Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What It Is and When to Worry

What it usually means

During a reverse sneeze, the dog usually stands still with the elbows spread and the head and neck stretched forward, eyes sometimes bulging, and makes loud, rapid snorting or honking sounds as air is pulled in through the nose. It is thought to be a spasm triggered by irritation at the back of the nose and throat. It is also called paroxysmal respiration.

Common triggers include excitement, pulling on the leash, eating or drinking quickly, pollen, dust, perfume, smoke, cleaning sprays, and post-nasal drip from allergies. Small dogs and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs seem to have it more often, partly because of the shape of their soft palate.

Reverse sneezing or something else?

Reverse sneezing is a spasm the dog recovers from on its own. Choking is different: the dog paws at the mouth, gags, cannot breathe, and the gums may turn blue. A collapsing trachea, common in toy breeds, makes a dry, goose-like honking cough, often when pulling on a collar or getting excited. Kennel cough produces a harsh cough rather than inward snorts.

Ordinary forward sneezing has its own causes. Some dogs sneeze when playing as a friendly signal, and dogs that sniff hard on walks sneeze to clear their noses. Frequent forward sneezing, especially with discharge, can point to allergies, infection, or something stuck in the nose.

When to call your vet today

Call your vet the same day if episodes are suddenly much more frequent or longer, if your dog sneezes repeatedly and paws at the face, or if there is discharge or blood from one or both nostrils. A grass seed or other object lodged in the nose often starts with violent sneezing after a walk through long grass.

Also call if reverse sneezing starts in an older dog who never had it before, or comes with snoring, noisy breathing, reduced appetite, or tiredness. Nasal mites, infections, polyps, and tumors can all cause sneezing, and the earlier they are checked the better.

When it's an emergency

Go to an emergency vet now if your dog cannot breathe in or out, has blue or gray gums, collapses, or keeps struggling for breath after the noise stops. These are not reverse sneezing, and they may mean choking, a severe airway problem, or an allergic reaction.

A heavy nosebleed that will not stop, or a nosebleed together with bruising, pale gums, or black stools, also needs urgent care, as it can be a sign of a bleeding problem or a poison that affects clotting. If poison is possible, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.

What you can safely do at home

Stay calm, because your dog will follow your lead. Gently stroke the throat or the side of the neck, or offer a little water or something to lick, which encourages swallowing and often stops the spasm. Some owners briefly cover the nostrils for a second to prompt a swallow. Moving outside into fresh air can also help.

Note what seems to set off the episodes: a certain spray, the leash pulling, dinner time. Switching to a harness instead of a collar, slowing down meals, and avoiding strong scents and smoke indoors can reduce how often it happens. Do not give any allergy medicine without your vet's advice.

What the vet will likely check

A video of an episode is the most useful thing you can bring, because most dogs will not reverse sneeze on cue in the exam room. Your vet will listen to the airway, look in the mouth and nose, and ask about triggers, discharge, and how often it happens.

If there is a concern, the next steps may include X-rays, a camera exam of the nose called rhinoscopy, or tests for nasal mites or infection. Most dogs with simple reverse sneezing need no treatment at all, while dogs with an underlying allergy or nasal problem are treated for that cause.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.