Symptom · Dogs
Reverse sneezing in dogs: what it means and when to call the vet
Reverse sneezing — loud, honking snorts while the dog stands still with neck stretched — looks alarming but is usually harmless and stops within a minute. See a vet if episodes become frequent, or come with nosebleeds, discharge or breathing difficulty between episodes.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Irritation of the throat or soft palate — excitement, pulling on the lead, drinking fast
- Pollen, dust or perfume
- Nasal mites
- Something stuck in the nose, such as a grass seed
- Long soft palate in flat-faced breeds
What you can do at home
- Stay calm and gently stroke the throat
- Briefly cover the nostrils to make your dog swallow, which often stops it
- Film an episode to show your vet
- Use a harness instead of a collar
What the vet may do
- Watch a video to confirm it is reverse sneezing
- Examine the nose and throat
- Look for grass seeds or mites, sometimes with a scope
- Allergy treatment if episodes are frequent
Prevention
- Harness rather than collar
- Avoid strong sprays and smoke around your dog
The details
Many owners rush to the vet the first time they see a reverse sneeze, convinced their dog is choking. Instead of pushing air out like a normal sneeze, the dog pulls air in sharply through the nose in a series of loud snorts. It is most common in small breeds and is thought to be a spasm triggered by irritation at the back of the throat.
Videos are the best diagnostic tool, because episodes rarely happen in the consulting room. A sudden start of frequent episodes, sneezing with blood, or one-sided nasal discharge suggests something in the nose and needs checking.
Questions owners ask
Is reverse sneezing in dogs an emergency?
Often it can be watched at home for a day, as long as none of the warning signs appear. Go now if you see: blue or grey gums; struggling to breathe between episodes; collapse; episodes that don’t stop after a few minutes.
What causes reverse sneezing in dogs?
Irritation of the throat or soft palate — excitement, pulling on the lead, drinking fast; Pollen, dust or perfume; Nasal mites; Something stuck in the nose, such as a grass seed; Long soft palate in flat-faced breeds.
What can I do at home?
Stay calm and gently stroke the throat. Briefly cover the nostrils to make your dog swallow, which often stops it. Film an episode to show your vet. Use a harness instead of a collar.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts