Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Dogs sometimes make strange respiratory sounds that can be alarming. As loving pet parents, you don’t want to see your dog have any problems with breathing.

Two common occurrences that pet owners notice are reverse sneezing and gasping. Understanding these behaviors can help you determine whether they require veterinary attention or are simply benign quirks.

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing, also called paroxysmal respiration, is a common respiratory event where a dog rapidly inhales through the nose, producing a snorting or honking sound. It often looks like the dog is pulling air inward forcefully rather than expelling it like a typical sneeze.

Reverse sneezing occurs when the soft palate and throat temporarily irritate or spasm. The soft palate, located at the back of the mouth, separates the nasal passages from the oral cavity. When irritated, it can cause involuntary muscle contractions, leading to the characteristic snorting sound.

What Is the Role of the Sinuses in Reverse Sneezing?

The sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located in the skull, play a supportive role in the respiratory system. Though not directly responsible for reverse sneezing, the sinuses can contribute to nasal irritation.

When the sinuses become inflamed due to infections, allergies, or other irritants, they may trigger excessive mucus production or swelling. This irritation can extend to the nasal passages and soft palate, increasing the likelihood of reverse sneezing episodes.

Maintaining sinus health and managing allergies may help reduce these episodes in dogs prone to respiratory irritation.

Common Triggers for Reverse Sneezing

Common triggers for reverse sneezing include:

• allergens such as pollen or dust
• excitement or overstimulation
• foreign bodies in the nasal passages
• post-nasal drip
• sudden temperature changes
• breed predisposition

Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are particularly prone to these episodes. There are, however, some more concerning conditions that can cause reverse sneezing in dogs. Let’s take a closer look at conditions pet parents might want to know about.

Can Nasal Mites Contribute to Reverse Sneezing?

Nasal mites, known as Pneumonyssoides caninum, can contribute to reverse sneezing in dogs. These tiny parasites infest the nasal passages and can cause irritation and inflammation.

Symptoms of a nasal mite infestation often include:

• persistent sneezing
• reverse sneezing
• nasal discharge
• discomfort around the nose

If nasal mites are suspected, a veterinarian can diagnose the condition through a nasal swab or endoscopic examination. They may recommend treatments such as antiparasitic medications to clear the infestation.

Can Tumors Cause Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Tumors in dogs, while not a common direct cause, may potentially contribute to reverse sneezing in certain situations. If a tumor is present in areas like the nasal cavity, throat, or airway, it could cause chronic irritation or obstruction that mimics or contributes to reverse sneezing episodes.

In particular, tumors that grow in or near the nasal passages or pharynx can obstruct airflow or cause local irritation, leading to symptoms similar to reverse sneezing. Nasal tumors, for instance, might irritate the sensitive tissues in the dog’s nose, triggering sneezing or reverse sneezing.

Other types of tumors, such as those in the lungs or throat, might affect the dog’s ability to breathe normally, leading to respiratory distress or reverse sneezing as a compensatory response.

If reverse sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other signs like nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or changes in the dog’s behavior, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out serious underlying conditions such as tumors.

How Can You Distinguish Benign Reverse Sneezing from Kennel Cough?

It can be challenging to distinguish reverse sneezing from other respiratory conditions like kennel cough, but understanding the differences can help pet parents make informed decisions.

Reverse sneezing often occurs in short bursts with a snorting or honking sound and typically resolves on its own. The dog appears otherwise healthy before and after the episode.

Kennel cough, however, is a contagious respiratory infection characterized by a persistent, dry, hacking cough. Dogs with kennel cough may also exhibit nasal discharge, lethargy, and a reduced appetite.

Unlike reverse sneezing, kennel cough symptoms may persist for days or even weeks and require veterinary treatment, especially if the dog is in distress or the cough worsens.

Other conditions, such as a collapsing trachea, heart failure, and heartworms, may also mimic reverse sneezing but typically involve more continuous breathing issues or distress. If you’re unsure, a veterinary visit can help clarify the cause and ensure appropriate care.

Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

In most cases, reverse sneezing in dogs is harmless and self-resolves without treatment. Episodes typically last for a few seconds to a minute and are more alarming than dangerous.

However, frequent or prolonged episodes can indicate an underlying issue requiring veterinary evaluation. Here are a few things to know.

How Is Gasping or Abnormal Breathing in Dogs Different from Reverse Sneezing?

Gasping or strange breathing noises, such as wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched noise), can be more concerning. Gasping involves the dog struggling to breathe air in effectively and may present with open-mouth breathing, distress, gagging, or coughing.

How is the Cause of Gasping Different from that of Reverse Sneezing?

