Written by Nicola van Ass – Qualified Dog Trainer, Groomer and Feline Behaviourist
Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, is a common and generally harmless respiratory phenomenon in dogs. It’s much more common in small to medium breeds, though large breeds can experience it also. Unlike a regular sneeze, where air is rapidly expelled from the nose, reverse sneezing involves a sudden and forceful inhalation through the nose, often accompanied by snorting sounds. This can be alarming to dog owners, but it’s usually not a cause for concern. You may even find yourself wondering if you’ve taken care of a little pig for a short period of time!
What Causes Reverse Sneezing?
The exact cause of reverse sneezing isn’t always clear, but it typically occurs when the soft palate and throat become irritated. Common triggers include:
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Allergens: Pollen, dust, or strong odours can irritate a dog’s nasal passages and throat, leading to reverse sneezing.
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Excitement or Overexertion: High levels of excitement or vigorous play can cause a dog to inhale quickly, potentially triggering an episode.
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Eating or Drinking Too Quickly: Rapid consumption of food or water can irritate the throat, leading to reverse sneezing.
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Environmental Factors: Sudden changes in temperature or exposure to cold air can cause irritation that triggers reverse sneezing.
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Leash Pulling: Pulling too hard on the leash, especially with collars that apply pressure to the throat, can cause irritation, leading to reverse sneezing.
During an episode, dogs may stand still, extend their neck, and make a snorting sound as they try to clear the irritation. The episode can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute and usually resolves on its own without any intervention.
How to Help a Dog During Reverse Sneezing
If your dog experiences reverse sneezing, it’s important to remain calm, as your anxiety can add to your dog’s stress. Gently massaging the throat can help to soothe the irritation and may shorten the episode. Some owners find that briefly covering the dog’s nostrils encourages them to swallow, which can help stop the sneezing. Lightly blowing in your dog’s face might also prompt swallowing, helping to end the episode.
While the sight and sound of reverse sneezing can be unsettling, it’s crucial to avoid panicking. Dogs typically recover quickly and return to their normal behaviour almost immediately after the episode.
One of my dogs (a very handsome Chihuahua) gets them quite regularly and he has learned to come to me when he gets an attack so that I can block his nostrils for a few seconds at a time. Normally, there is no need to worry, but there was one episode when my dog had such a bad attack that he burst a blood vessel in his nose, which meant a fair amount of blood everywhere. Keeping calm is an absolute must, as stated above. A trip to the vet and an x-ray of his airways and oesophagus showed that there was nothing to be concerned about, and a muscle relaxant helped stop the episode.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While reverse sneezing is usually harmless, there are situations where you should consult a veterinarian. If your dog experiences frequent or prolonged episodes, or if reverse sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, or a change in behaviour, it may indicate an underlying health issue.
Conditions such as respiratory infections, nasal mites, foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages, or a collapsed trachea could be responsible for these symptoms and require medical attention. Dogs who have had their vocal cords snipped tend to experience this more often after drinking water.
In summary, reverse sneezing in dogs is a common and typically benign condition that resolves on its own. Understanding this phenomenon and knowing how to assist your dog during an episode can help you stay calm and ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being. They can also seem really tired right after an episode, so just be calm and let them know that there isn’t anything to worry about. You’ve got them, they’re safe, and they’ll be okay.
