Reverse Sneezing in Dogs – Is It a Problem?

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing is a sudden, loud snorting or honking noise caused by violent attempts to draw in air. It sounds like the dog can’t breathe, but most dogs appear completely normal before and after the episode. The condition is believed to be caused by a temporary spasm of the larynx muscles, possibly due to mucus falling on the vocal cords from the soft palate.

It’s most common in brachycephalic breeds—dogs with short noses and flat faces—such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Bulldogs. Episodes can be triggered by excitement, eating treats quickly, or greeting people or other dogs.

Is Reverse Sneezing a Sign of a Problem?

In most cases, reverse sneezing is not a sign of a serious health problem. Dogs typically recover fully between episodes and show no lasting effects. However, if reverse sneezing occurs frequently, lasts a long time, or is accompanied by coughing, gagging, fainting, or collapsing, it may indicate a more severe respiratory issue.

These symptoms could point to conditions like brachycephalic syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, or a foreign body in the airway. In such cases, veterinary evaluation is essential to rule out life-threatening causes.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

You should contact your veterinarian if your dog: - Experiences reverse sneezing episodes that don’t stop - Shows signs of distress, such as collapsing or difficulty breathing - Has a persistent cough, nasal discharge, or fever - Develops a weak or croaky bark - Breathes noisily at rest, especially in older dogs

Laryngeal paralysis, which affects older large breeds, can cause a “roaring” noise when breathing and progressive weakness in the bark. This condition requires medical or surgical treatment to prevent respiratory collapse.

How to Help During an Episode

You can help ease a reverse sneezing episode by: - Gently massaging the dog’s neck just below the jaw to encourage swallowing - Briefly covering the dog’s nostrils to prompt a swallow - Lightly blowing air into the dog’s face - Calming the dog and rubbing its nose to help it breathe normally

These actions often end the episode quickly. Avoid forcing anything into the mouth or trying to remove objects unless you’re certain of the cause.

Prevention and Management

For dogs prone to reverse sneezing, avoid known triggers like strong scents, perfumes, or rapid eating. Keep your dog calm during excitement. If episodes are frequent or severe, consult your vet to rule out underlying conditions like stenotic nares (collapsed nostrils) or an elongated soft palate—common parts of brachycephalic syndrome.

In severe cases, surgical options such as prosthetic rings for the trachea or correction of nasal cartilage may be recommended.