Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025
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Reverse sneezing, also known as backwards sneezing, is a sudden, forceful inhalation through the nose that occurs in dogs. It is characterized by an abrupt, repeated, jerky noise that sounds like sneezing, but originates from an inhalation rather than an exhalation.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a relatively common phenomenon triggered by a temporary irritation or inflammation of the throat and soft palate. This irritation can be caused by various factors that trigger a reflex reaction in the dog.

One of the most common causes of reverse sneezing is environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold that enter the dog’s airways and cause irritation. Sudden temperature changes or intense physical activity can also cause it.

In some cases, an anatomical peculiarity, as seen in brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short noses like pugs and bulldogs), can increase the risk of reverse sneezing. These breeds often have narrower nasal passages, making them more susceptible to respiratory irritation.

Other possible causes include foreign objects stuck in the nasal passages, upper respiratory infections, or even the presence of nasal mites. In rare cases, a more serious condition such as a tumor or polyp formation could be the cause.

Typical accompanying symptoms

  • Repeated, jerky inhalation: The dog forcefully pulls air through the nose, creating a characteristic snorting sound. This often occurs in short, intense episodes that can last from a few seconds to a minute.

  • Stiff body: During an episode, the dog may tense or stiffen its body, often with a slightly forward-bent head.

  • Nasal discharge: In some cases, a clear or mucous discharge from the nose can be observed, especially if the cause is an infection or allergies.

  • Swallowing or Licking: After an episode of reverse sneezing, the dog may swallow more or lick its lips to relieve the irritation in the throat.

  • Cough or Gagging: Sometimes a short Cough or Gagging follows the reverse sneezing, especially if the irritation was severe.

When to visit the vet?

A vet visit is necessary if the reverse sneezing occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms such as nosebleeds, persistent nasal discharge, Cough, or shortness of breath. These could indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs to be treated.

Even if the dog seems restless for an extended period of time after an episode or has difficulty breathing, this should be considered an emergency. Sudden changes in behavior or food intake can also be signs of an underlying problem that requires veterinary attention.

Especially in older dogs or those with known respiratory diseases, you should be more careful and, if in doubt, seek the advice of a veterinarian in order to recognize and treat possible complications early on.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

For pet owners, it is important to recognize the symptoms of reverse sneezing. Typically, it is a sudden noise development, which is often associated with a drawing in of air. The episodes are usually short and stop on their own, but close observation can help to identify the frequency and possible triggers.

During a veterinary visit, the doctor will first take a thorough anamnesis to understand the frequency and context of the episodes. A physical examination, especially of the respiratory tract, can help identify obvious causes such as foreign bodies or anatomical abnormalities.

In some cases, further investigations such as X-rays, an endoscopy of the respiratory tract, or blood tests may be necessary to rule out infections or other diseases. Allergy tests could be considered if environmental allergens are suspected as the cause.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

If the dog has an episode of reverse sneezing, pet owners can try to alleviate the situation by gently massaging the dog’s neck. This can help to release the Seizures in the throat and end the episode.

Covering the nostrils for a brief moment can encourage the dog to breathe through its mouth, which can interrupt the episode. However, it is important to do this gently and not violently so as not to additionally stress the dog.

If environmental factors such as dust or pollen are the cause, it can be helpful to keep the dog away from the triggering factors, for example by avoiding walks in highly allergenic environments or by regularly cleaning the dog’s living area.

Regular veterinary visits and following veterinary instructions are important to monitor the dog’s health and, if necessary, to react early to changes.

Outlook on current research

Current research on reverse sneezing in dogs focuses on the neurophysiological and anatomical basis of this phenomenon. Scientists are investigating how nerve stimuli in the dog’s nasopharyngeal region trigger these sudden episodes. It is believed that certain trigger points in the nasopharyngeal region are hypersensitive to irritants or mechanical influences, leading to the characteristic episodes.

Another area of research is the genetic predisposition to reverse sneezing. Some breeds appear to be more susceptible to the phenomenon, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role. Researchers are analyzing the genetic markers of dogs that frequently reverse sneeze to identify possible genetic patterns. In the long term, this could help to develop targeted therapeutic approaches or to reconsider breeding strategies to minimize this symptom.

In addition, the role of environmental factors is being intensively investigated. The research attempts to identify the specific external stimuli that can trigger reverse sneezing, including allergens, dust, temperature fluctuations, and air pollution. These studies could help to develop preventive measures to reduce the frequency and intensity of sneezing episodes.

Another promising field of research is the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods to distinguish reverse sneezing from other respiratory diseases. These include imaging techniques, such as endoscopy, as well as new technologies for analyzing the breathing patterns of dogs. These methods could facilitate diagnosis for veterinarians and minimize stress for the animals during the examination.

Finally, there is also interest in developing therapeutic approaches that aim to alleviate the symptoms. This involves exploring pharmacological treatments that could reduce the hypersensitivity in the nasopharyngeal region or increase the irritation threshold for the triggering sneezing. At the same time, there are efforts to evaluate alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or homeopathy, to gently relieve the symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What is reverse sneezing in dogs? Reverse sneezing is a sudden and often loud inhalation through the nose that occurs in dogs. It is triggered by an irritation in the nasopharyngeal area and sounds worrying to many owners, but is usually harmless.

  2. How does reverse sneezing differ from ordinary Sneezing? In ordinary Sneezing, air is rapidly expelled through the nose, while in reverse sneezing, air is inhaled through the nose with a loud, snorting sound. This leads to the typical episodes, which are often perceived as dramatic.

  3. Can reverse sneezing harm my dog? In most cases, reverse sneezing is harmless and does not lead to health problems. It is merely a reflex that occurs when the nasal mucosa is irritated. However, if the episodes are very frequent or intense, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

  4. What triggers can cause reverse sneezing? Reverse sneezing can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, dust, smoke, perfume, sudden temperature changes, or even excitement. Some dogs react more sensitively to these stimuli than others.

  5. Are there certain dog breeds that reverse sneeze more often? Yes, brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and Shih Tzus are often more susceptible to reverse sneezing due to their anatomical characteristics. These breeds have shorter nasal passages, which makes them more sensitive to irritations in the nasopharyngeal area.

  6. How can I help my dog during an episode? During an episode, you can gently stroke your dog’s neck or briefly hold its nose shut to encourage swallowing. This can help to end the episode more quickly. It is important to remain calm and not to additionally stress the dog.

  7. Should I take my dog to the vet if he reverse sneezes? If the episodes of reverse sneezing are rare and short, a visit to the vet is often not necessary. However, if the episodes occur very frequently or in connection with other symptoms such as Cough or nasal discharge, you should consult your veterinarian.

  8. Can reverse sneezing be treated with medication? In severe cases or if reverse sneezing is triggered by allergies, the veterinarian may prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms. These may include antihistamines or anti-inflammatory agents.

  9. Can reverse sneezing be prevented? Complete prevention is difficult as many environmental factors can be involved. However, avoiding known triggers such as smoke or perfume can help to reduce the frequency of episodes. A clean environment and regular cleaning of the dog areas can also be supportive.

  10. Is reverse sneezing normal in puppies? Yes, puppies can also experience reverse sneezing. In them, the episodes are often shorter, but still worrying for inexperienced owners. As with adult dogs, it is usually harmless unless the episodes occur unusually frequently.