Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Home care monitor at home and contact your vet if worse
RED in case of shortness of breath, cyanosis, collapse, frequent bloody nasal discharge, or suspicion of a foreign body/mass.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Reverse sneezing is a sudden, forceful inhalation through the nose that occurs in dogs. It is characterized by a sudden, repeated, jerky sound that sounds like sneezing but results from inhaling instead of exhaling.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- Rhinosporidi Infection in Dogs (Rhinosporidiosis)
- Rhinitis and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs (Rhinitis and Sinusitis)
- Nasal Cancer in Dogs (Nasal Adenocarcinoma)
- Narrowing of the Nasopharyngeal in Dogs (Nasopharyngeal Stenosis)
- Nasal Cartilage Cancer in Dogs (Nasal Chondrosarcoma)
- Nasal Soft Tissue Cancer in Dogs (Nasal Fibrosarcoma)
Basics and possible causes
Reverse sneezing in dogs is a relatively common phenomenon triggered by 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 changes in temperature or intense physical activity can also lead to it.
In some cases, an anatomical feature common in brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs 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
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Repeated, jerky inhalation: The dog forcefully draws air in through the nose, creating a characteristic sniffing sound. This often occurs in short, intense episodes that can last from a few seconds to a minute.
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Stiff body: During an episode, the dog may tense or stiffen its body, often with a slightly forward-bent head.
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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.
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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.
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Cough or Gagging: Sometimes a short Cough or Gagging follows the reverse sneezing, especially if the irritation was severe.
When to see a vet?
A visit to the vet is necessary if reverse sneezing occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms such as nosebleeds, persistent nasal discharge, coughing, or shortness of breath. These could indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Even if the dog appears restless for a long period 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 the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
It is important for pet owners to recognize the symptoms of reverse sneezing. Typically, it involves a sudden noise, often associated with drawing in air. The episodes are usually short and stop on their own, but close observation can help identify the frequency and possible triggers.
During a veterinary visit, the doctor will first take a thorough medical history to understand the frequency and context of the episodes. A physical exam, especially of the airways, can help identify obvious causes such as foreign objects or anatomical abnormalities.
In some cases, further tests such as X-rays, an endoscopy of the airways, or blood tests may be necessary to rule out infections or other diseases. Allergy tests might be considered if environmental allergens are suspected as the cause.
What the pet owner can 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 throat. This can help 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 forcefully to avoid causing the dog additional stress.
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 area trigger these sudden episodes. It is suspected that certain trigger points in the nasopharyngeal area react hypersensitively to irritants or mechanical influences, leading to the characteristic episodes.
Another area of research is the genetic predisposition for reverse sneezing. Some breeds seem more susceptible to the phenomenon, suggesting that genetic factors could 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 develop targeted therapeutic approaches or rethink breeding strategies to minimize this symptom.
Additionally, the role of environmental factors is being intensively studied. Research is trying to identify the specific external stimuli that can trigger reverse sneezing, including allergens, dust, temperature fluctuations, and air pollution. These studies could help 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. This includes imaging techniques such as endoscopy, as well as new technologies for analyzing dog breathing patterns. These methods could make diagnosis easier for veterinarians and minimize stress for the animals during the examination.
Finally, there is also interest in developing therapeutic approaches aimed at relieving symptoms. Pharmacological treatments are being researched that could reduce hypersensitivity in the nasopharyngeal area or increase the irritation threshold for the triggering sneeze. At the same time, there are efforts to evaluate alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or homeopathy, to gently relieve symptoms.