Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes and Treatment

You’re hanging out with your dog when they suddenly start making a weird honking sound as though they’re trying to hack something up. This odd noise may understandably lead you to think that your dog is having trouble breathing, or they’re choking and in grave danger. These episodes are often followed by a warp-speed drive to the vet where we (veterinarians) generally assess a happy dog wagging their tail, giving us a look like, “Not sure what all the fuss is about, but boy, that sure was a fun car ride!” 

That strange honking noise is called reverse sneezing, and it’s usually harmless. It happens to many dogs and rarely requires medical treatment. Still nervous? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. 

What is reverse sneezing in dogs?

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a common condition where your pup rapidly inhales through their nose, making a loud snorting sound. It’s typically harmless, but if it becomes frequent or severe, or it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should call your veterinarian.

Also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, reverse sneezing in dogs is caused by a muscle spasm at the back of a dog’s mouth where it meets the throat. This spasm, which lasts around 30 seconds, causes a temporary narrowing of the opening of the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to inhale.

Dr Lori Teller, an associate professor in the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), says, “The dog may stand very still with their front legs and neck extended. You will notice their chest and abdomen rapidly moving in and out.”

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a condition that usually does not need any treatment. It is called reverse sneezing because it sounds a bit like a dog inhaling sneezes, snorting backwards, a huffing cough or a honking cough. Your dog’a backwards sneezing episodes are short-lived and usually resolved by the time you get to the vet’s office, leaving us veterinarians to (embarrassingly) try to mimic the noise in the exam room. 

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Why is my dog reverse sneezing?

The most common cause of reverse sneezing in dogs is an irritation of the soft palate and throat that results in a spasm. The dog’s neck will stretch outwards and the chest will expand during the spasm as it tries harder to inhale. The trachea narrows during this time, and it’s hard to get the normal amount of air into the lungs. All of these actions together result in the disturbing display of a reverse sneeze.

What are some other causes of reverse sneezing in dogs? Anything that irritates the throat and leads to a spasm, including:

• excitement

• eating or drinking

• exercise intolerance

• pulling on a lead

• mites

• foreign bodies caught in the throat

• perfumes and environmental irritants such as household chemicals

• viruses

• pollen, allergies and post-nasal drip

Further evaluation by a veterinarian should be pursued if reverse sneezing becomes a frequent occurrence – there may be a treatable, underlying cause of the episodes, such as mites or allergies. In many cases, however, the cause cannot be identified.

How to diagnose reverse sneezing in dogs

Your vet will diagnose reverse sneezing. They will examine your pup to rule out other reasons for abnormal breathing, such as a foreign object in the nasal passages or mouth, nasal polyps or tumours, a collapsing trachea, or an upper respiratory tract infection. If needed, your vet may order testing (like an allergy test or blood test) to rule out additional health conditions that could be causing breathing issues.

What does reverse sneezing in dogs sound like?

Reverse sneezing in dogs sounds a bit like a dog inhaling sneezes or snorting backwards. It may also sound like a huffing cough or a honking cough. Basically, if your dog makes a strange honking sound, they’re probably reverse sneezing.

How to treat reverse sneezing in dogs

Reverse sneezing rarely requires treatment. When the sneezing stops, the spasm is over. If the episode continues beyond a few seconds, massaging your dog’s throat can help stop the spasm. Also, it can help to cover their nostrils for a quick moment, which makes your dog swallow and helps clear out the irritation.

“During an episode, try speaking in a soothing voice while gently massaging your dog’s throat,” suggests Teller. “You can also gently blow in the dog’s face to make them swallow or gently open the dog’s mouth and press down on the tongue to alleviate the spasm.” 

Some dogs have these episodes their entire lives, while others develop the condition only as they age. In most dogs, however, the spasm is an occasional and temporary problem that goes away on its own, needing no treatment and leaving the dog with no after effects.

How long do episodes of reverse sneezing last?

These backward sneezing episodes are short-lived – they usually last around 30 seconds. By the time you get to the vet’s office, your dog will have likely stopped, leaving you and your vet to (embarrassingly) try to mimic the noise in the exam room. 

Are certain dog breeds prone to reverse sneezing?

Yes, some dogs are more likely to experience reverse sneezing. Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced dog breeds such as Pugs, Boxers and Shih Tzus) by nature have elongated soft palates, which can cause them to reverse sneeze more often. These dog breeds will occasionally suck the elongated palate into the throat while inhaling, causing reverse sneezing. Beagles, Yorkies and other small dogs are also particularly prone to this honking cough, possibly because they have smaller throats.

Worried about your cat? Don’t be. Cats rarely experience reverse sneezing. That said, if you ever notice the signs of reverse sneezing in your cat, take them to the vet ASAP.

How to stop reverse sneezing in dogs

There’s no cure for reverse sneezing in dogs. The best thing you can do when your dog reverse sneezes is gently massage their throat and soothe them with a calm voice. Some dogs have these episodes their entire lives, while others develop the condition only as they age. In most dogs, however, the spasm is an occasional and temporary problem that goes away on its own, needing no treatment, and leaving the dog with no aftereffects.

Frequently asked questions

Can reverse sneezing in dogs be caused by stress?

No, reverse sneezing in dogs is not caused by stress. Usually, it is caused by an irritation in the throat that leads to a spasm.

Is reverse sneezing related to choking or a blockage in the throat?

Reverse sneezing is not related to choking but it could be related to a blockage in your dog’s throat. If a foreign body gets caught in their throat, it could cause your dog to reverse sneeze.

Can reverse sneezing be prevented?

No, reverse sneezing in dogs cannot be prevented. It’s a common condition and is usually harmless.

Resources

• Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Observational Study in 30 Cases

• Reverse Sneezing as a Clinical Manifestation of Nasopharyngeal-Oropharyngeal Fistula in a Dog

• Nasal Eucoleosis in a Symptomatic Dog from Italy

• Nasal Polyps in Dogs: Five Cases (2005 to 2011)

• Pneumonyssoides Caninum Infection – a Risk Factor for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs