Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Key points

• Reverse sneezing is caused by irritation at the very back of the nose
• There are many possible causes, and often the cause is unknown
• Diagnosis will depend on the symptoms but may include imaging and lab tests
• Often no treatment is needed, otherwise, treatment will depend on the cause
• It’s important to get your dog checked by a veterinarian if they are reverse sneezing for the first time, to rule out more serious conditions

Common in

• Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic)
• Some dogs with allergies

Symptoms

A reverse sneeze, or aspiration reflex, is exactly as it sounds: the opposite of a sneeze! During a regular sneeze, air is forced out of the nostrils. In a reverse sneeze, air is forced inwards. It is a type of spasm that happens to try to clear the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat at the back of the nose. 

If your dog is reverse sneezing for the first time, it can be a pretty scary experience! It can be hard to distinguish reverse sneezing from something more serious, such as choking. Reverse sneezing usually only lasts around 30 seconds but can last up to a couple of minutes. During a reverse sneezing episode your dog would:

• stand or lie still, with their next extended forwards
• make snorting noises 
• take rapid breaths in through their nose

It may seem like something is stuck, but your dog would be completely fine just before and immediately after the episode. 

Reverse sneezing doesn’t make a honking sound.

Reverse sneezing doesn’t make a honking sound. If your dog is making more of a honking noise, then this is more likely to be a collapsing trachea or an infection such as kennel cough. If your dog is making a honking or coughing noise, you should call your veterinarian for advice.

If your dog seems to be struggling to breathe or their lips, tongue, or gums are an unusual color, then you should take them to your nearest veterinary clinic straight away. Let them know you’re on your way.

Understanding the diagnostics

It’s important that you take your dog for a checkup with your veterinarian if they are reverse sneezing regularly, more often, or for longer than usual. Firstly, to distinguish reverse sneezing from something more serious, such as a collapsing trachea. Secondly, to be sure there isn’t an underlying cause that needs treating. It’s a good idea to video an episode, so your veterinarian can get a better idea of what’s going on.

Diagnosis will start with a history and physical exam. Sometimes further tests aren’t necessary. If they are, these could include imaging of the nose and nasopharynx with x-rays or a CT scan, taking blood to test for allergies, or taking swabs to look for infection. Often, a little camera (a rhinoscope or bronchoscope) is used to look at the structures in the back of the throat and inside the nose.

It’s a good idea to video an episode, so your veterinarian can get a better idea of what’s going on.

Learning About The Causes

While a sneeze serves to remove dust and mucus from the nasal passages, a reverse sneeze acts to remove it from the nasopharynx area. The nasopharynx is right at the back of the nose, where the nose joins the back of the throat. As a one-off, reverse sneezing is usually nothing to worry about.

There are many possible causes of reverse sneezing, including:

• Nasal mites
• Foreign bodies, such as blades of grass
• Allergies
• Strong odors or a smoky environment 
• Overexcitement
• A mass in the back of the throat
• An elongated soft palate
• Infection or inflammation of the airways (such as rhinitis or sinusitis)

Essentially, any irritation to the back of the nose or upper throat area can cause reverse sneezing.

Essentially, any irritation to the back of the nose or upper throat area can cause reverse sneezing.

Best Treatment Options

Sometimes no treatment is needed. However, if your dog is reverse sneezing regularly or it seems to be getting worse, then they may need some treatment. 

If the underlying cause can be found, then treating this should resolve the reverse sneezing. For example, your dog may need surgery to correct an elongated soft palate, treatment for nasal mites, or removal of a foreign body. 

If no underlying cause can be found, or allergies are suspected, then your veterinarian may prescribe:

• Antihistamines
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Decongestants

These should work to relieve the symptoms. You can also try gently massaging their throat to stop the reverse sneezing. Try to stay calm. If you panic, your dog will panic, which will only worsen the reverse sneezing.

Final thoughts

Reverse sneezing can be scary when your dog experiences it for the first time, especially if you don’t know what it is. Most of the time, reverse sneezing in dogs is nothing to worry about. However, if it is happening regularly or getting worse, it’s important that you take your dog to a veterinarian for a checkup.