- Home
- Dog Symptoms
- Reverse Sneezing In Dogs
Reverse Sneezing In Dogs
Reverse sneezing in dogs
Ever caught your dog making honking noises or gasping for air? It can be pretty worrying at first, but the good news is that it’s often just something called a reverse sneeze, or, to give its medical name, ‘pharyngeal gag reflex’.
We know that it mainly affects certain kinds of dogs and those of a certain age. But is it dangerous for dogs? In most cases, no – but it’s good to know what it is and why it’s happening. So let’s break it down and explore what reverse sneezing is, why dogs do it, and when you might need to get some help.
What is reverse sneezing?
If you’ve noticed your dog occasionally making honking noises or gasping for air, it’s usually because something like dust or pollen has irritated the back of their throat or soft palate. These spasms typically go away quickly and are harmless.
Although seeing your dog reverse sneezing can be distressing when it’s happening, it’s generally harmless and passes within just a minute or two.
That said, if you do spot other symptoms at the same time, like nasal discharge or additional coughing, or it starts occurring regularly in an older dog, you should contact your vet. And if your dog seems genuinely unable to breathe, reach out to your vet sooner rather than later.
Your dog’s wellbeing doesn’t cost as much as you may think. Pick the right Wag! Wellness Plan, and you can get access to a 24/7 vet chat, annual booster shots, a yearly check-up and more for your furry friend – and peace of mind for you!
Symptoms of reverse sneezing in dogs
When dogs get a viral infection, their immune system may struggle, and secondary bacterial infections can worsen the symptoms. Besides reverse sneezing and coughing, you might spot other signs like nasal discharge, decreased appetite, or lethargy.
You may also notice your dog displaying one or more of the following characteristics:
- Excessive sneezing
- Bad breath
- Honking noises
- Rubbing or pawing at the face
- Facial pain or swelling
- Lack of smelling ability
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Restlessness
- Bilateral nasal discharge
- Unilateral nasal discharge
- Open mouth breathing
- Labored breathing
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Loss of appetite
- Nose bleed
Causes of reverse sneezing in dogs
There are several reasons why you may be seeing your dog gasping for air. It can actually affect any type of dog, but it’s more common among smaller dogs, and those with long narrow nasal passages.
Dogs with flat faces, such as Boxers and Pugs are also prone to reverse sneezing, thanks to their anatomy. Meanwhile, dogs like Collies, Australian Shepherds and Greyhounds have elongated soft palates that occasionally get irritated, especially when they’re excited, which can then cause spasms.
If you’re wondering why your furry friend is suddenly showing signs of reverse sneezing, here are the top reasons:
Allergies
Dogs can experience allergies just like we do! These can happen to any breed at any age, and the symptoms are surprisingly familiar – think runny noses, watery eyes, coughing, or hacking.
The reverse sneezing might be triggered by irritants like dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke, or other airborne particles getting stuck in your dog’s nasal passages. If your pup has an allergic intolerance, their immune system may overreact, causing respiratory symptoms such as reverse sneezing, coughing, and sneezing.
You might also notice watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose, itchy skin, or excessive licking.
Rhinitis and Sinusitis
Rhinitis and sinusitis are closely related conditions that occur due to viral infections. Both refer to swelling; sinusitis of nasal passages, while rhinitis refers to swelling of the nose.
They are particularly common in dogs with long noses and skulls, like Collies, Australian Shepherds, Bulldogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Greyhounds, and others.
The most common culprits that cause rhinitis in your dog are canine distemper, adenovirus type 1 and 2, and parainfluenza.
Nasal Mites
Did you know that nasal mites – microscopic little creatures – can get into your dog’s nasal passages? While they don’t typically cause obvious symptoms, they might be behind reverse sneezing, coughing, or other respiratory issues every now and then.
And these pesky mites affect dogs of any breed, age, or sex. Unfortunately, they’re also highly contagious and can spread easily when dogs touch noses with an infected buddy.
Whether your pooch is prone to allergies or not, it’s good to be careful with their diet. There are so many choices on the market right now, so we’ve tried to help out. Check out our guide on choosing the best food for your dog, and pep up your pup’s diet!
Diagnosing and treating reverse sneezing in dogs
If your dog’s symptoms seem serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet, several tests might be needed to make sure there aren’t any hidden causes behind the behavior.
During the usual physical exam, the vet will carefully check your dog’s nasal passages, mouth, and throat to look for anything unusual.
Tests to determine the underlying cause
To get to the root of the issue, your vet might recommend a few tests. They’ll want to know how long the symptoms have been happening, how often they occur, and if your dog is on any medications.
One common test is a rhinoscopy. This involves using a speculum to take a closer look inside your dog’s nasal passages. It helps the vet spot things like mites, polyps, or tumors.
Sometimes, your vet may need to collect a sample from your dog’s nasal passages for a biopsy to rule out nasal cancer. Keep in mind, biopsies don’t always require full sedation – it depends on where the sample is taken, the procedure, and, of course, your dog’s temperament.
And don’t be surprised if your vet asks for a video of your dog’s reverse sneezing episodes. This can be super helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of reverse sneezing in dogs
When it comes to treating reverse sneezing, it really depends on what’s causing it. Once your vet identifies the underlying issue, they’ll give you advice on how to manage your dog’s episodes at home.
If the sneezing is due to allergies or mites, your vet will focus on treating that condition to help reduce how often and how intensely the episodes happen. Allergies might be managed with antihistamines, and if your dog has polyps or growths, those may need to be removed to make it easier for them to breathe.
In cases where the reverse sneezing is idiopathic — meaning there’s no clear cause — treatment might not be necessary at all.
