Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

What is reverse sneezing in dogs? A reverse sneeze really isn't a sneeze at all. While air is exhaled and forced out of the nose and mouth during a normal sneeze, reverse sneezing is forceful inhalation with air being sucked in. When it happens, you'll hear a kind of deep, snorting sound. The dog appears to be in respiratory distress.... as if struggling to breathe or gasping for air... as in some sort of asthma attack. Episodes of reverse sneezing are usually brief, lasting from a few seconds up to a minute or two.

Observing a bout of reverse sneezing can be quite alarming. It may be very frightening to a first time dog owner, but it's really no reason to panic. It's not a serious condition and poses no threat to a dog's health or longevity. The dog is not having a seizure. The dog will not loose consciousness or collapse. Reverse sneezing is not a symptom of illness and it's not caused by respiratory disease. "Paroxysmal Respiration" - the official veterinary term for reverse sneezing - is caused by a spasm of the dog's soft palate. (The soft palate is the soft tissue in back of the roof of the mouth, behind the hard palate.) Reverse sneezing looks and sounds very much like the dog is trying to inhale a sneeze. The dog acts and breathes normally before and after an episode, with no after effects.

Reverse sneezing is sometimes caused by mild irritation to the nasal or laryngeal area. It can sometimes be triggered by rapid eating or drinking, by running or pulling on a leash, by being excited or frightened. In some cases there is no obvious reason for it. Although dogs of any size and any breed can experience reverse sneezing, it's more common in small dogs. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and other short-faced breeds are also more prone to this condition. Some dogs will have occasional episodes, perhaps a few times a week or a few times a month. Others may have only a few isolated bouts of reverse sneezing during their entire life.

Although a reverse sneezing episode will soon end on its own with no human help or intervention, you can shorten or end an episode by gently massaging the dog's throat to induce swallowing. You can also briefly pinch the dog's nostrils or place your fingers over its nose so the dog must breathe through its mouth.

Click Here to see a video of a dog in episode of Reverse Sneezing.
Click Here to see a video of another dog in an episode of Reverse Sneezing.

Reverse sneezing isn't an illness, but it is something all dog owners should be aware of. It's generally a harmless condition requiring no medication or veterinary treatment. But... if your dog suddenly starts to have frequent or more severe episodes, see a veterinarian to check for allergies, sinusitis and upper respiratory disorders. A persistent cough, with or without nasal discharge or bleeding, always requires veterinary treatment.

Reverse sneezing should not be confused with Collapsed Trachea, a congenital condition characterized by a frequent cough, a honking rather than a snorting sound, and shortness of breath. Click Here.for more information about a Collapased Trachea.

This information is provided for informative purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice from your Veterinarian. This article was written by a lay person with no Veterinary training. It is not ntended as a medical diagnosis. Always seek Veterinary care, without delay, for issues with your dog's health.