What is reverse sneezing in dogs?
Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, is a condition in which a dog rapidly draws air inward through its nose, rather than quickly expelling air through the nose as it does during a normal sneeze. Dogs often make a snorting or grunting sound during reverse sneezing, and it may look as though the animal is trying to inhale while sneezing. During a reverse sneeze, a dog extends its neck and, with it, its head. Sometimes a reverse-sneezing episode lasts a few seconds, but it can also last one to two minutes.
Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but it can be very frightening for you as an owner to see your dog experiencing it.
When does reverse sneezing occur?
The exact cause of a reverse-sneezing episode is not known. An episode can occur when a dog is excited. Irritation of the nasal or throat passages, such as from irritants including mites, mucus, food, or foreign objects in the nose or throat, can also result in an episode.
In addition, a dog's soft palate can become irritated. When the soft palate is irritated, the muscle in it spasms, narrowing the windpipe. As a result, the dog tries to gasp for air; however, this is unsuccessful because the windpipe is narrowed. The dog then tries to breathe through its nose, causing reverse sneezing.
How do I treat reverse sneezing in my dog?
In many cases, no medication or medical treatment is needed when a dog experiences reverse sneezing. If your dog is reverse sneezing, it is important to keep the animal calm. Gently stroke your dog's neck and head and try to calm it down.
Reverse sneezing often stops when a dog swallows. There are several ways to encourage your dog to swallow. For example, gently rub your dog's throat to induce swallowing. You can also briefly cover your dog's nostrils (for 1 to 2 seconds). A final option is to gently blow into your dog's nose. It is important to be careful when doing this: if your dog is startled, it may bite reflexively.
If a dog experiences reverse sneezing several times a day, if the episodes keep lasting longer, or if the dog faints, it is important to contact the veterinarian. A veterinarian can then check whether something in the throat or nose is causing the problems.
