Is Your Dog Reverse Sneezing? What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

If your dog suddenly makes loud snorting or honking sounds while appearing to gasp for air, they may be experiencing dog reverse sneezing. Unlike regular sneezing, which expels air out of the nose, reverse sneezing draws air rapidly in through the nose. While it can sound alarming, most cases of dog reverse sneezing are short-lived and not harmful. Still, knowing why it happens and when to seek veterinary guidance can help you better understand your pet’s health.

 

 

What Is Dog Reverse Sneezing?

Dog reverse sneezing, also called paroxysmal respiration, happens when a dog rapidly inhales air through their nose instead of exhaling. This causes the throat and soft palate to spasm, leading to the characteristic snorting or honking sound. Episodes typically last anywhere from a few seconds to about a minute.

Although the sound can be startling, many dogs go right back to their normal activities after an episode. Still, dog reverse sneezing can indicate irritants, allergies, or other triggers that are worth paying attention to. If the episodes become frequent, it’s always a good idea to talk with your veterinarian at Manchester Animal Hospital by calling (978) 526-9500 or booking an appointment online.

Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

Dogs of all ages and breeds can experience reverse sneezing, though smaller breeds seem more prone to it. Episodes are often triggered by environmental or physical factors that temporarily irritate the airways.

Environmental Irritants

Dust, pollen, perfume, smoke, or cleaning products can irritate a dog’s nasal passages and cause reverse sneezing. Seasonal changes can also increase allergens in the air, making episodes more common.

Excitement or Activity

Some dogs experience reverse sneezing when overly excited, after vigorous play, or even during leash pulling. The increased airflow through their nasal passages can trigger an episode.

Temperature and Air Pressure Changes

A sudden change in temperature or exposure to cold air may irritate the nasal cavity, sparking an episode of dog reverse sneezing.

Other Contributing Factors

• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Nasal mites (less common)
• Mild throat or nasal inflammation
• Breed-related airway anatomy (more common in small breeds or brachycephalic dogs)

Understanding these triggers can help pet owners notice patterns and share observations with their veterinarian.

What Does Dog Reverse Sneezing Look and Sound Like?

Pet parents often mistake dog reverse sneezing for choking, coughing, or an asthma attack. During an episode, your dog may:

• Stand still with their elbows spread apart
• Extend their head and neck
• Produce loud snorting, snuffling, or honking noises
• Appear as though they are inhaling repeatedly and rapidly
• Look startled or uncomfortable, though not typically distressed

Episodes usually resolve on their own, and most dogs resume normal breathing right away. Recognizing these signs can give you peace of mind the next time it happens.

Is Dog Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

Most of the time, dog reverse sneezing is harmless. However, frequent or severe episodes may suggest an underlying issue such as allergies, airway irritation, or a respiratory condition. While it may not require emergency care, contacting your veterinarian can provide clarity and reassurance. Veterinary evaluation is especially important if you notice:

• Episodes that last longer than one minute
• Increased frequency of reverse sneezing
• Additional symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, or lethargy
• Difficulty recovering after an episode

Manchester Animal Hospital can help you determine whether your dog’s symptoms are within a normal range or if further testing is needed.

How Is Dog Reverse Sneezing Diagnosed?

If your dog experiences frequent episodes, your veterinarian will gather a full history and may recommend diagnostics to rule out underlying issues.

Physical Examination

Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, check the throat and nasal passages, and look for signs of inflammation or irritation.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on your dog’s symptoms, testing may include:

• Nasal swabs or cultures
• Bloodwork to check for allergies or infection
• Imaging such as X-rays to examine the airways
• Endoscopy to visualize the nasal passages and throat

These steps help your veterinarian determine whether the dog reverse sneezing is simply a benign condition or part of a larger respiratory issue.

Managing Dog Reverse Sneezing Episodes

While most episodes require no treatment, pet parents often want to know how to handle them in the moment. The best approach is to remain calm. Episodes are brief and typically end without intervention. For dogs with frequent episodes, your veterinarian may suggest lifestyle adjustments or address underlying conditions such as allergies. Your role as a pet parent is to monitor and share any changes with your veterinary team.

When Dog Reverse Sneezing Becomes a Pattern

Noticing occasional reverse sneezing in your dog isn’t unusual. However, if episodes begin happening daily or are accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, it’s worth scheduling an appointment. Keeping track of episode frequency, possible triggers, and your dog’s overall behavior can be helpful information for your veterinarian.

Supporting Your Dog’s Health in Manchester-by-the-Sea

Hearing your dog reverse sneezing for the first time can be unsettling, but understanding what it is and why it happens helps ease concerns. While most cases are harmless, frequent episodes deserve veterinary attention to rule out underlying issues. If your dog has been experiencing reverse sneezing, the caring team at Manchester Animal Hospital is here to help. Call us today at (978) 526-9500 or book an appointment online to discuss your dog’s symptoms and get expert guidance tailored to their needs.