Reverse sneezing is a fairly common occurrence in dogs, and, although it may seem alarming to pet owners, it is generally a harmless and self-limited problem.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what reverse sneezing is and what are the main causes of this occurrence. On top of that, we’ll also provide some tips on how to stop reverse sneezing in dogs. So, if your dog has been known to experience this strange phenomenon, keep reading!
What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Reverse sneezing in dogs, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a condition that makes your dog’s larynx muscles spasm and stops your dog from breathing normally. Your dog will inhale rapidly and repeatedly and produce sounds similar to snorting.
The dog may also become completely still and extend its neck and head during reverse sneezing.
Although inverted sneezing in dogs will undoubtedly alarm their owner, the condition is not as serious as it may appear. It usually lasts less than a minute, and most dogs will show no signs of distress after it ends.
The episodes can occur multiple times in the dog’s life, but they are not dangerous. In a healthy dog, it causes no additional problems, and the dog is not actually choking, so you don’t have to worry.
That being said, if the dog won’t stop reverse sneezing and it lasts for longer than a minute, it’s always advisable to consult a vet, as that may be a sign of an infection or some other, more serious condition.
What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
So, why do dogs reverse sneeze? The dogs’ reverse sneeze is mainly caused by an irritated throat. There are many things that can cause that irritation:
- Excessive excitement
- Allergies
- Fast eating or drinking
- Viruses
- Perfumes
- Pollen
- Mites
- Dry air
- Tight collar
Many other irritants can cause it, but these are the most common culprits.
You should keep an eye on your dog to see what might be causing the episodes. For example, if your dog is reverse sneezing at night, it’s most often due to dry air or allergies.
Dog Reverse Sneeze Treatment
As mentioned, if your dog keeps reverse sneezing, seeing a vet is recommended.
Not only can the vet identify what’s causing it, but they can help your dog feel better. If reverse sneezing is happening during some common allergy season, a cure for dog reverse sneeze is Benadryl and other antihistamines a vet can give you.
Moreover, keep in mind that vet treatments and checkups are covered by all the best insurance policies. So, if you still don’t have pet insurance, you should definitely consider it.
How To Stop Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
When a dog reverse sneeze happens, what you can do is massage their neck and close their nostrils for a moment. It should get them to swallow, which should stop the seizure.
You can also pet them, speak to them softly, and offer them water after the attack to calm their throat. If they feel irritable afterward, it may be a good idea to give them something calming, like some quality CBD oil for dogs.
What’s also useful for new dog owners that are still getting familiar with reverse sneezing in dogs are video recordings, which can help you recognize it when it happens.
Canine reverse sneezing is usually not dangerous, but if you suspect it may be something more serious, it’s always a good idea to see a veterinarian. This is especially true if you notice it happening more frequently and severely.
Reverse Sneezing in Small Dogs
All dogs are potential reverse sneezers. However, reverse sneezing in a dog is much more likely if your dog is smaller. Although there are 150 existing dog breeds, and they can all experience it, smaller breeds are at the highest risk of reverse sneezing.
You’re more likely to find your beagle reverse sneezing or even a french bulldog reverse sneezing than your golden retriever. In other small breeds, such as Yorkie, reverse sneezing is also quite common.
Puppy reverse sneezing is also common since their throats are smaller and can take in less air as it is.
FAQ
Is Reverse Sneezing In Dogs Dangerous?
Although the sounds of reverse sneezing in dogs might sound unpleasant and potentially dangerous, this phenomenon is very common and not life-threatening at all.
What Does Reverse Sneezing Sound Like?
Reverse sneezing sounds like a dog is trying to keep their sneezes in, instead of letting them out. It usually sounds like a snort or it can even sound like the dog is making a noise like something is stuck in their throat.
Why is my dog reverse sneezing so much?
There are many potential reasons for that. It may be because of an allergy — during ragweed season, for example, a dog allergic to it would reverse sneeze a lot.
There might also be an irritant in your house that causes the reverse dog sneeze. If it keeps happening, and you don’t know why it’s best to consult a vet.
Do cats reverse sneeze?
Even though cat reverse sneezing is not as common as it is in dogs, it can happen. For a reverse sneezing cat, the symptoms are the same as in dogs, as is the treatment.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read our article, we hope you understand what is it, and how to stop reverse sneezing in dogs. Most importantly, we hope that next time your dog reverse sneezes you just keep calm and do some of the things we mentioned. The dog will be back to normal in no time.
