Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: How to Stop It Naturally & Safely | AI Pets Lab
Symptom Checker
Sudden gasping/snorting sound [mild]
Dog suddenly makes a loud, snorting, gasping sound that seems like they're trying to breathe in but can't. Neck stretched, elbows out.
Standing still with neck extended [mild]
Dog freezes in an upright position, head tilted up, neck straight, elbows pushed out. The snorting continues for a few seconds.
Eyes bulging during the episode [mild]
The dog's eyes appear to bulge slightly because of the pressure from the snorting effort.
Episode resolves within 30 seconds [mild]
The snorting stops abruptly, often after the dog swallows. The dog returns to normal breathing immediately.
Frequency increases over time [moderate]
Episodes start happening several times a day instead of occasionally, sometimes triggered by minor events.
Accompanied by coughing or nasal discharge [emergency]
Between snorting episodes, the dog coughs, hacks, or has mucus coming from nose. Lethargy may be present.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog just made a horrible snorting sound, I'm scared – is he choking?
Deep breath – that's understandable. Reverse sneezing sounds rough but it's not choking. Choking dogs can't make sound at all. Your dog is making that noise because the soft palate is flapping. He can still breathe. Try covering one nostril for a few seconds – it'll stop. If it doesn't, you can send a video to your vet tomorrow.
How do I know if it's reverse sneezing or a cough?
Good question. A cough sounds like a 'hack' or 'bark' – air pushes out. Reverse sneezing sounds like a gasping snort – air pulls in. The dog usually stands still with neck stretched out and elbows apart. Coughing can happen many times; reverse sneezing is a single episode that lasts seconds.
When should I take my dog to the vet for reverse sneezing?
Usually never, unless it's happening several times a day for weeks, or your dog also coughs, has nasal discharge, seems tired, or has trouble breathing. One episode a week is totally normal. Trust your gut – if you're worried, a quick checkup brings peace of mind.
Do I need to buy anything to stop reverse sneezing?
Nope – you already have what you need: your finger. Covering one nostril or blowing gently in their face works every time. If episodes happen often, a harness (around $15-30) can help, and a humidifier if air is dry. No expensive treatments needed.
What should I do if my dog reverse sneezes and then won't stop?
First, stay calm. That panic moment? Breathe. Try covering one nostril again – sometimes it takes two tries. If it lasts more than 2 minutes, call your vet. In rare cases, prolonged episodes might need a vet to stop the spasm. Most stop in under 30 seconds.
Can reverse sneezing lead to something worse?
No – it's not a precursor to anything serious. It's a reflex, not a disease. However, if your dog has never done it before and suddenly starts doing it daily, it could be a sign of something irritating the throat (like a foreign body or infection). That's worth a vet visit, but it's still not an emergency.