My Dog Is Reverse Sneezing and Sounds Congested: What to Do

Reverse sneezing in dogs can be alarming, but it's often a harmless condition.

Dogs typically exhibit a reverse sneeze by making a loud, high-pitched crowing sound, often accompanied by a visible effort to inhale.

If your dog is reverse sneezing, try gently stroking their throat or chest to see if it helps calm them down.

Reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in dogs, and it's characterized by a series of loud grunting sounds, gasping, and snorting.

Your dog may extend their neck as they try to take in air, which can be a bit alarming, but it's usually not a cause for concern.

The trachea is narrowed during a reverse sneeze, making it harder for your dog to breathe, so you might notice their chest expanding as they try to get more air into their lungs.

The irritant that triggers a reverse sneeze can be anywhere in the throat and soft palate, and it's often caused by something as simple as a piece of food or a bit of dust.

A reverse sneeze can sound like your dog is choking or having an asthma attack, but it's usually just a short episode that passes in a few minutes without any harm to your dog.

For another approach, see: Reverse Sneeze vs Tracheal Collapse

Reverse sneezing in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including irritation to the throat or soft palate.

Common triggers include getting overly excited, rapid eating and drinking, pollen, dust, or allergens, perfumes, post-nasal drip or nasal inflammation, household cleaners or chemicals, viruses or mites, exercise intolerance, pulling on a leash, and foreign substances in the throat.

Some breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Chihuahuas, are more prone to reverse sneezing due to their short-faced and small breeds.

Dogs with long, narrow snouts are also more prone to reverse sneezing, possibly due to longer nasal passages.

Some possible soft palate irritants that can result in a reverse sneeze include allergies, household products, grooming products, infection, abnormalities in the throat, nasal mites, pressure on the throat, overexcitement, eating and drinking, especially in dogs prone to gulping their food and water.

Here are some potential causes of reverse sneezing in dogs:

Causes of reverse sneezing in dogs are varied and can range from harmless to more serious. Irritation to the throat or soft palate can trigger reverse sneezing.

Perfumes, household cleaners, and chemicals can irritate the throat and cause reverse sneezing. Viruses and mites can also cause this condition. Exercise intolerance and pulling on a leash can irritate the throat, leading to reverse sneezing.

Rapid eating and drinking can also cause irritation to the throat, leading to reverse sneezing. Foreign substances in the throat can also cause this condition.

Some common causes of throat irritation include pollens and dust from sniffing dusty areas, infections such as kennel cough, and seasonal allergies.

Here are some possible soft palate irritants that can result in a reverse sneeze:

Dogs with brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, bulldogs, and shih tzus, are at increased risk of reverse sneezing due to their elongated soft palate. Small-breed dogs, such as beagles and Yorkshire Terriers, are also more prone to reverse sneezing.

Consider reading: Boston Terrier Reverse Sneezing

True choking can be fatal, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and see a vet immediately if you're unsure.

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to think your dog is choking, especially if they're in the middle of a reverse sneezing episode.

Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but it can be dramatic and scary to watch.

If your dog is experiencing a reverse sneezing episode, try calling or distracting them to see if it stops.

The good news is that the dog is usually 100% fine immediately before and afterwards.

If your dog does choke, every second counts, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial.

Remember, no vet will criticize you for being careful, even if there is nothing wrong.

My dog sounds congested and is reverse sneezing, and I'm worried about their health. Dogs that are reverse sneezing typically exhibit a loud snorting sound, often compared to a goose honking.

Reverse sneezing episodes usually last around 30 seconds, and the dog is completely normal before and after the episode. If your dog is experiencing other signs such as lethargy, coughing, increased respiratory rate or effort, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary care.

To diagnose reverse sneezing, your veterinarian will ask you to describe your dog's episode, their environment, and medical history. A video of the episode is extremely helpful, as your dog is unlikely to replicate the episode in the clinic.

If you're wondering if your dog is healthy, pay attention to their behavior and physical condition. A healthy dog is usually completely normal before and after an episode of reverse sneezing, which is a common condition.

Reverse sneezing sounds like a loud snorting or honking noise, often compared to a goose. This is because the dog is inhaling their sneeze, hence the name "reverse sneezing."

If your dog is experiencing a reverse sneezing episode, they may extend their neck and forcefully attempt to inhale through their nose. These episodes usually last about 30 seconds.

If you're concerned about your dog's health, take a video of the episode to show your veterinarian. This can help them determine if your dog is indeed reverse sneezing or if there's something more serious going on.

So, you're wondering how vets diagnose reverse sneezing in dogs? Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's exposure to respiratory irritants, allergies, or if they've ingested any foreign objects.

They'll also perform a physical examination to assess your pet's heart and lungs, and look for any other respiratory signs like nasal discharge or an increased respiratory rate or effort.

A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation.

Additional tests may be performed to rule out other causes of similar snorting noises, such as a collapsing trachea, nasal tumor or polyps, nasal foreign body, upper respiratory tract infection, or inflammation (rhinitis).

Here are some of the tests that may be used:

If you have a video of your dog's episode, that's extremely helpful for the veterinarian in determining if your dog experienced reverse sneezing.