How Can I Help My Dog With Reverse Sneezing?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What Should I Do If My Dog Reverse Sneezes? A common remedy is to

hold the dog’s nostrils closed for a second and lightly massage its throat to calm him

. Lightly blowing in his face may also help. This should cause the dog to swallow a couple of times, which will usually stop the spasm of the reverse sneeze.

When should I take my dog to the vet for reverse sneezing?

When To Come In

While the occasional reverse sneeze is usually nothing to worry about,

if it increases in frequency or becomes worse

, it’s best to have your pet seen by your veterinarian. If not properly addressed, some respiratory illnesses can be contagious to other pets, become chronic or even be life-threatening.

Why does it sound like my dog is reverse sneezing?


Allergies to pollen and plants are some of the most common triggers for reverse sneezing episodes

. Instead of sneezing as a response to these environmental factors, dogs may reverse sneeze. Nasal mites can also sometimes be a contributing factor in reverse sneezing.

Does reverse sneezing hurt dogs?

Reverse sneezing is super-common, and

it won’t hurt your dog

. However, some dogs become anxious during a reverse sneezing episode, and a lengthy episode may be uncomfortable.

What does reverse sneezing look like?

How long does a reverse sneeze last in dogs?

A strange dog behavior for sure, they will stand still, extend the neck, and make snorting or honking noises. A reverse sneeze can last for

a full minute or so

, but once they exhale through the nose this alarming episode concludes.

What does a dog with a collapsed trachea sound like?

The sound of the cough of a dog with a collapsed trachea makes is very distinct. It is most often described as

a harsh, dry cough that sounds similar to a honking goose

.

Why does my dog have Snort attacks?


Reverse sneezing

is characterized by honking, hacking or snorting sounds (gasping inwards). It primarily occurs when the dog is excited, but it can also happen after drinking, eating, running, or pulling on the leash.

Why does my dog sound like he has something in his throat?

Kennel cough is a dry, hacking, persistent cough that can sound like the dog has something stuck in its throat. This dry hack is often followed by gagging or retching that sounds like the dog is coughing up a hairball, like a cat.

How can you tell the difference between kennel cough and reverse sneezing?

What are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough? Signs of kennel cough include a dry cough or a “reverse sneeze.”

A reverse sneeze sounds like a sniffling cough through the nose and signifies post-nasal drip or a tickle in the throat

.

Why is my dog snort like a pig?

A snort is an act of snuffling or snorting. Snorting like a pig

can happen when your dog has an irritated nose, which causes mucus to build up in their sinuses that they then blow out through their nostrils

. Sometimes this is accompanied by snoring sounds and wheezing.

Should I give my dog Benadryl for reverse sneezing?


Don’t Give Benadryl For Reverse Sneezing

Benadryl will usually stop a reverse sneezing attack. But it just suppresses the symptom. It doesn’t cure the underlying cause of your dog’s reverse sneezing. Benadryl is easy to overdose and can cause serious side effects in your dog.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog for reverse sneezing?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is

2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound

. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog’s symptoms.

Why does my dog reverse sneeze at night?

Reverse sneezing is

believed to be caused by a temporary spasm of the muscles of the larynx

. The most common cause of reverse sneezing is an irritation of the soft palate and throat that results in a spasm. The dog’s neck will “stretch outward” and the chest will expand during the spasm as it tries harder to inhale.

How much reverse sneezing is too much?

In the vast majority of cases it’s really nothing to worry about,

no more than you would a regular sneeze

. And like a regular sneeze, it’s only if your dog’s reverse sneezing becomes persistent that you might need to seek help from your vet.

How do you know if your dog has tracheal collapse?

What are the clinical signs? The most common clinical sign is a

persistent, dry, harsh cough

. It is sometimes described as a ‘goose honk’ cough. The cough may worsen at night, with excitement, with pressure on the trachea – such as from a collar, during hot or humid weather, or immediately after eating or drinking.

How often does reverse sneezing occur?

A reverse sneezing episode can last for several seconds to a minute, although longer durations have been reported. It isn’t uncommon for a dog to have two episodes in a 24-hour period. Episodes of reverse sneezing more frequent than

twice a day

are uncommon, and may merit a visit to the vet.

Is reverse sneezing the same as tracheal collapse?

Dogs that are reverse sneezing sound like they’re sneezing and inhaling at the same time.

Dogs that are experiencing tracheal collapse make a sound similar to a goose honk

. They may also have labored breathing — even when they are not making a honking sound.

How Long Can dogs live with collapsed trachea?

A dog with a collapsing trachea will survive for

up to two years

after being diagnosed. A dog’s survival with this disease can be doubled to 4 years or more with surgical operations. You can help a dog live a longer life by taking extra precautions to help them treat their symptoms.

Is collapsed trachea in dogs painful?

While it is true that, as a condition affecting the respiratory system, tracheal collapse may cause dogs to suffer from increased difficulty breathing and coughing, this

does not always mean the dog is in pain

. Dogs may also be able to manage their symptoms by limiting exercise or taking medications for discomfort.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.