Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs Something to Worry About? 2025

Anyone who’s raised a dog — especially from a registered breeder — has probably witnessed a moment that stops them in their tracks. Your pooch suddenly freezes, stretches its neck, snorts like an old vacuum cleaner, and looks like it’s gasping for breath. Cue the frantic Googling. If this sounds familiar, you’ve likely met reverse sneezing.

And it’s enough to rattle even seasoned dog owners. The odd sound, the strained stance, the drawn-out inhaling — it can all look rather alarming the first time around. But here’s the good news: reverse sneezing usually sounds far worse than it is.

What Is Reverse Sneezing, Exactly?

Despite how dramatic it looks, reverse sneezing is usually more show than substance. Picture a sneeze in reverse — instead of blasting air outward, the dog pulls it in through the nose with a noisy, snorting suck. Some dogs also stiffen their front legs or freeze in place while it happens. Their body might tense. Their eyes may bulge slightly. But in most cases, it blows over in less than a minute.

This odd respiratory hiccup comes from irritation at the back of the throat or near the soft palate. That irritation sets off a reflex — a bit like how you might gag on the tail end of a sneeze or hiccup unexpectedly after swallowing air. Your dog’s just trying to clear out the tickle.

What Can Set Off a Reverse Sneeze?

There’s no single spark that sets reverse sneezing in motion. Instead, it’s usually a combination of physical quirks, outside irritants, and breed-specific traits. Common culprits include:

• A leash tugging too firmly against a collar
   
• Excitement — yes, some dogs snort when they’re simply thrilled
   
• Dust, pollen, or even strong-smelling cleaning sprays
   
• Sudden temperature shifts or gusts of dry air

Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Frenchies, and Shih Tzus often star in these episodes thanks to their snug airways. But long-snouted pups like Dachshunds or Greyhounds aren’t off the hook either. The shape of the snout doesn’t guarantee anything — it’s more about how sensitive their throat tissue is to a bit of airborne mischief.

Should You Be Worried If It Happens?

In most households, reverse sneezing earns the same treatment as a hiccup — slightly unnerving but nothing that needs a vet visit. It doesn’t choke your dog. It doesn’t block oxygen. And it doesn’t leave long-term damage behind.

Think of it as a temporary glitch. The average episode fizzles out in 15 to 30 seconds. Your dog may bounce back like nothing happened, ready to chase the ball or beg for snacks as usual. They’re not distressed — they’re just noisy.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye completely.

How to Soothe a Reverse Sneeze in Real Time

When your dog locks into one of those dramatic snorting fits, your first instinct might be to panic. But your calm voice and steady hands will go a lot further than alarm. Here’s how to help smooth the moment:

• Place a gentle hand on their chest or neck to steady them.
   
• Give the throat a soft rub — this may prompt a swallow and break the cycle.
   
• For some dogs, lightly covering their nostrils for a few seconds encourages a deep gulp, which resets their rhythm.
   
• Speak in a low, comforting tone. A little reassurance from their favourite human can bring them back down to earth faster than you’d expect.

Whatever you do, don’t try to open their mouth or shove your fingers near their throat. That can spook them further or make things worse.

When Is It Worth Flagging With a Vet?

If reverse sneezing starts becoming your dog’s new party trick — happening every day or getting stronger over time — it might be time for a second opinion. Occasional snorting is one thing. Frequent flare-ups could point to something else stirring the pot.

Keep an eye out for red flags like:

• Thick discharge from the nose
   
• Persistent coughing
   
• Loss of appetite or a dip in energy
   
• Gagging or retching after each episode

These signs could be clues that something more than a snort is going on. Triggers might include allergies, throat irritation, an embedded grass seed, or even conditions like a collapsing trachea. That’s where your vet earns their keep.

Final Thoughts

Reverse sneezing might sound scary, but it rarely signals something serious. In most cases, it’s just an odd bit of canine behaviour—harmless, brief, and over before you’ve had time to Google “weird dog noises at 2am.” Still, it pays to keep a watchful eye. If the habit shifts or seems tied to other symptoms, reach out to your vet and rule out anything lurking beneath the surface.

In the meantime, stay calm, breathe with your dog, and know that you’re not the only one with a snorty companion who occasionally forgets how noses are supposed to work.