What causes reverse sneezing in dogs?

When your dog is experiencing reverse sneezing, this might be because they have allergies or irritants are present in their environment. It could also be stress, excitement, or anxiety. Lastly, it may be because of their unique facial structures.

What is reverse sneezing in dogs?

If your dog is rapidly and repeatedly inhaling through their nose, they might be experiencing reverse sneezing. 

Most dogs also produce a honking or snorting sound when experiencing reverse sneezing.

This is usually caused by the inflammation or irritation of a dog's throat or nasal passages. 

This usually occurs with dog breeds with narrow nasal passages or elongated soft palates.

Common causes of reverse sneezing

Irritants or allergies

The typical common cause for reverse sneezing with your dogs is allergies. 

This can be triggered by irritants in our environment, such as:

• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Smoke.
• Strong odor.

These things can irritate a dog's nasal passages, triggering reverse sneezing.

This is also typical with dogs that have underlying health issues, such as allergies.

Stress or excitement

Aside from allergies and irritants, another good reason why your dog is having reverse sneezing is because of either excitement or stress.

This can also happen when they get anxious.

When there are changes in their routine, they hear a loud noise, or they are not familiar with the environment they are in, all these things can cause your dog to have reverse sneezing.

Even interactions with unfamiliar dogs can cause reverse sneezing, too.

As dog owners, we should provide a relaxed and supportive environment that they can enjoy.

Anatomical factors

Anatomical factors can also be a reason why your dog has reverse sneezing. 

Most dogs with small tracheas, narrow nasal passages, or elongated soft palates are the most susceptible to reverse sneezing.

Dog breeds with short-faced features, such as:

• Pugs.
• Boxers.
• Bulldogs.
  

are all susceptible to respiratory issues, such as reverse sneezing, due to their facial structures.

Is reverse sneezing in dogs dangerous?

Is your dog rapidly inhaling through their nose?

Do they sound like they're honking or snorting?

Are they extending their neck while making a gagging sound?

This may be reverse sneezing, and thankfully, this is not dangerous on its own for dogs.

Reverse sneezing can be triggered by factors such as:

• Allergies.
• Excitement.
• Foreign objects in the nasal passages.
• Sudden temperature changes.
  

Thankfully, it usually resolves on its own within a few seconds to a minute.

They also do not require any medical assistance.

However, when it becomes frequent, and they start having difficulty breathing and getting lethargic, you should immediately bring them to a veterinarian.

How to stop reverse sneezing?

The best thing to do is to create an environment that doesn’t trigger your pup’s reverse sneezing. However, if they’re currently experiencing it, there are a few things you can do.

You can start by reassuring your dog and making them calm. 

Try to massage their throat, too. Do this gently so they won’t get hurt and react aggressively.

Another way is to cover their nostrils briefly - just for a second or two.

The last thing is to address any health issues with your dog, such as allergies, and consult a veterinarian if the symptoms get severe.