Gasping can result from partial airway obstruction, inflammation, or reduced lung function. The larynx, trachea, and lungs work together to allow airflow, and disruption in any of these areas can impair breathing.

What are the Common Causes of Gasping?

Common causes of gasping include the following problems:

• Laryngeal paralysis,
• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), 
• Heart disease,
• Respiratory infections,
• Allergic reactions,
• Foreign object obstruction.

Each condition requires different diagnostic approaches and treatments. Based on its severity and underlying factors. If you suspect your pet is gasping for breath rather than simply experiencing a reverse sneeze, you’ll want to book an appointment with your veterinarian.

How Can You Recognize Labored Breathing?

Labored breathing, also called dyspnea, can be identified when a dog exhibits clear signs of respiratory distress. Pet owners should watch for excessive belly movement, wide nostril flaring, breathing with an open mouth, neck extension to help airflow, and a noticeable increase in respiratory rate.

Dogs experiencing breathing problems may appear anxious, restless, or fatigued due to insufficient oxygen intake. In severe cases, a bluish tint to the gums (cyanosis) can indicate a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention from an emergency vet.

Are There Breeds Prone to Reverse Sneezing and Gasping?

Certain dog breeds are more prone to experiencing reverse sneezing and gasping due to their anatomical features. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, are particularly susceptible due to their shortened nasal passages and elongated soft palates. This structural makeup can lead to frequent episodes of reverse sneezing and breathing irregularities.

Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Toy Poodles are also more likely to experience reverse sneezing. Their delicate airway structures can be more easily triggered by minor irritants such as dust or pollen.

Meanwhile, larger breeds with genetic predispositions to conditions like laryngeal paralysis, including Labrador Retrievers and Irish Setters, may experience gasping or abnormal breathing more often in their senior years.

Knowing if your dog belongs to a breed prone to these conditions can help you monitor their breathing patterns closely and take preventive measures to reduce environmental triggers.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Care?

Pet parents should seek veterinary care if their dog experiences frequent or prolonged episodes of reverse sneezing, particularly if the episodes last longer than a minute, occur with increasing frequency or intensity, or are accompanied by coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or visible signs of distress.

While reverse sneezing is often harmless, any significant change in pattern warrants professional evaluation.

Gasping, however, is often more serious. Immediate veterinary care should be sought if the dog appears cyanotic, with blue-tinged gums, struggles to breathe despite resting, or loses consciousness. These symptoms can indicate severe respiratory distress that requires urgent medical intervention.

How Will Your Veterinarian Make a Diagnosis?

To diagnose respiratory issues in dogs, a veterinarian will typically begin with a thorough physical examination, which includes listening to the dog’s lung and airway sounds to identify abnormalities. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, is often used to check for structural abnormalities, fluid buildup, or obstructions in the airways.

In some cases, a rhinoscopy—a procedure where a small scope is inserted into the nasal passages—may be performed to identify irritations or foreign objects. Blood tests can also be helpful in assessing oxygen levels and detecting infections that may contribute to respiratory distress.

What are the Treatment Options?

Medical treatment options for reverse sneezing are generally unnecessary, as the episodes often resolve on their own. However, pet parents can assist their dogs during an episode by gently massaging the throat or lightly blowing on the dog’s nose, which may help ease the spasms and help him take a deep breath.

Treatment for gasping or abnormal breathing depends on the underlying cause. Dogs in respiratory distress may require oxygen therapy to stabilize their breathing.

Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce airway swelling, and antibiotics may be used if a bacterial infection is detected. If allergens are the cause, your DVM may prescribe antihistamines.

In more severe cases, surgical interventions such as correcting laryngeal paralysis or repairing brachycephalic airway syndrome might be necessary. If a foreign object is obstructing the airway, it must be removed immediately, sometimes requiring emergency procedures.

What is the Prognosis and Management?

The prognosis for reverse sneezing is generally excellent, as it is often a benign and self-limiting condition. Most dogs experience occasional episodes without long-term health consequences, and no ongoing treatment is typically required.

The prognosis for gasping and abnormal breathing varies widely depending on the underlying cause and how promptly treatment is administered. Early intervention often leads to a better outcome, especially in treatable conditions like infections or mild laryngeal paralysis.

Long-term management strategies for chronic conditions such as BOAS may include weight management, environmental modifications, and potential surgical interventions to improve quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between reverse sneezing and concerning gasping can empower pet parents to make informed decisions about their dog’s health.

While occasional reverse sneezing is rarely a cause for alarm, persistent or severe respiratory issues should always be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure your furry companion stays happy and healthy.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.

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