Ever noticed your pup snorting uncontrollably? They might be “reverse sneezing,” a common condition in dogs. Curious to learn more? Here’s the lowdown.
What is Reverse Sneezing?
The technical name “inspiratory paroxysmal respiration,” is quite a mouthful, so we’ll stick to reverse sneezing. When dogs have episodes, they rapidly pull air into their nose, instead of quickly pushing air out, like a regular sneeze.
If your dog’s making a snorting sound while trying to inhale, you can be pretty certain they’re reverse sneezing.
Still not sure if they’ve got the rev sneezes? Look out for these physical signs:
- Standing with neck extended
- Head tilted backward
- Elbows pointed outward
- Nostrils (usually) flared
- Mouth closed
- Lips pulled back
You might be wondering how long a standard reverse sneezing episode lasts? Anywhere from a few seconds to minutes, and they may happen again, and again, for various time lengths.
Who could deny a reverse sneezer a delish treat like Jinx Chicken Jerky Bites. It probably goes without saying but definitely wait ‘til after they’ve stopped sneezing to give your dog the goods.
What Kind of Pups Get Them?
Mostly, reverse sneezing doesn’t discriminate. It can occur in any breed, no matter their age or gender, or whether they’re neutered or intact.
That said, reverse sneezing may happen more frequently in dogs under 15 kg, as opposed to medium or larger dogs.
For those of you with a brachycephalic breed — Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxer, Boston Terrier, etc. — reverse sneezing, as you may have experienced, is also more common.
Causes of Reverse Sneezing
While it’s tough to pinpoint a specific cause, there are a few conditions (and physical traits) that can exacerbate reverse sneezing, even if they’re not the original cause.
- One of the most common triggers are allergies to pollen and plants. Instead of (regular) sneezing as a response to these environmental factors, your dog may reverse sneeze.
- Nasal mites. Yes, unfortunately these little buggers exist and can sometimes contribute to reverse sneezing. If you think your dog might have nasal mites, chat with your vet to figure out the best course of treatment.
- Pups with longer snouts can be more prone to reverse sneezing. That said, all dogs can experience bouts, just once or as part of a chronic condition.
Can You Prevent Reverse Sneezing?
Like most health conditions for dogs (and their humans!), the best way to reduce reverse sneezing is to make sure your dog leads a healthy lifestyle. That includes Jinx food, lots of walkies, restorative rest, and of course — tons of love.
As reverse sneezing has a series of known-and-unknown causes, there’s not a ton of great ways to prevent them. One thing to consider is whether your dog suffers from exercise intolerance (heart disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, anemia, etc.) or another condition that might require lifestyle changes.
It's Likely No Big Deal
The good news: Reverse sneezing is generally harmless. While it might seem intense, it’s usually just an irritant in your dog’s nose, sinuses, or pharynx.
If an episode is short-lived and your dog quickly returns to normal — or your dog’s not experiencing symptoms like trouble breathing or weakness — it’s generally fine to wait until your dog's next checkup to mention it.
When To Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s reverse sneezing is pretty frequent — or their first episode lasts for a while — it’s probably best to check in with your vet.
They’ll examine your pup to make sure it’s not related to more-serious, underlying conditions like a collapsing trachea, nasal tumors, or other problems with a similar-sounding cough.
If underlying conditions are ruled out, the vet may diagnose your dog with reverse sneezing of an “unknown cause.”
How to Treat Reverse Sneezing?
Fortunately for most dogs, reverse sneezing is usually sporadic and mild so there’s no treatment necessary. After a few rev AH-CHOOOs! dogs typically return to normal on their own, but if not, here’s a tip for all you pup parents:
Gently massage your dog’s throat, holding their nostrils closed for just a few seconds. You can even blow into your pup's face (if they’ll let you!) to encourage swallowing.
And of course comforting your dog is always helpful, during or after a reverse sneeze, rewarding them with a yummy Beef Bone Broth Biscuits for powering through an episode!
For pups with frequent or more-severe rev sneezing, your vet may treat for allergies or mites to see if there’s any improvement. If symptoms persist, they might recommend a sedated oral exam, head x-rays, or a rhinoscopy to see if there’s a mass or foreign object, like a foxtail.
Dogs with an elongated soft palate, or other signs of respiratory distress, might benefit from surgery to shorten their soft palate.
FAQs
How long do episodes of reverse sneezing last?
Usually, bouts last about 30 seconds or less, although for worried pet parents, it might feel longer! Your dog’s likely to act completely normal before and after an episode, just like you after a non-reverse sneeze.
Why is my dog reverse sneezing at night?
Quite a few of you have asked why your dog reverse sneezes more at night and/or while they’re asleep. While dogs rest, they might inhale irritants like dust or other air particles, so reverse sneezing is pretty normal after a long nap or good night’s rest.
And that concludes our lesson on dog reverse sneezing! You’re now an expert who knows just what to do when your dog inhale-achooooooos!
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