Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis & Management

Home adjustments and gentle maneuvers reduce distressing snorting episodes in pets.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 10, 2025

Home adjustments and gentle maneuvers reduce distressing snorting episodes in pets.

Reverse sneezing is a common reflex in dogs that often alarms pet owners due to its dramatic appearance, but it is typically benign and rarely requires intervention. Understanding this condition can help dog owners recognize the signs, know when to take action, and ensure their dogs well-being.

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Normal sneezing involves a forceful exhalation to expel irritants from the nose. In reverse sneezing, a dog rapidly inhales air through its nose, causing a distinctive snorting or honking sound. These episodes can last from a few seconds up to a minute, and may appear as though the dog is struggling to breathe. Reverse sneezing is a reflex reaction to irritation in the throat, nasopharynx, or nasal passages, and serves to remove irritants from the upper respiratory tract.

Recognizing Reverse Sneezing Episodes

Sudden, repeated inhalations through the nose with snorting noises
Head and neck often extended; mouth usually closed
Dog may appear anxious or panicked
Episodes are usually brief and self-resolving
Afterward, the dog quickly returns to normal behavior

Its important to distinguish reverse sneezing from coughing or choking, as these may signal more serious respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

There are several known triggers and causes for reverse sneezing in dogs. Sometimes the cause remains unidentified, but common factors include:

Environmental irritants: Dust, pollen, smoke, or cleaning chemicals
Excitement or rapid activity
Pulling too hard on a leash or collar
Eating or drinking too quickly
Inhalation of foreign objects, such as seeds or plant material
Respiratory infection (viral, bacterial, fungal)
Allergies to seasonal or household triggers
Nasal mites or parasites
Anatomical issues: Especially in breeds with elongated soft palates or short noses (brachycephalic breeds)
Masses or growths in the nasal cavity
Lower airway disease or post-nasal drip
Gastrointestinal disorders, like vomiting

Many cases have no clear cause, but irritation at the back of the throat is a consistent factor.

Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

Although alarming to witness, reverse sneezing is rarely dangerous. Most episodes are mild and sporadic, causing no lasting harm. Should the episodes become frequent, prolonged, or associated with other signs of illness (nasal discharge, respiratory distress, lethargy), veterinary attention is recommended.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Reverse Sneezing?

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough history and clinical examination. Your veterinarian may ask:

If your dog was exposed to irritants or allergens
If your dog ingested any foreign objects
The frequency, duration, and intensity of episodes
If you have a video recording (helpful for assessing the event)

A physical exam will focus on the heart, lungs, and upper respiratory tract, looking for:

Nasal discharge
Increased respiratory rate or effort
Other abnormal respiratory sounds

Baseline diagnostic work may include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Serum blood chemistry
Urinalysis

If more serious causes need to be ruled out, additional tests may be conducted:

Chest or head x-rays
Sedated oral and nasal exam
Rhinoscopy (insertion of a small camera into the nasal passages)

Diagnostic Steps for Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Step	Description
History	Exposure to irritants, allergies, foreign objects
Physical Exam	Heart, lungs, nasal signs, respiratory rate
Routine Blood Work	CBC, chemistry, urinalysis
Additional Tests	X-rays, sedated exam, rhinoscopy (if needed)

Other possible causes to rule out:

Nasal or airway foreign body
Upper respiratory infection
Chronic cough (kennel cough, heart disease)

If episodes are witnessed only at home, providing a video to the vet is highly valuable.

Treatment Options for Reverse Sneezing

For the majority of dogs, no treatment is necessary. Reverse sneezing is mild and resolves quickly:

Gently massage your dogs throat during an episode
Briefly hold their nostrils closed to stimulate swallowing
Blow gently into your dogs face to interrupt the cycle
Keep your dog calm and reassured during episodes

If episodes are frequent or linked to an underlying illness, treatments may include:

Allergy management: Antihistamines, avoiding allergens
Removal of foreign objects: Sedation or special tools, if required
Infection treatment: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories
Anti-parasitics for nasal mites: Medications such as ivermectin or milbemycin oxime
Surgical correction: For anatomical abnormalities (common in brachycephalic breeds with elongated soft palates)

Severe or persistent cases require identification and management of the underlying cause. Consult a veterinarian if your dog experiences frequent or severe reverse sneezing.

How to Minimize Reverse Sneezing Episodes

Clean your home regularly to reduce dust and airborne particles
Use air purifiers to reduce allergens
Limit exposure to smoke, strong chemicals, and perfumes
Monitor outdoor activities: Prevent sniffing or inhalation of grass, seeds, or irritants
Manage allergies: If known, minimize contact with allergens
Use harnesses instead of collars to reduce throat irritation

If episodes persist despite these steps, veterinary consultation is advisable.

Brachycephalic Breeds & Reverse Sneezing

Some breeds are more prone to reverse sneezing due to anatomical factors (short noses, elongated soft palates). These include:

Pugs
Bulldogs
Shih Tzus
Boxers

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome can contribute to reverse sneezing. Surgical intervention to shorten the soft palate may be considered in severe cases.

When to Call the Vet

If reverse sneezing is new, frequent, or severe
Episodes last longer than a minute or are distressing
Associated with other symptoms: cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, difficulty breathing
No improvement with management strategies

Frequent assessment can help identify underlying disease early and ensure your dogs quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a reverse sneeze sound like?

A reverse sneeze produces a loud snorting or honking sound as the dog rapidly inhales air through its nose.

Is reverse sneezing harmful to dogs?

Reverse sneezing is usually harmless and self-resolving. If episodes are frequent or associated with other symptoms, veterinary evaluation is advised.

Can reverse sneezing be prevented?

Prevention isn’t always possible, but reducing exposure to irritants and allergens, maintaining a clean environment, and managing excitement can help minimize episodes.

Which dog breeds are most affected?

Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, tend to be more susceptible due to anatomical factors.

Should I record my dog’s reverse sneezing episode?

Itâs highly beneficial to record episodes and share them with your veterinarian for more accurate assessment.

What should I do during an episode?

Stay calm, gently massage your dog’s throat, or briefly cover their nostrils to encourage swallowing. Ensure your dog is comfortable and safe.

When is reverse sneezing a sign of a problem?

Consult your vet if reverse sneezing is frequent, prolonged, associated with other symptoms, or affects your dog’s quality of life.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

Reverse sneezing is usually benign and self-limiting.
Episodes may sound dramatic but rarely indicate serious illness.
Veterinary assessment is recommended if episodes change or are frequent.
Simple interventions (throat massage, nostril closure) can help stop episodes.
Identify and remove potential allergens or irritants from your dogs environment.

Additional Resources & Support

Always consult your veterinarian for questions and concerns about your dogs respiratory health. Recording episodes, keeping notes on frequency and duration, and observing changes in behavior can support accurate diagnosis and management.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete