Skip to content

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

DogNormal
Quick Answer

Reverse sneezing is a rapid, forceful inhalation through the nose that sounds alarming but is almost always harmless. It's caused by irritation of the soft palate and typically stops within 30-60 seconds. No treatment is needed in most cases.

What You Need to Know

Reverse sneezing (technically called "inspiratory paroxysmal respiration") is one of the most alarming-sounding things a dog can do that is usually completely harmless. It sounds like your dog is trying to inhale a sneeze — a rapid, repeated, honking inhalation through the nose.

During an episode, dogs typically stand still, extend their neck, and make the characteristic snorting/honking sound. It can look like they're choking or having an asthma attack, but they can still breathe during the episode. Episodes usually last 15-60 seconds and resolve on their own.

Reverse sneezing is caused by a spasm of the soft palate and throat, triggered by irritation from allergens, dust, strong smells, excitement, pulling on a leash, eating or drinking too fast, or post-nasal drip. It's significantly more common in small breeds and brachycephalic breeds.

While the vast majority of reverse sneezing is benign, very frequent episodes (multiple times daily) or episodes that are increasing in frequency can occasionally indicate nasal mites, nasal polyps, foreign bodies in the nasal passage, or dental disease. If your dog has had reverse sneezing for years without increasing frequency, it's almost certainly benign.

Common Causes

  1. Environmental irritants — dust, pollen, perfumes, cleaning products
  2. Excitement or overstimulation — during play or greeting
  3. Pulling on a leash or collar — pressure on the throat
  4. Eating or drinking too fast — especially cold water
  5. Allergies — seasonal or environmental
  6. Post-nasal drip — from upper respiratory irritation
  7. Nasal mites (rare) — causes increasing frequency of episodes
  8. Elongated soft palate — common in brachycephalic breeds

Breed Variations

Small breeds (Beagles, Yorkies, Shih Tzus) and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) reverse sneeze far more frequently than other breeds. This is due to their anatomy — shorter nasal passages and elongated soft palates. In these breeds, occasional reverse sneezing is virtually expected and rarely concerning.

When to Worry

See a vet if episodes are happening multiple times daily and increasing in frequency, if there is nasal discharge (especially bloody or one-sided), if your dog seems unable to breathe during episodes, if episodes last longer than a couple of minutes, or if this is a brand new behavior in an older dog who has never done it before.

When NOT to Worry

If your dog has been reverse sneezing occasionally for months or years, episodes last under a minute, and they go right back to normal afterward, this is almost certainly benign. It's one of those things that looks and sounds much worse than it is.

Home Care Tips

During an episode: stay calm, gently stroke your dog's throat, or briefly cover their nostrils (this causes them to swallow, which can stop the spasm). Some owners find that gently blowing in their dog's face helps. Switch from a collar to a harness if leash pulling triggers episodes. Run an air purifier if allergens seem to be a trigger.

When to See a Vet

If symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours, worsen, or are accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or pain, see your vet promptly.

When in doubt, call your vet. A quick phone consultation can help you decide if an in-person visit is needed.

Related Questions

Why Is My Dog Coughing?

Why Is My Dog Sneezing?

Every pet is different

Get personalized guidance for your specific situation — describe your pet's symptoms and Nuzzle will help you understand what's going on.

Ask Nuzzle About Your Pet