Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes and What to Do

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

It can sound as though your dog is choking or having an asthma attack. Most of the time it is a reverse sneeze.

What it looks like

During an episode, a dog stands with elbows out and neck extended and makes a rapid, noisy series of snorts or gasps as he draws air in through the nose. It can last seconds to a minute or so, and then the dog returns to normal as if nothing happened.

What causes it

The usual explanation is brief spasm of the soft palate and irritation in the throat, which narrows the airway for a moment. Common triggers are:

• Excitement, especially after play
• Pulling on a collar
• Pollen, dust, perfume or smoke
• Eating or drinking too fast
• Post-nasal drip or minor nasal irritation
• Anatomy, since small and flat-faced breeds are more prone. See brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

What to do during an episode

1. Stay calm, since stress can prolong it.
2. Speak softly and keep your dog still.
3. Gently stroke the throat to encourage swallowing.
4. Offer a small sip of water or a treat once it stops.
5. Move away from the trigger if you can see one.

Do not put fingers in the mouth or cover the nose unless advised by your vet.

How it differs from a collapsing trachea or choking

A collapsing trachea creates a honking cough rather than an inhaled snort. See collapsing trachea in dogs. Choking involves distress, pawing at the mouth and inability to breathe. See dog choking first aid. If you are unsure, film an episode to show your vet.

When to see a vet

Book an exam if:

• Episodes are becoming more frequent or longer
• Your dog has nasal discharge, bleeding or facial swelling
• Episodes come with coughing, fainting or lethargy
• Your dog struggles to breathe afterward
• He is a puppy or senior
• You suspect a foreign object

Your vet may check for infections, allergies, mites, tumors or anatomical problems. See dog sneezing causes.

Reducing triggers

• Use a harness instead of a collar
• Keep air clean and avoid strong fragrances
• Slow down meals
• Manage allergies as advised
• Calm excitement before and after play

Common mistakes

• Panicking and increasing stress
• Treating at home with human antihistamines without advice
• Ignoring frequent episodes
• Not filming an episode

Troubleshooting

• My dog has episodes after play: let him cool down before excitement ends abruptly.
• Episodes happen in spring: discuss allergies with your vet.
• Episodes keep recurring: book an exam.

A simple plan

1. Stay calm and soothe.
2. Film episodes.
3. Reduce triggers.
4. Book a vet check if frequent.

Real-life examples

A pug has brief episodes when excited and recovers instantly. A terrier has episodes in pollen season, helped by allergy management. A spaniel has an episode that turns out to be a grass seed in the nose and needs removal. Context decides.

Keeping perspective

Most reverse sneezing is harmless, but pay attention to changes.

Recording and sharing episodes

Use your phone to film a full episode, including the sound. Vets can often recognize reverse sneezing from a short clip, and it helps tell it apart from a collapsing trachea, choking or seizures. Note how long it lasts, what happened just before and how quickly your dog recovered.

Allergies, mites and foreign objects

If episodes are frequent, your vet may look for allergies, nasal mites, a grass seed or another irritant in the nose or throat. Dogs that sniff around grassy areas are more likely to inhale seeds. Sudden violent sneezing with nasal discharge or bleeding needs a prompt exam. See foxtails and plant hazards for dogs.

The takeaway

Reverse sneezing is usually benign. Soothe your dog, record episodes and see a vet if they change.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.