The first time your dog freezes, stretches their neck and starts making a loud, honking, snorting sound as if they cannot catch their breath, it is genuinely frightening. The good news is that reverse sneezing in dogs is almost always harmless. It is exactly what it sounds like: instead of forcing air out through the nose like a normal sneeze, your dog rapidly pulls air in, which creates that alarming snorting noise. Episodes usually last well under a minute and stop as suddenly as they start (the PDSA has a reassuring page on reverse sneezing in dogs).
Below is what is actually happening, why it happens, how to help your dog through it, and the far rarer situations where it is worth a vet's opinion.
What reverse sneezing actually is
Reverse sneezing (its proper name is inspiratory paroxysmal respiration) is a reflex triggered by irritation at the back of the nose and throat, around the soft palate. Your dog will typically stand still, extend their neck, pull their elbows out and make repeated rapid snorting or honking sounds as they draw air in. It can look and sound dramatic, but the dog is not choking and is getting air. When the episode passes, they usually carry on as if nothing happened. Wikipedia has a straightforward overview of reverse sneezing if you would like the science.
Why it happens
Anything that tickles or irritates the back of the nose and throat can set it off. Common triggers include:
- Excitement, or pulling on the lead against a collar
- Eating or drinking quickly
- Dust, pollen, grass seeds and other allergens
- Strong smells such as perfume, cleaning sprays or smoke
- A sudden change in temperature
- Post-nasal drip or mild throat irritation
Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) and small breeds tend to reverse sneeze more often because of the shape of their airways.
How to help your dog during an episode
Most episodes end on their own, so the main job is to stay calm, because your dog reads your reaction. A few gentle things can help shorten it:
- Stay relaxed and speak softly. Panicking tends to make an anxious dog worse.
- Gently stroke or massage the throat to encourage a swallow.
- Cover the nostrils very briefly, just for a second, to prompt a swallow that clears the tickle.
- Offer a little water or a treat afterwards to settle things.
There is no need to put your fingers in the mouth or do anything forceful.
Worth knowing: A one-off reverse sneeze, or the occasional episode in a dog who is otherwise bright and well, is nothing to worry about. It is one of those odd but harmless quirks, a bit like hiccups.
When to see the vet
Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but you should book a vet check if:
- Episodes become frequent, longer or more intense
- There is nasal discharge, blood, coughing or wheezing alongside it
- Your dog seems unwell, off their food or low in energy
- The face or nose looks swollen, or your dog paws at it
- You are not sure it is reverse sneezing rather than genuine breathing trouble
A handy tip: film an episode on your phone. It is often over before you reach the vet, and a clip helps them tell reverse sneezing apart from a cough, a collapsing windpipe or something lodged in the nose or throat. Persistent or worsening episodes deserve a proper look to find and manage the trigger.
Frequently asked questions
Is reverse sneezing in dogs dangerous?
Almost never. Episodes are short, the dog is getting air, and they recover completely afterwards. It only warrants concern if it becomes frequent, prolonged, or comes with other symptoms like discharge, blood or coughing.
How long does a reverse sneezing episode last?
Usually well under a minute, often just a few seconds to half a minute. Anything much longer, or episodes coming one after another, is worth mentioning to your vet.
What triggers reverse sneezing in dogs?
Common triggers are excitement, lead pulling, eating or drinking fast, dust, pollen, strong smells and temperature changes. Flat-faced and small breeds are more prone to it.
How can I stop my dog reverse sneezing?
You cannot always prevent it, but staying calm, gently stroking the throat and briefly encouraging a swallow usually shortens an episode. Reducing triggers like dust, strong sprays and lead pulling (a harness rather than a collar helps) can lower how often it happens.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Our calm, one-to-one approach suits sensitive and flat-faced breeds who find a busy salon overwhelming. Book a stress-free groom.