Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What It Looks Like and When to Worry

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a sudden spasm in which the dog pulls air rapidly and noisily in through the nose, making a loud snorting or honking sound. Episodes usually last from a few seconds to about a minute, and the dog goes back to normal straight after. In most dogs reverse sneezing is harmless, but frequent episodes, nasal discharge, bleeding or trouble breathing between episodes are reasons to see a veterinarian.

What does reverse sneezing look like?

A reverse sneeze looks alarming the first time you see it. The dog usually stops what it is doing, stands still with its elbows spread and its head and neck stretched forward, and makes repeated, rapid inhalations through the nose. The sound is often described as snorting, gagging or honking.

Other signs during an episode:

Eyes may bulge slightly or look wide open
The chest and belly move hard with each breath in
The lips may be pulled back
The dog stays conscious and alert, and its gums keep their normal pink color

When the spasm ends, the dog typically swallows, licks its lips and carries on as if nothing happened. Taking a short video on your phone is useful, because episodes are often over by the time you reach the vet’s office.

Why do dogs reverse sneeze?

Reverse sneezing happens when something irritates the soft palate and the back of the throat, where the nasal passages meet the throat. The muscles there go into a brief spasm, and the windpipe narrows for a moment, so the dog tries to pull in air harder.

Common triggers include:

Excitement, such as greeting people at the door or play
Pulling on a collar and leash, which presses on the throat
Eating or drinking quickly
Dust, pollen and other seasonal allergens
Perfume, air fresheners, cleaning sprays and smoke
Sudden changes in temperature, such as going outside in cold air
Post-nasal drip from allergies or a mild nasal infection

Less often, an ongoing problem keeps the area irritated. Examples are nasal mites, a foreign body such as a grass awn stuck in the nose, nasal polyps or, in older dogs, a growth in the nasal passages.

Which dogs reverse sneeze most often?

Small breeds and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds reverse sneeze more than other dogs. Pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels are commonly affected. Flat-faced dogs tend to have an elongated soft palate, which is more easily drawn into the throat. Any dog of any size or age can still have an occasional episode.

How can you stop a reverse sneezing episode?

Most episodes stop on their own, and staying calm helps because an anxious owner can make the dog more excited. These gentle steps often shorten an episode:

Stay with the dog and speak quietly.
Gently stroke the throat in a downward direction to encourage swallowing.
Briefly and lightly cover the nostrils with your fingers for a second or two, which makes the dog swallow; stop at once if the dog resists.
Take the dog outside into fresh air if a smell or smoke indoors seems to be the trigger.
Offer a small amount of water once the episode has passed.

Never put your fingers deep into the dog’s mouth during an episode. If a leash and collar seem to set it off, a harness that does not press on the neck can help.

When should you worry about reverse sneezing?

Call your veterinarian if reverse sneezing becomes frequent, gets longer or starts appearing in a dog that never did it before, especially an older dog. Book a visit too if you see:

Thick, yellow, green or bloody nasal discharge
Nosebleeds or discharge from only one nostril
Pawing at the face or rubbing the nose on the floor
Regular sneezing in the normal, outward direction along with the reverse episodes
Swelling on the face or a change in the shape of the nose
Coughing, low energy or loss of appetite

A vet can examine the nose and throat and may suggest allergy treatment, a check for nasal mites, or imaging and a look inside the nose with a small camera if a foreign body or growth is suspected. Long-term care for chronic nasal problems is one of the costs worth checking if you are comparing pet insurance options for older dogs.

Treat it as an emergency if the dog’s gums or tongue turn blue, gray or very pale, if it collapses, or if it is still struggling to breathe after the episode should have ended. Go straight to an emergency vet.

How is reverse sneezing different from other breathing problems?

Reverse sneezing is noisy breathing in through the nose that ends quickly, with a normal dog before and after. Other conditions can sound similar:

Collapsing trachea, common in toy breeds, causes a dry honking cough, often when the dog is excited or pulls on its collar.
Kennel cough is a harsh cough that comes back over days and may end with a gag.
Choking involves panic, pawing at the mouth and real difficulty getting air, and the dog does not recover on its own.
Gagging or retching brings up foam or food.

If you cannot tell which one you are seeing, a video and a call to your vet will sort it out. The American Veterinary Medical Association has general information on pet health and on finding veterinary care.

Can you prevent reverse sneezing?

You cannot prevent every episode, but you can reduce triggers. Use a harness instead of a neck collar on walks, avoid spraying air fresheners and cleaning products near the dog, keep the home free of smoke, and vacuum often during pollen season. For dogs that gulp food, a slow-feeder bowl can help. If allergies seem to be behind repeat episodes, ask your vet about treatment.

Quick answers

Is reverse sneezing painful for dogs?

Reverse sneezing is not considered painful. Dogs may look startled during an episode, but most return to normal activity immediately.

Do cats reverse sneeze?

Cats can reverse sneeze, though it is seen less often than in dogs. Ordinary sneezing in cats has its own set of causes, covered in our guide on why cats sneeze and when to see a vet.

Can reverse sneezing happen after eating?

Yes. Eating or drinking fast can irritate the throat and set off an episode. Slowing meals down usually helps.

Should I call poison control if my dog reverse sneezes?

Reverse sneezing on its own is not a sign of poisoning. If you think your dog swallowed something toxic or inhaled a chemical, call your vet, an emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.