What is reverse sneezing in dogs?

If you’ve ever watched your dog suddenly stop, stand rigid, extend its neck, and begin making strange snorting sounds that seem like a mix between a sneeze and a gasp for air — you’re not alone. It’s a scene that can send any pet parent into a panic, convinced that their furry friend is choking or struggling to breathe.

What you may be witnessing is something known as reverse sneezing — a somewhat common, but largely harmless condition in dogs.

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing, medically termed paroxysmal respiration, is exactly what it sounds like — the opposite of a normal sneeze. Instead of expelling air forcefully through the nose, as with a typical sneeze, dogs experiencing a reverse sneeze rapidly inhale air through their nose in quick, repeated bursts.

This results in a distinctive, snorting noise, and the dog may appear as if it’s trying to inhale a sneeze. These episodes usually last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute and can occur randomly — while your dog is resting, playing, walking, or even sleeping.

What Does a Reverse Sneezing Episode Look Like?

During a reverse sneezing event, your dog may:

• Freeze suddenly

• Extend its neck and head forward

• Stand still and appear tense

• Make loud, snorting or honking noises

• Gasp or pull air in repeatedly through the nose

To an untrained eye, this can look very distressing. Many owners describe it as if their dog is choking or struggling to breathe — but rest assured, reverse sneezing is not dangerous and rarely causes complications.

Your dog will typically return to normal immediately afterward, without any signs of illness or lingering effects.

What Causes Reverse Sneezing?

While reverse sneezing may look dramatic, the underlying causes are often minor and sometimes hard to pinpoint. It can be triggered by irritation to the throat, sinuses, or nasal passages, which prompts this reflexive inhalation.

Common irritants that can lead to an episode include:

• Dust, smoke, or strong odors

• Pollen, grass, or other allergens

• Foreign objects like seeds or tiny debris

• Excitement, pulling on a leash, or rapid changes in temperature

• Nasal mites or postnasal drip

• An elongated soft palate, particularly in small or flat-faced breeds

Certain breeds — especially those with longer noses or narrower nasal passages, such as Italian Greyhounds and Whippets — seem to experience reverse sneezing more frequently.

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your vet will want to rule out other conditions that can mimic reverse sneezing, such as:

• Upper respiratory infections

• Collapsing trachea (common in toy breeds)

• Nasal tumors or polyps

• Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity or throat

• Allergies or sinus conditions

In more persistent or severe cases, your vet may recommend blood work, allergy testing, or imaging (like X-rays) to ensure no underlying issue is being missed.

What Can You Do During an Episode?

While reverse sneezing rarely requires medical treatment, knowing how to comfort your dog during an episode can help both of you stay calm.

Here are a few tips:

• Stay calm. Your reaction can influence your dog’s anxiety levels. Speaking softly and reassuringly can help.

• Gently stroke their neck or head. This may help soothe them and encourage swallowing, which often stops the sneezing.

• Briefly cover their nostrils. This can sometimes trigger a swallow reflex and stop the episode. Be careful and gentle.

• Offer a small drink of water or a treat. Stimulating the swallowing reflex can help clear irritants from the throat.

Avoid trying to forcibly stop the episode or opening your dog’s mouth — it will resolve naturally in most cases within seconds.

Is Treatment Needed?

In most cases, treatment is not necessary. Reverse sneezing is considered a benign condition that does not affect your dog’s long-term health.

However, if episodes become frequent, intense, or are accompanied by other symptoms — such as coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, or loss of appetite — it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian. These could be signs of allergies, respiratory infections, or other issues that may need attention.

In rare cases where reverse sneezing is linked to allergies or chronic irritation, your vet may recommend:

• Antihistamines for allergic triggers

• Anti-inflammatory medications if there’s swelling or irritation

• Decongestants in the case of nasal congestion or mild infections

Always follow your veterinarian’s advice, and never medicate your dog without professional guidance.

Final Thoughts: When to Worry

As a veterinarian, one of the most important messages I can share is this: reverse sneezing is more frightening than it is serious.

That said, know the red flags that may indicate a more serious problem:

• Persistent coughing or gagging

• Difficulty breathing between episodes

• Foul-smelling discharge from the nose or mouth

• Noticeable swelling around the face or throat

• Lethargy or unusual behavior after episodes

If you notice any of these signs, please don’t hesitate to call your vet. It’s always better to rule out anything serious and gain peace of mind.

Takeaway for Pet Owners

Reverse sneezing is one of those quirky, slightly unsettling canine behaviors that often catches dog owners off guard — but it’s typically harmless, short-lived, and nothing to fear.

Understanding what’s happening, why it occurs, and how to respond calmly can make a world of difference for both you and your pup. If you’re ever in doubt, your veterinarian is just a phone call away to offer guidance, rule out concerns, and support your pet’s health every step of the way.

Because at the end of the day, keeping tails wagging — and noses sneezing safely — is what we’re here for.

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