Reverse sneezing is a common respiratory event in dogs but is comparatively rare in cats. When a pet reverse sneezes, they draw in air noisily and forcefully through their nose. This can be startling and worrying for pet owners who are unfamiliar with the phenomenon.
Small dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are most prone to bouts of reverse sneezing due to their smaller throats and elongated soft palates.
Causes of Reverse Sneezing
Just like regular sneezing, reverse sneezing is triggered by an irritant in the upper respiratory tract which causes a spasm of the throat and soft palate. Some of the most common irritants are dust, pollen, and other environmental allergens.
Reverse sneezing can also be triggered by factors such as leash-pulling, excitement, or even sudden changes in temperature. Less commonly, reverse sneezing can be caused by underlying conditions such as infections, allergies, parasites, or a collapsing trachea.
Symptoms of Reverse Sneezing
When your pet reverse sneezes, they will typically stand with their head and neck extended while inhaling repeatedly through their nose. A loud and distinctive honking sound will usually accompany each inhalation.
Reverse sneezing often comes on suddenly, and an episode may continue for a few seconds before your pet returns to normal. Thankfully, reverse sneezing is a harmless respiratory phenomenon that looks far more serious than it actually is.
Diagnosis of Reverse Sneezing
If your pet is suffering chronic bouts of reverse sneezing, we recommend taking them for a veterinary checkup. Your veterinarian will physically examine your pet and may decide to perform further diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or allergy tests to rule out any underlying causes.
It’s a good idea to capture video footage of your pet reverse sneezing if possible. This can be useful for helping your veterinarian reach a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment of Reverse Sneezing
Most cases of reverse sneezing are normal and do not require any treatment. In certain cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, or decongestants to help manage your pet’s condition. If there is an underlying cause for your pet’s reverse sneezing, other medications may be prescribed to address the problem.
Prevention of Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing is usually normal, and there are no guaranteed methods of prevention. The best thing you can do is avoid exposing your pet to environmental allergens such as chemical cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and air fresheners to prevent triggering of reverse sneezing. Some pet owners also find it useful to massage their pet’s throat during an episode. This is thought to reduce the spasms that lead to reverse sneezing.
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