Understanding Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes and Solutions

Imagine this: your dog suddenly starts making loud snorting, gasping noises. It looks like they're struggling to breathe! Don't panic – this startling episode is likely reverse sneezing, a common and usually harmless occurrence in dogs. While the sound and sight of reverse sneezing in dogs can be alarming for owners, understanding it can relieve your worries. Let's discuss the potential causes and what you can do to help!

What is reverse sneezing in dogs and what does it sound like?

Has your dog ever made a sudden, loud snorting or honking sound, almost like they have something stuck in their nose? If they also extend their neck and seem to momentarily struggle for breath, this is likely reverse sneezing.

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a distinctive, rapid, and forceful inhalation of air through the nose, which is different than a regular sneeze that expels air out. During an episode, your dog may extend its neck, produce a loud snorting sound, and appear as though it's struggling to breathe. This can occur when the soft palate irritates the throat and leads to a temporary spasm of the airway. Commonly triggered by irritants such as dust, pollen, or excitement, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and brief.

What causes reverse sneezing in dogs?

Think of a reverse sneeze as your dog's way of trying to get rid of something irritating their nose or upper throat area. Here are some common triggers:

1. Allergies: Seasonal culprits like pollen, dust mites, or molds might be making your dog's nose and throat itchy. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies that trigger respiratory irritation.
2. Household irritants: Smoke, strong perfumes, or cleaning products can irritate a dog's delicate nasal passages, leading to an episode of reverse sneezing.
3. Parasites: Sometimes, nasal mites (yep, those exist!) can take up residence in your dog's nose, causing persistent irritation that triggers reverse sneezing.
4. Foreign objects: Occasionally, a bit of grass, a small object, or even food can become lodged in your dog's nose or throat, leading to a reverse sneezing episode.
5. A surge of excitement or intense play: For some dogs, a burst of playful energy or excitement can bring on a reverse sneezing episode. This might be due to changes in their breathing patterns during heightened activity.
6. Anatomy: Dogs with short, flattened faces, called brachycephalics (like Pugs, Bulldogs, or Shih Tzus) have narrower nasal passages. This anatomical difference can make them more prone to reverse sneezing.

What should you do during a reverse sneezing episode?

While reverse sneezing can be startling to witness, it's important to remember that in most cases, it usually passes quickly on its own.

Here's how you can provide comfort and potentially shorten the episode:

• Gently massage the throat: This simple action may sometimes help shorten the episode by relaxing the spasming muscles.
• Briefly cover the nostrils: This can encourage your dog to swallow, which may trigger the end of the spasm.
• Apply gentle pressure to the eyes: Lightly pressing on the closed eyelids for a few seconds can sometimes help bring the episode to a quicker end.
• Film the episode: This can be helpful for your veterinarian to assess the situation if reverse sneezing becomes frequent or seems abnormal.
• Stay calm: Your dog may sense your anxiety and become more stressed. Reassuring them with a gentle voice and calm demeanor can sometimes help.

Vet's tip: In most cases, no intervention is needed. Most episodes of reverse sneezing are generally short-lived and harmless.

How would your vet treat reverse sneezing in your dog?

If your dog has infrequent or occasional bouts of reverse sneezing, no specific treatment is necessary. However, if it becomes a frequent occurrence or seems to be causing discomfort for your dog, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.

Here are some guidelines to know:

• Usually, no treatment is needed: In most cases, reverse sneezing doesn't require any specific treatment. The episodes are usually brief and resolve on their own without causing harm.
• Addressing the underlying cause: If reverse sneezing becomes frequent, prolonged, or is accompanied by other symptoms (like nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or lethargy), a trip to your vet is important. They can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that might be triggering the episodes.
• Potential treatments: Depending on the cause, your veterinarian might recommend:
  • Antihistamines: If allergies are suspected, these medications can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
  • Nasal mite treatment: Special medications can eliminate pesky nasal mites if they're the source of the problem.
  • Steroids: In more severe cases, corticosteroids like prednisone can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
  • Addressing anatomical issues: In some instances where a dog's anatomy severely impacts their breathing, surgical options might be discussed.

When should you see your veterinarian?

While reverse sneezing is generally harmless, there are situations when consulting your veterinarian is important.

I would recommend that you see your veterinarian if you notice anything of the following:

1. Frequent or prolonged episodes: A sudden increase in the frequency or duration of reverse sneezing might signal an underlying health problem.
2. Other symptoms: If reverse sneezing comes with any of the following, a vet visit is crucial:
   • Nasal discharge
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Coughing
   • Lethargy
   • Changes in appetite
3. Brachycephalic breeds: Dogs with short, flattened faces are more prone to breathing difficulties. It's important to monitor their reverse sneezing closely and consult your vet if episodes seem excessive or are causing distress.

What can you do to prevent reverse sneezing?

While you might not be able to entirely eliminate reverse sneezing episodes, there are things you can do to reduce their frequency and severity:

Pay attention to when the episodes happen. Does your dog reverse sneeze after exposure to a specific allergen (pollen, dust), or irritant (smoke, cleaning products), or during exciting activities? If you can pinpoint a trigger, try to minimize your dog's exposure.

Use fragrance-free products in your home and avoid smoking near your dog. Consider an air purifier if dust or allergens are a concern.

For dogs prone to reverse sneezing, a harness puts less direct pressure on their neck and throat area, potentially reducing episodes.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, especially for brachycephalic breeds, as extra weight can put more strain on their breathing.

While reverse sneezing in dogs can be alarming, it is usually harmless and can easily be managed by identifying triggers and making simple lifestyle changes. However, suppose you notice any concerning symptoms or a sudden increase in the frequency or duration of episodes, please consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.