Dog Reverse Sneezing at Night: What You Need to Know

Dog reverse sneezing at night can be alarming, but it's often a harmless condition.

Some dogs are more prone to reverse sneezing at night due to their anatomy, specifically a shorter soft palate.

Dogs with long, floppy ears are also more susceptible to reverse sneezing, as their anatomy can cause the airways to become more narrow.

Reverse sneezing can be triggered by allergies, but it's not the same as a traditional sneeze, and it's not necessarily related to the dog's allergy symptoms.

Dog reverse sneezing is a relatively common phenomenon that can be unsettling for dog owners, especially at night. It's characterized by a sudden, intense inhalation through the nose, often accompanied by a loud, snorting sound.

This type of sneezing is not a traditional sneeze, but rather a reverse sneeze, where the dog's airways are irritated and the brain mistakenly sends a signal to breathe in rapidly.

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Reverse sneezing can be triggered by a variety of factors, including nasal mites, allergies, and anatomical issues like elongated soft palates.

The sound of a reverse sneezing episode can be quite loud and may sound like the dog is choking or gagging.

In most cases, reverse sneezing is a harmless condition that can be easily treated with home remedies or veterinary care.

Dog reverse sneezing can be caused by anything that irritates the backs of the dog's throat. This can include overexcitement, air fresheners, incense, or scented candles, dust, allergies, excessive mucus, food or beverage, prolonged soft palate, and nasal mites.

Some breeds are more prone to experiencing reverse sneezing due to their physiology, particularly short-headed breeds like Pekingese, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.

The exact cause of reverse sneezing is unknown, but it's thought to be caused by inflammation or irritation of the nose or throat, and may help to get rid of irritants. These irritants could be dust, air particles, pollen, household products, cleaning products, foreign objects, overexcitement, eating or drinking.

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Some common causes of reverse sneezing in dogs include pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, or other irritants, secretions or mucous secondary to allergies, cold weather, infection, etc., nasal mites, fungal infections, foreign objects, nasal tumors, and irritation of the back of the throat due to acid reflux.

Here are some common causes of reverse sneezing in dogs:

Any dog could potentially have reverse sneezes, but some dogs tend to be more at risk than others. Small breed dogs have small throats which make them more prone to reverse sneezing, and brachycephalic dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs are also more likely to reverse sneeze due to their elongated soft palate.

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A reverse sneeze in a dog can be quite a sight to behold. The dog will often stand still with their neck outstretched and head tilted backward as they forcefully inhale through the nose, creating a loud snorting sound.

This can be quite dramatic, and it's no wonder that dog parents may think their beloved dog is choking or having trouble breathing. The dog may also flare their nostrils or pull back their lips slightly.

Reverse sneezing episodes are usually pretty short, lasting anywhere from 30-60 seconds. During this time, the dog will typically hold still, stretching their neck out to relieve some discomfort.

After the episode passes, your dog will likely get right back to their normal self, romping around as usual without any lingering negative effects.

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Reverse sneezing in dogs is a relatively common phenomenon, and while the exact cause is still unknown, there are some factors that can trigger it.

Overexcitement is one possible cause of reverse sneezing, as dogs may inhale deeply and suddenly, causing the air to rush past the soft palate and trigger a sneeze.

Dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants can also cause reverse sneezing, as they can irritate the nasal passages and throat.

Some breeds, such as Pekingese, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, are more prone to experiencing reverse sneezing due to their flat faces.

Nasal mites, foreign objects like grass awns, and other irritants can also cause reverse sneezing.

In some cases, reverse sneezing may be more common in overweight dogs, as excess fatty deposits around the neck can cause difficulty breathing.

Here are some common causes of reverse sneezing:

Any dog could potentially have reverse sneezes, but some dogs tend to be more at risk than others.

Small breed dogs have small throats which make them more prone to reverse sneezing.

Dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs, or other brachycephalic dogs (i.e. those with short noses), tend to have an elongated soft palate, making them more likely to reverse sneeze.

Reverse sneezing episodes are usually harmless and last only a couple of seconds to a few minutes. They can be a bit alarming, but in most cases, treatment isn't needed.

However, if a dog's reverse sneezing becomes repetitive or disruptive, or they suddenly start reverse sneezing more often, they may need treatment.

Upper Respiratory Infections can be a real concern for dog owners.

Watery eyes, sneezing, and a distinctive 'honking cough' are common signs of an upper respiratory infection in dogs.

These infections are usually caused by a virus or bacteria, so it's essential to consult your vet for advice.

Dogs don't get asthma like humans do, but they can develop a form of allergic bronchitis in response to environmental irritants and allergens.

Coughing, wheezing, and laboured breathing are signs of allergic bronchitis in dogs.

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