Reverse sneezing is a sudden series of loud, rapid snorting breaths in through the nose. It can sound alarming, as if your dog is choking or can't breathe.1,2,3 It is a reflex, sometimes called paroxysmal respiration, that tries to clear irritation from the back of the nose and throat.1,4,5 Most episodes last a few seconds to about a minute, and the dog is back to normal straight away.1,3 Occasional reverse sneezing is usually harmless.6,2 Frequent or new episodes can point to an underlying problem worth checking.4,3 This guide explains what reverse sneezing looks like, what triggers it, what to do during an episode, and when to see a vet.
See your vet if your dog:
- Starts reverse sneezing out of the blue, or it's happening more often3
- Has nasal discharge, nosebleeds, coughing or trouble breathing between episodes6,7
- Faints, collapses or takes a long time to recover3
Go to an emergency vet if your dog's gums or tongue turn blue, or your dog is struggling to breathe.8,9
What the Research Shows
- Small dogs are most affected. In 30 dogs with reverse sneezing examined at a referral hospital, half were toy-sized dogs under 5 kg.4
- An underlying cause is often found. In those dogs, 57% had airway inflammation (mostly of the nose or throat), and 10% had a foreign body.4
- It can be the only sign. A third of those dogs had no other symptoms.4
- It can be stubborn. Of 23 dogs followed up after treatment, 39% stopped reverse sneezing; the rest still had episodes.4
What Does Reverse Sneezing Look Like?
During an episode, a dog usually stands still with the neck stretched out, the head back and the elbows turned out, and makes loud snorting sounds as it pulls air in through the nose.2,6,1,3 It can look and sound like choking, but it is usually harmless, and the dog is normal before and after an episode, which usually lasts seconds to a minute.3,1 Because episodes rarely happen at the vet's, try to film one to show your vet.3
Triggers and Causes
- Excitement2,3
- Pulling on the leash or collar2,3
- Eating or drinking too quickly2,3
- Dust, pollen, smoke and air fresheners3,1
- Allergies and mucus dripping down the back of the nose3,1
- Nasal mites, infections, grass seeds or other foreign material2,1,7
- A long soft palate, especially in flat-faced breeds2,3,10
In many dogs no cause is found.2
Which Dogs Reverse Sneeze?
Any dog can, but it is reported most often in small dogs4,2 and in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus and Bulldogs.2,3,6 One source says dogs with long, narrow noses seem more commonly affected too.1
What to Do During an Episode
Most episodes stop on their own. Stay calm and speak to your dog gently. Vets suggest these may help shorten an episode, though none has been formally tested:3,2,6,1
- Gently stroke or massage the throat.
- Gently cover one or both nostrils for a few seconds, which makes the dog swallow.
- Blow gently on your dog's face.
- Offer something to lick or a drink of water to encourage swallowing.
If pulling on the leash sets off episodes, ask your vet whether a harness might help.
Reverse Sneezing or Something Else?
- Collapsing trachea: a harsh, dry cough that sounds like a goose honking, mostly in small breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. It is often triggered by excitement or collar pressure, and severe cases cause breathing trouble or blue gums.9
- Kennel cough: a sudden, frequent, honking cough that can sound like gagging or retching and may bring up foam. Sneezing and a runny nose are also common.11 See dog coughing.
- Choking: if your dog can't breathe normally between episodes, or is pawing at its mouth and distressed, treat it as an emergency.
If you're not sure what you're seeing, film it and show your vet.3
What Your Vet May Do
For occasional episodes, no treatment is usually needed.1,2 If episodes are frequent or severe, your vet may treat for allergies or nasal mites. If they persist, your vet may suggest a sedated examination of the mouth and throat, X-rays and rhinoscopy, a camera exam of the nose.2,4
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reverse sneezing dangerous?
Usually not. Occasional episodes are harmless, but frequent or new episodes should be checked by a vet.
How do I stop my dog from reverse sneezing?
Stay calm. Gently massaging the throat or briefly covering the nostrils so your dog swallows may help.
How long does reverse sneezing last?
Usually a few seconds up to about a minute.
Why is my dog reverse sneezing so much all of a sudden?
A new irritant, allergies, an infection, nasal mites or something stuck in the nose. See your vet if it continues.
Is reverse sneezing the same as a collapsing trachea?
No. Reverse sneezing is snorting in through the nose; a collapsing trachea causes a honking cough.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for reverse sneezing?
Only if your vet advises it. Some human allergy medicines contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs.
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Sources and further reading
This article was written and fact-checked on October 18, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:
- Weir M, Williams K, Ward E. Reverse Sneeze in Dogs. VCA Canada Animal Hospitals, updated October 31, 2022.
- Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Reverse sneezing. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, accessed October 2026 (undated).
- PDSA vets and vet nurses. Reverse Sneezing in Dogs. PDSA Pet Health Hub, April 2022.
- Talavera J, Sebastián P, Santarelli G, Barrales I, Fernández del Palacio MJ. Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Observational Study in 30 Cases. Veterinary Sciences 9(12):665, November 29, 2022. doi:10.3390/vetsci9120665.
- Tonozzi CC. Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual (professional version), full review February 2022, updated September 2024.
- Texas A&M CVMBS (quoting Teller L, DVM). Gesundheit! Reverse Sneezing In Dogs. Texas A&M Pet Talk, June 25, 2020.
- Kuehn NF. Canine Nasal Mites. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), full review June 2018, updated September 2024.
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Brachycephalic Syndrome. ACVS animal owner resource, last modified June 29, 2023.
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Tracheal Collapse. ACVS animal owner resource, last modified June 20, 2023.
- University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine. BOAS: Recognition & Diagnosis. University of Cambridge, accessed October 2026 (undated).
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough). AVMA pet owner resource, accessed October 2026 (undated).
About this article
Last updated : new page, written using Cornell, VCA, PDSA, Texas A&M and ACVS guidance and a published case series of dogs with reverse sneezing.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.
