Reverse sneezing in dogs is a common issue that can be distressing for both dogs and their owners. It's characterized by a sudden, intense inhalation through the nose, often accompanied by a distinctive sound.
This phenomenon occurs when the nasal passages become irritated or inflamed, causing the dog's airways to spasm. According to research, allergies, foreign objects, and nasal polyps are common triggers.
To alleviate this condition, it's essential to remain calm and composed, as panicking can exacerbate the situation. By staying calm, you can help your dog relax and breathe more easily.
In many cases, a simple home remedy can help soothe your dog's nasal passages and alleviate the symptoms of reverse sneezing.
What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Reverse sneezing in dogs is a fairly common respiratory event that can be alarming to owners, but isn't known to be harmful to dogs without underlying conditions.
Reverse sneezing is characterized by sudden, rapid, and repeated inhalations through the nose, followed by snorting or gagging sounds. It's not uncommon for dogs to have repeat episodes of reverse sneezing throughout their lives.
A dog experiencing a reverse sneeze will suddenly stand still, extend their head and neck, and produce a loud snorting sound. This is a natural response to irritation or inflammation in the nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus passages.
Reverse sneezing can occur after periods of over-excitement, and it's a way for the dog to attempt to remove foreign particles or allergens from its upper airways. Most dogs are completely normal before and after a reverse sneezing episode.
The soft palate in the back and roof of your dog's mouth can become irritated, causing a 'reverse sneeze' where the muscles in the mouth spasm and cause the trachea to narrow. This can lead to a dog attempting to breathe in through their nose, resulting in a backwards sneeze.
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How to Help a Dog with Reverse Sneezing
If your dog is dealing with reverse sneezing, you can gently pet them to help soothe them. Just be sure not to pet their face or snout, as they need to be able to breathe through the episode.
Most reverse sneezing episodes will come and go without any issues, but if your dog seems distressed, gentle petting can help calm them down. It's a good idea to keep your dog calm and relaxed during this time.
If this is the first time your dog has suffered from reverse sneezing, take them to the vet to rule out other conditions. This isn't because the vet can do anything to help, but rather to ensure your dog doesn't have any underlying issues.
If your vet diagnoses your dog with reverse sneezing, you don't need to take them back to the vet every time it happens. Just know that this will be a part of your life with your dog moving forward.
You can also try holding your dog's nostrils closed for a second, then lightly massaging their throat. This can cause them to swallow a couple of times, which usually stops the spasm of the reverse sneeze.
Lightly blowing in their face may also help, and getting your dog in a cool area or outside with fresh air can be beneficial. Trying to verbally calm your dog can also be useful.
Most dogs don't require medication, but some veterinarians recommend antihistamines if the problem is serious, chronic, and allergy-related. An evaluation of the environment can also help determine possible causes of these events.
Perfumes or carpet cleaners are often cited in dogs' histories as potential triggers for reverse sneezing.
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Understanding Canine Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing in dogs is a fairly common respiratory event that can be alarming to owners, but it's not typically harmful without underlying conditions. It's characterized by sudden, rapid, and repeated inhalations through the nose, followed by snorting or gagging sounds.
Common causes of reverse sneezing include allergies, eating and drinking too fast, foreign bodies, mites, pressure on the throat, and viruses. These irritations can lead to a spasm of the throat and nasal passages, resulting in a reverse sneezing episode.
Here are some potential triggers to watch out for:
- Allergies
- Eating or drinking too fast
- Foreign bodies
- Mites
- Pressure on throat (often from pulling on leash)
- Viruses
Some breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds, may be more prone to reverse sneezing due to an elongated soft palate. If your dog experiences reverse sneezing, it's essential to keep an eye out for underlying conditions that may be contributing to the issue.
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Causes of Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, eating and drinking too quickly, foreign bodies, and mites in the nasal passage.
Allergies are a common cause of reverse sneezing in dogs, and can be triggered by a range of substances, including household products and fragrances.
Eating and drinking too fast can also cause irritation in the throat and soft palate, leading to a reverse sneeze.
Foreign bodies, such as dust or other small particles, can get stuck in the throat and cause a reverse sneeze.
Mites in the nasal passage can also cause irritation and lead to a reverse sneeze.
Some breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to reverse sneezing due to an elongated soft palate.
Here are some common causes of reverse sneezing in dogs:
- Allergies
- Eating or drinking too fast
- Foreign bodies
- Mites
- Pressure on throat (often from pulling on leash)
- Viruses
It's worth noting that some dogs may experience reverse sneezing more frequently than others, and may have repeat episodes throughout their lives.
Symptoms and Signs
Canine reverse sneezing can be a distressing sight for pet owners.
The most common symptoms of a reverse sneeze in dogs include loud, persistent honking or snorting sounds, often accompanied by a rapid intake of air through the nose.
During a reverse sneeze, dogs may display behaviors such as pawing at their mouth or nose, or even trying to stand up or jump to relieve the discomfort.
Some dogs may exhibit a characteristic "retrusive" posture, where they pull their head back and their tongue out of their mouth.
In most cases, reverse sneezing episodes in dogs are short-lived, lasting only a few seconds to a minute or two.
What's Not
A reverse sneeze is not just a single episode, but rather a recurring condition that can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, sinus issues, and even excitement.
In fact, a study found that over 80% of dogs experience reverse sneezing at some point in their lives.
A reverse sneeze is not a sign of a serious medical issue, but rather a minor and temporary condition that can be easily managed with proper care.
Some breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are more prone to reverse sneezing due to their brachycephalic skull structure.
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A reverse sneeze is not contagious, so you don't have to worry about your dog infecting other dogs with this condition.
In most cases, a reverse sneeze will resolve on its own within a few minutes, but if your dog's symptoms persist or worsen, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Benadryl help reverse sneezing in dogs?
Benadryl can temporarily stop reverse sneezing in dogs, but it doesn't address the underlying cause and requires a vet's supervision to avoid overdosing. Consult a vet for proper treatment and guidance.
What can be mistaken for reverse sneezing in dogs?
Reverse sneezing in dogs can be mistaken for respiratory distress, coughing, or choking, which can be alarming for pet owners. If you suspect your dog is experiencing a reverse sneeze, it's essential to identify the correct cause to provide proper care.
Can I give my dog honey for reverse sneezing?
Yes, giving your dog a small amount of honey may help alleviate reverse sneezing. However, it's essential to understand the underlying causes and proper administration to ensure effective relief.
Sources
- https://lakecityanimalhospital.com/blog/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs-causes-and-what-to-do/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-happens-when-a-dog-reverse-sneezes/
- https://wagwalking.com/condition/reverse-sneezing
- https://fotp.com/learn/dog-health/reverse-sneezing-what-is-it-and-why-do-dogs-do-it
- https://chfa.net/resources/blog/441-reverse-sneezing-in-dogs-what-it-sounds-like-and-what-to-do
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