Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: What It Is and When to Be Concerned

By Dr Duncan Houston

Quick Answer

Reverse sneezing is a common, usually harmless reflex where dogs rapidly inhale through the nose, creating a snorting or honking sound. Most episodes resolve on their own within seconds. However, frequent, prolonged, or worsening episodes may indicate irritation, allergy, or airway disease and should be assessed by a vet.

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Your dog suddenly freezes, stretches their neck, and starts making a loud snorting noise that sounds somewhere between choking and honking.

It is not subtle. It is not calm. And the first time you see it, it is very easy to panic.

In most cases, though, this is something called reverse sneezing, and despite how dramatic it looks, it is usually harmless.

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What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing is also known as a pharyngeal gag reflex.

Instead of sneezing outwards like normal, your dog rapidly pulls air in through the nose. This creates that characteristic snorting or honking sound.

It may look like your dog is struggling to breathe, but they are still able to get air in.

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What Causes Reverse Sneezing?

Is It Just Irritation?

The most common cause is irritation of the soft palate or upper airway.

This can be triggered by:

• Dust, pollen, or smoke

• Strong scents such as perfumes or cleaning products

• Mild inflammation from allergies or infections

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Can Excitement Trigger It?

Yes, very commonly.

Episodes can happen during:

• Excitement or play

• Sudden movement

• Pulling on a lead

Anything that causes a quick change in breathing or throat position can set it off.

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Does Temperature Play a Role?

It can.

Moving from a warm indoor environment to cold air, or sudden temperature shifts, can trigger episodes in some dogs.

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What Does Reverse Sneezing Look Like?

A typical episode involves:

• Sudden pause in activity

• Neck stretched forward

• Loud snorting or honking sounds

• Rapid inhalation through the nose

• Episode lasting around 5 to 30 seconds

Then, just as quickly as it started, it stops. And your dog goes back to normal like nothing happened.

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Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

In most cases, no.

It is:

• Common in small breeds

• Common in flat-faced breeds

• Usually self-limiting and harmless

It looks far worse than it actually is.

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What Should You Do During an Episode?

The most important thing is not to panic.

You can:

• Stay calm and let it pass

• Gently massage your dog’s throat

• Briefly cover one nostril to encourage swallowing

• Distract them with a calm voice or gentle cue

Avoid covering both nostrils or restricting airflow.

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When Should You Be Concerned?

Reverse sneezing should be investigated further if:

• Episodes are happening frequently

• They last longer than about a minute

• Your dog seems distressed, weak, or collapses

• There is nasal discharge, coughing, or bleeding

• Breathing does not return to normal afterwards

At that point, it may not be simple reverse sneezing anymore.

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How Do Vets Rule Out Other Problems?

If episodes become frequent or unusual, your vet may:

• Perform a full physical exam

• Check the nose, throat, and lungs

• Recommend imaging such as x-rays

• Investigate allergies or infections

This helps rule out things like airway disease, foreign bodies, or more serious respiratory conditions.

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Final Thoughts

Reverse sneezing is one of those things that looks terrifying the first time you see it and then becomes oddly familiar once you know what it is.

Most of the time, it is harmless and self-limiting.

The key is recognising when it is just a quirky reflex and when it is something that needs a closer look.

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FAQs

Is reverse sneezing painful for dogs?
No, it is not painful. It may look dramatic, but most dogs are not distressed by it.

Can I prevent reverse sneezing?
You can reduce triggers like dust, strong scents, and neck pressure, but you cannot always prevent it entirely.

Should I worry if it happens every day?
Frequent episodes are worth investigating, as they may indicate allergies or underlying airway irritation.

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If you’ve got more questions, want a bit more guidance, or just watched an episode and thought, “What on earth was that?”, the ASK A VET™ app can help. You can upload videos, track how often it happens, keep everything organised, and get a clearer idea of whether it is just one of those weird dog quirks or something worth digging into.

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