During an episode, you can help your dog out by redirecting the airflow through their mouth instead of the nasal passages, which are spasming. To do this, you need to gently cover your dog’s nostrils for a few seconds. This encourages them to breathe through their mouth and can help shorten the attack.
Preventing reverse sneezing
Even though reserve sneezing can be common in some dogs, and your dog may be perfectly healthy before and after his episode, there are some things you can do to prevent some of the health conditions that may be causing the problems.
Avoid allergens
If allergies are the culprit, your vet might recommend an antihistamine to alleviate symptoms. At home, you can give your dog a bath using hypoallergenic shampoos and do what you can to reduce airborne irritants, like dust, pollen, or smoke, to make their environment more comfortable.
Antihistamines and decongestants
If your dog’s reverse sneezing is linked to inflammation caused by a viral or bacterial infection, your vet might prescribe antihistamines or decongestants. These can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, easing your pup’s symptoms and preventing chronic or acute inflammation.
Fresh air and exercise
Fresh air and regular exercise are always great for your dog’s overall health! However, to avoid nasal mites, try to prevent your pup from interacting too closely with stray or unknown dogs, as mites spread through nose-to-nose contact.Also, keep in mind that outdoor excitement, like pulling on the leash or heavy panting, can sometimes trigger a soft palate spasm, leading to those honking noises or gasps for air. If that happens, gently rub your dog’s throat and calm them down to help them recover quickly.
Finally, don’t panic! Reverse sneezing in dogs is unpleasant and discomforting for your dog, but is it dangerous? Most likely not.
Recovery of reverse sneezing in dogs
If your dog’s had surgery, your vet will give you detailed post-op care instructions. These might include medications or antibiotics to help them heal and prevent any infections after the operation.
Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to experience reverse sneezing than others. So if you have, for example, Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Collies, Australian Shepherds and Greyhounds, you should be particularly vigilant.
When you bring your furry friend home, there are a few simple things you can do to make their recovery smoother:
- Invest in a bowl designed to slow down their eating speed.
- Keep your home calm and relaxed to prevent them from getting too excited.
- Use a harness or halter lead during walks instead of a traditional collar to avoid putting strain on their throat.
We know it can feel like being lost in a jungle trying to find the best insurance policy for your pet. That’s why we came up with Wag! Compare. Search through hundreds of top policies from top providers all over the country and get a quote in less than 60 seconds – try it out!
Gasping for Air/Reverse Sneezing Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing/Panting Heavily
I am trying to figure out what my dog is doing. She is breathing heavily, licking the carpet as in search for food and very unsettled. She is not overheated in any way. But it may be possible she ate a desiccant. I have never seen her behave like this.
July 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without seeing her, unfortunately, it is difficult for me to know what might be going on. If the behavior continues, it would probably be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine her, see what the problem might be, and get any treatment for her that she might need.
I hope that all goes well for her!
July 11, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boxer
Brutus
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gasping, Lythargic, Thursty, Falls.
I have a ten year old male boxer. He has been having episodes of gasping for air after he has laid down. It reminds me of someone with sleep apnea.when he has these spells he will not lay his body down.he stays sitting up. I'm not sure what is happening when he does this.
July 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
Any time a dog (or any animal) is having difficulty breathing you should visit your Veterinarian immediately for an examination; given the breed there are known possible issues which may affect breathing. However sleeping position, masses in the throat, heart disorders, laryngeal disorders, elongated soft palate among other issues may cause issues. You should have Brutus examined by your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 30, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Teacup Chihuahua Teacup Poodle Mix
Pedro
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Snorting
Snorting Wheezing Gasping
Snorting, Wheezing, Gasping, Hiccup
My 2 yr old Teacup Chihuahua Teacup Poodle mix has been snorting, gasping, reverse sneezing for air. It also sounds like he's got hiccups while he's doing it. I've elevated his head and softly stroked his throat and at first it seemed to help and he had 1-2 episodes after. Now, when I do it, it subsides for a few minutes and keeps coming. My heart just breaks when he looks at me during these horrifying episodes. What more can I do to try and help to relieve and comfort him through the night until I can get him to the vet in the morning?
April 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Unfortunately, there aren't any home remedies for what you're describing that I am aware of. Pedro may need anti-inflammatory therapy or other medication to help with his breathing problems. Without examining him, I'm not sure what might be going on with him, but your veterinarian can look at him and determine the best course of action for him. I hope that he is okay.
April 29, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih Tzu
Mia
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose
Gasping For Air
Reverse Sneezing
Honking
I have a 2 year old shih tzu and she’s beening doing the hole gasping for air, reverse sneeze, honking sound ever since she was a puppy. But recently it’s gotten worse, before it was usually when she got too excited or ran around a lot but now it’s usually when she’s sitting at the window or just doing her normal doggy stuff. She’ll probably do it at least once every hour but other than that she’s fine as soon as she’s done with her episode
April 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Sometimes reverse sneezing can get worse with allergies, and if that is what she is doing, she may need medication for her allergies, at least in the short term. If she is actually gasping for air and having problems breathing, she needs to see her veterinarian immediately.
April 13, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Australian Shepherd
Kramer
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wheezing
Wheezing,Panting,Gasping,Honking
My dog is wheezing and his panting seems to getting louder and at a lower tone
A vet once called it “old man trache”. It seems to be getting louder and he is now wheezing at times.
Feb. 6, 2018
0 Recommendations
With the symptoms, especially the honking I am concerned about tracheal collapse; you should return to your Veterinarian for another examination especially if Kramer is struggling to breathe. Medical management may be beneficial in mild or moderate cases, but this is something to certainly return to your Veterinarian to discuss. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/condition/tracheal-collapse
www.acvs.org/small-animal/tracheal-collapse
Feb. 6, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
