Dog Reverse Sneezing: Vet-Explained Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

You’re relaxing at home when suddenly your dog stiffens, stretches its neck, and begins making loud snorting or honking sounds—almost like it’s choking. Panic sets in. But often, this isn’t choking at all—it’s something called reverse sneezing.

Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, is a fairly common reflex in dogs. While it can look dramatic, it is usually harmless and self-limiting. However, frequent or severe episodes can indicate an underlying condition that requires veterinary attention【vcahospitals.com†source】.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• ✅ What reverse sneezing is (and what it’s not)

• ✅ Common triggers and medical causes

• ✅ How to distinguish it from choking or tracheal collapse

• ✅ Step-by-step remedies you can use at home

• ✅ Veterinary treatments and when to see a vet

• ✅ Comparisons with other airway conditions

• ✅ Expert insights, routines, FAQs, and safety tips

🔍 What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly inhales air through the nose, causing repeated snorting sounds. Unlike a normal sneeze (expelling air outward), reverse sneezing is an inward sniffing spasm triggered by irritation of the nasopharynx (the back of the nasal passages).

Key Characteristics

• Episodes last a few seconds up to a minute.

• Dog may stand still, extend its neck, flare its elbows, and make repeated snorts.

• Most dogs recover quickly and resume normal breathing afterwards【vcahospitals.com†source】【vet.cornell.edu†source】.

📌 Medical Note (Merck Veterinary Manual): Reverse sneezing is an aspiration reflex—a short, paroxysmal inspiratory effort to clear irritants from the nasopharynx【merckvetmanual.com†source】.

🐾 Causes & Triggers

Reverse sneezing is not a disease itself but a symptom. Triggers include:

1. Environmental Irritants

   • Dust, smoke, perfumes, cleaning sprays, pollen, cold air【vcahospitals.com†source】.

2. Excitement or Activity

   • Episodes can occur after vigorous play, pulling on the leash, or eating/drinking too fast【veterinarypartner.vin.com†source】.

3. Allergic Rhinitis or Mild Inflammation

   • Seasonal allergens can irritate the upper airway【merckvetmanual.com†source】.

4. Brachycephalic Anatomy

   • Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) with elongated soft palates and narrowed nostrils are predisposed【acvs.org†source】.

5. Nasal Mites (Pneumonyssoides caninum)

   • Tiny parasites that live in nasal passages, causing sneezing, nasal discharge, and reverse sneezing【merckvetmanual.com†source】【capcvet.org†source】.

6. Underlying Airway or Nasal Disease

   • Chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, polyps, or dental infections that extend into nasal passages【merckvetmanual.com†source】.

🛑 Reverse Sneezing vs. Emergencies

Reverse sneezing is self-limiting. But some conditions look similar:

👉 Emergency signs: prolonged distress, pale/blue gums, collapse, or inability to recover = go to the vet immediately.

🧰 What To Do During an Episode

1. Stay calm – dogs feed off your energy.

2. Gently rub the throat or briefly cover nostrils (1–2 seconds) to trigger swallowing【vcahospitals.com†source】.

3. Move to fresh air – avoid smoke, sprays, perfumes.

4. Loosen collar/harness to reduce airway pressure.

5. Time the episode – if >2 minutes, call your vet.

🩺 Veterinary Evaluation

A vet may:

• Take a full history (frequency, seasonality, breed).

• Differentiate from tracheal collapse, choking, or brachycephalic airway obstruction.

• Perform diagnostics (rhinoscopy, nasal imaging, cytology) if episodes are severe/persistent【merckvetmanual.com†source】.

✅ Treatment & Remedies

At-Home Lifestyle Fixes

• Avoid irritants (smoke, aerosols, strong perfumes).

• Switch to front-clip harness instead of collar.

• Maintain healthy weight (especially for brachycephalic dogs).

• Use humidifiers in dry homes.

Veterinary Treatments

• Allergies: Environmental control + vet-prescribed antihistamines if indicated【merckvetmanual.com†source】.

• Nasal mites: Treated with antiparasitics such as selamectin, milbemycin, ivermectin (under veterinary guidance)【capcvet.org†source】.

• Chronic rhinitis/sinusitis: May need antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or advanced care.

• BOAS surgery: Soft palate resection or nostril widening can reduce chronic reverse sneezing in brachycephalics【acvs.org†source】.

🥇 Which Remedy Works Best?

🧭 Weekly Routine for Dogs with Reverse Sneezing

• Daily: Track episodes (time, duration, triggers).

• Weekly: HEPA vacuum, wash bedding in hot water.

• Monthly: Weigh your dog (extra weight worsens airway issues).

• Vet check: If frequency rises or red flags appear.

🧾 Expert Quotes

• Cornell University CVM:
  “For dogs with frequent episodes, veterinarians may treat for allergies and mites. Dogs with elongated soft palates may benefit from surgery.”【vet.cornell.edu†source】

• VCA Animal Hospitals:
  “Reverse sneezing… lasts for several seconds to a minute and usually requires no treatment.”【vcahospitals.com†source】

• Merck Veterinary Manual:
  “Aspiration reflex (‘reverse sneeze’), a short paroxysmal inspiratory effort to clear the nasopharynx, may also be seen in rhinitis and sinusitis.”【merckvetmanual.com†source】

• Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC):
  “Effective treatments for canine nasal mites include selamectin, milbemycin, and ivermectin.”【capcvet.org†source】

❓ FAQs

1. Is reverse sneezing dangerous?
   Usually not—most episodes are short and harmless.

2. How long do episodes last?
   Seconds to a minute. Longer = see vet.

3. What’s the fastest way to stop it?
   Throat rub or nostril cover to trigger swallow.

4. Can allergies cause reverse sneezing?
   Yes—common seasonal trigger.

5. Can nasal mites cause it?
   Yes—mites irritate nasal passages and are treatable.

6. How is it different from tracheal collapse?
   Reverse sneeze = snorts; tracheal collapse = goose-honk cough.

7. Is it common in flat-faced dogs?
   Yes, due to soft-palate anatomy.

8. Do puppies get reverse sneezing?
   Yes, but frequency often decreases with age.

9. Should I film an episode for my vet?
   Yes—helps diagnosis.

10. How long until treatments work?

• Mite therapy: 1–3 weeks.

• Allergy plans: 1–4 weeks.

• BOAS surgery: weeks post-op.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but frequent, severe, or distressing episodes require professional veterinary evaluation.