Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What to Do and When to Worry

Learn what reverse sneezing looks like, why it happens, and what you can do to help your dog during an episode.

Watch: Reverse Sneezing in Dogs Explained

Reverse sneezing can be alarming to watch, especially if you have never seen it before. This video explains what is happening, how to manage an episode, and when veterinary care may be needed.

Video Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:22 What reverse sneezing sounds like
• 00:48 What is happening during a reverse sneeze
• 01:35 Why it looks alarming
• 02:05 When to see a vet
• 02:40 How long episodes last
• 03:00 Why dogs reverse sneeze
• 03:40 Common triggers
• 05:10 When further investigation is needed
• 06:00 How to stop a reverse sneeze
• 07:00 Final advice

How to Help a Dog During Reverse Sneezing

Most reverse sneezing episodes are short and resolve on their own. However, knowing what to do can help your dog recover more quickly and reduce your stress.

What you can do during an episode

• Stay calm and monitor your dog
• Encourage swallowing to help reset the airway
• Gently massage the throat if your dog is comfortable

When to seek veterinary advice

• Episodes are frequent or worsening
• Your dog does not recover quickly
• There are other symptoms such as coughing or collapse

Quick Summary

• Reverse sneezing is usually harmless
• Episodes are brief and often resolve naturally
• Encouraging swallowing can help stop an episode
• Frequent or severe episodes should be assessed

Video Transcript

Hi everyone, I’m Dr Leigh from Your Vet Online, and today Mordecai and I are talking about reverse sneezing in dogs.

You may have seen one of our earlier videos on this topic, but in this video we are going to go a bit deeper. We will cover why reverse sneezing happens, what you can do when it occurs, and how you may be able to prevent it.

What reverse sneezing looks and sounds like

Reverse sneezing can be quite alarming if you have never seen it before. It often sounds like a loud snorting or honking noise, almost like a goose.

During an episode, dogs will often extend their neck and appear to be trying to breathe in forcefully through their nose.

What is happening during a reverse sneeze

A reverse sneeze occurs when the soft palate becomes irritated.

This irritation causes a spasm at the back of the throat. As a result, the airway narrows and the dog struggles to draw in a full breath, which leads to that characteristic backward sneezing sound.

When to be concerned

Most reverse sneezing episodes are harmless and short lived. However, if you are unsure what you are seeing, it is always worth having your dog assessed.

It is especially important to seek veterinary attention if:

• Your dog collapses
• Their gums turn blue
• Breathing does not return to normal
• Episodes are becoming more frequent or severe

Taking a video of the episode can be very helpful for your vet.

How long episodes last

Most episodes of reverse sneezing last around 30 seconds or less, although they can feel much longer when you are watching them.

Why dogs reverse sneeze

Reverse sneezing is a protective reflex, similar to coughing or normal sneezing.

• Sneezing clears irritants from the nose
• Coughing clears the lower airways
• Reverse sneezing helps clear irritation from the back of the throat

Common triggers

Some common causes include:

• Allergies
• Dust or environmental irritants
• Perfumes or cleaning products
• Pulling on a collar or lead
• Excitement
• Exercise
• Eating or drinking

In some cases, there may be a foreign object or structural issue, such as an elongated soft palate, particularly in flat faced breeds.

When further investigation is needed</h3?
Reverse sneezing usually does not require treatment.

However, if episodes are frequent, worsening, or associated with other signs, your vet may recommend further investigation.

This can include examining the back of the throat under anaesthetic to check for abnormalities or foreign material.

How to stop a reverse sneeze

In many cases, the episode will stop on its own.

If needed, you can help your dog by encouraging them to swallow. This can help reset the soft palate.

Some options include:

• Gently massaging the throat
• Briefly covering the nostrils to prompt swallowing
• Placing a finger gently in the side of the mouth (only if your dog is comfortable)

These techniques help reposition the soft palate and often stop the episode.

Final advice

Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but it can be distressing to watch.

If you are unsure, concerned, or your dog’s episodes are changing, it is always best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

You can also record a video and share it with an online vet, which can help determine whether further care is needed.

For a full explanation of causes, diagnosis, and long term management, read our complete guide to reverse sneezing.