Reverse Sneezing in Dogs 2025: What It Is & When to Be Concerned 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Your dog suddenly stops, stretches their neck, and starts making loud snorting sounds. It’s alarming—but this strange event is usually harmless. It’s called reverse sneezing, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Let’s break down what reverse sneezing is, what causes it, and when it may be time to call your vet.

🤧 What Is Reverse Sneezing?

• Also called a “pharyngeal gag reflex”
• Occurs when your dog rapidly inhales through the nose instead of exhaling like a normal sneeze
• Sounds like snorting, gagging, or choking—but your dog can still breathe

🔍 What Causes Reverse Sneezing?

• Irritation of the soft palate or throat
• Excitement or sudden leash pulling
• Dust, pollen, smoke, or strong scents
• Post-nasal drip from mild allergies or infection
• Change in temperature (e.g., cold air after being indoors)

🐶 What It Looks and Sounds Like

• Dog suddenly stands still or stretches its neck
• Loud snorting or honking noise
• Lasts 5–30 seconds
• Often stops on its own without treatment

✅ Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

• Almost always benign
• Common in small breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus)
• Also common in brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers)

🧘 What to Do During an Episode

• Stay calm—your dog can breathe
• Gently massage the throat or blow softly into their nose
• Try to distract them (e.g., call their name or clap gently)
• Don’t cover their mouth or nose

🚩 When to See a Vet

• Episodes are frequent or last more than 1 minute
• Dog seems anxious, disoriented, or collapses
• There is discharge, coughing, or nasal bleeding
• Breathing difficulty continues after the episode

🩺 How Vets Rule Out Other Conditions

• Physical exam with focus on nose, throat, and lungs
• Possible x-rays or rhinoscopy for chronic cases
• Allergy testing or treatment if frequent

📦 Related Products & Tools

• Explorer Harness – Reduces neck pressure that may trigger reverse sneezing in leash-pulling dogs
• Ask A Vet – Upload a video of your dog’s sneezing episode for vet feedback

📋 Summary Excerpt

Reverse sneezing sounds scary—but it’s usually harmless. A vet explains what it is, how to handle it at home, and when it’s time to call your clinic.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Is reverse sneezing painful for dogs?
  A: No. It may look dramatic, but it isn’t painful or harmful in most cases.
• Q: Can I prevent reverse sneezing?
  A: Minimize triggers like dust, perfumes, and neck pressure from collars. Use a harness instead of a neck lead.
• Q: Should I be worried if it happens every day?
  A: Daily episodes could indicate allergies, infections, or airway issues. Ask your vet for a full workup.