Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

You’re going about your day when all of a sudden your dog comes to an abrupt stop and begins snorting, wheezing, and honking. The attack is alarming and lasts anywhere between a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

And then just like that, your pup is back to normal. What just happened?

You may have just witnessed your dog’s reverse sneezing.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse Sneezing is clinically known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration. As alarming as it looks, the good news is that reverse sneezing is completely harmless and has no harmful effects on your dog!

We’re all familiar with how sneezing works, where air is quickly and forcefully expelled through the nose. But with reverse sneezing, your dog rapidly pulls air into their nose, causing loud snorting.

During an episode, your pup will stand still, stiffen their body, extend their head and neck, and expand their chest as they try to inhale. All of this is accompanied by wheezing and loud snorting. 

Unfortunately, the episodes can be scary and sound like your fur friend is in distress and has something caught in their nose and throat.

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Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

Of all the barks, pants, yips, whines, and growls that come out of our dogs, the sounds of reverse sneezing are probably the most disturbing.

Thankfully, reverse sneezing isn’t painful or harmful to your pup. But that leaves the question: why do dogs reverse sneeze?

Although the exact cause isn’t known, reverse sneezing occurs because of a muscle spasm at the back of your dog’s mouth where it meets the throat. For a few moments, your dog’s trachea becomes narrower, making it difficult for them to inhale. 

While a reverse sneezing attack can happen to any dog, some breeds are more susceptible than others. 

Dogs with shortened snouts such as pugs, shih tzus, and bulldogs have elongated soft palates. Occasionally, they can suck the elongated palate into their throat, causing reverse sneezing.

Smaller dog breeds may be prone to reverse sneezing because they have smaller throats. And dogs with narrow nasal passages (long noses) also tend to be commonly affected.

In general, any of the following allergens and irritants can trigger reverse sneezing in dogs:

• Nasal Mites
• Smoke
• Seeds, grass, and pollen
• Dust
• Foreign bodies.

Some dogs reverse sneeze when they get overly excited or from vigorous exercise such as pulling too hard on their daily walks.

Zuzu, a member of the Pet Living family, began to reverse sneeze after receiving a bordetella vaccine (aka kennel cough vaccine).

A quick call to the vet was all that was needed to reassure her mom that this can be a temporary side effect from the vaccine which was administered as an inhalant.

Should I Take My Dog To The Vet?

Reverse sneezing has no harmful effects on your dog. More than likely, your pup will go back to being their normal self after an episode has passed.

However, if your dog suddenly started reverse sneezing, it’s likely a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can give expert insights and suggestions.

A trip to the vet can also help rule out any underlying health problems like an upper respiratory tract infection, asthma, heart disease, tracheal collapse, or kennel cough. 

Kennel cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that commonly spreads through animal shelters or from shared water bowls at dog parks.

If you’ve recently adopted a shelter dog, keep an eye out for reverse sneezing to make sure your dog hasn’t contracted this serious infection. The “hacking” cough associated with kennel cough can easily be mistaken for “coughing” sounds associated with reverse sneezing. 

Your veterinarian can do a complete examination to confirm what’s ailing your pup.

If your dog is displaying any of these additional symptoms, go ahead and call your vet right away.

• Labored breathing
• Persistent cough
• Frequent wheezing
• Panting without exercise or lack of interest in exercise
• Open-mouthed breathing
• Lethargy
• Pale or blue gums

If your veterinarian gives your dog a clean bill of health, there are a few steps you can take to help your pup’s reverse sneezing.

How to Stop Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Thankfully, most cases of reverse sneezing require no medical intervention. When your dog has their next attack, stay calm. Your positive disposition will help your dog’s own anxiety. 

Then, try gently massaging their neck to encourage swallowing and to keep them calm. This can sometimes help stop the episode.

Distracting your pup with their favorite toy can also keep them from becoming overly excited by the episode.

You can also try speaking to your dog in a calm, soothing voice. The loving reassurances from their favorite human can help ease any anxiety associated with their reverse sneezing.

Plus, it’ll strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

The Final Woof

So in summary, why do dogs reverse sneeze? No one is certain, but a mix of allergens, irritants, and genetics all play a role. As scary as it sounds mid-attack, reverse sneezing is common and poses no threat to your pup.

Simply stay calm and reassure your dog that everything is ok!