and Allergies
Pollen, dust, perfume, smoke, cleaning products and household sprays.
Anatomy
Small breeds and flat-faced dogs with long soft palates and narrow airways have more episodes.
Nasal Problems
Nasal mites, grass seeds, infections and growths cause frequent episodes with other signs. These need a vet.
What To Do Tonight
Normal
Occasional short episodes, then a normal dog: no treatment needed. Mention it at your next checkup.
See a vet
Frequent or long episodes, discharge, nosebleeds, pawing at the face, or breathing trouble between episodes.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Reverse Sneezing in Dogs FAQ
Is reverse sneezing in dogs dangerous?
Usually not. Most episodes are harmless and stop within a minute. Frequent episodes or other nose signs need a vet check.
When should I worry about reverse sneezing in dogs?
When episodes become more frequent or longer, or come with nasal discharge, nosebleeds, sneezing from one side, pawing at the face, or breathing trouble.
What is a home remedy for reverse sneezing in dogs?
Stay calm, gently stroke the throat, encourage swallowing, and take your dog into fresh air. Reduce irritants at home and use a harness on walks.
Why does my dog reverse sneeze so much?
Small and flat-faced breeds are prone to it, and allergies, excitement and leash pulling make it more frequent. If it is increasing, your vet can check for nasal mites or something stuck in the nose.
Can reverse sneezing be treated?
Most dogs need no treatment. If allergies or a nasal problem are the cause, your vet will treat that.
Is this reverse sneezing in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.