--- title: "Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: UK Guide" description: "Reverse sneezing sounds like rapid inward snorting — often harmless in small breeds. Calm your dog and note triggers. See when to call your vet." url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-reverse-sneezing" canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-reverse-sneezing" date_published: "2026-06-25" date_modified: "2026-06-25" source: "PETHEALTH+" --- # Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: UK Guide **Reverse sneezing is usually harmless** — your dog pulls air rapidly inward through the nose with a snorting or honking sound, neck extended. Episodes last seconds to a minute. **Calm your dog and note triggers.** See a vet if episodes are frequent, paired with discharge, or breathing stays laboured afterward. ## Reverse sneezing vs normal sneezing Normal sneezing **expels** air outward to clear the nose. **Reverse sneezing** — also called inspiratory paroxysmal respiration — pulls air **inward** rapidly through the nose. It sounds alarming but is usually a benign reflex. **Usually harmless:** - Short episodes lasting **seconds to one minute** - Dog returns to normal immediately afterward - Triggered by excitement, pulling on the lead, or dust - Occasional episodes in small or flat-faced breeds **Needs investigation:** - Episodes becoming **much more frequent** - **Nasal discharge** — yellow, green, or bloody - **Difficulty breathing** between episodes - **Collapse** or extreme distress after an episode - Episodes paired with [coughing](/health/why-is-my-dog-coughing) or [sneezing with discharge](/health/why-is-my-dog-sneezing) ## Common triggers in UK dogs | Trigger | Typical signs | Notes | |-------|---------------|-------| | **Excitement or play** | Brief honking after greeting or play | Resolves quickly | | **Lead pressure** | Episode when pulling on collar | Harness may reduce triggers | | **Allergens and irritants** | Seasonal or after hoovering | See [Dog allergies](/health/dog-allergies-and-itching) | | **Post-nasal drip** | After upper respiratory infection | May follow [Kennel cough](/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs) | | **Foreign body** | Sudden violent episodes, one nostril | Grass seeds — vet removal needed | | **Nasal mites or infection** | Frequent episodes with discharge | Needs examination | | **Anatomical factors** | Common in brachycephalic breeds | May overlap with breathing issues | ### What it looks like Your dog suddenly stands still with **neck extended**, **elbows spread**, and makes rapid **snorting or honking** sounds while pulling air through the nose. Eyes may bulge slightly. Then it stops — often as abruptly as it started. ## When to see a vet urgently Phone your vet **the same day** or use **emergency out-of-hours care** if: - **Difficulty breathing** that does not resolve after the episode - **[Pale or blue gums](/health/dog-pale-gums)** or open-mouth breathing at rest - **Bloody nasal discharge** or violent sneezing that will not stop - **Collapse** or extreme distress after an episode - **Choking** suspected — gagging without the typical reverse sneeze pattern Book a **routine appointment within a few days** for episodes that are increasing in frequency or paired with nasal discharge. ## Home care during an episode While an episode is happening: - Stay **calm** — your dog picks up on anxiety - Gently **massage the throat** or briefly cover the nostrils to encourage swallowing — some dogs stop sooner - Speak softly and reduce stimulation - **Video the episode** if safe — helps your vet **Between episodes, note:** - **Triggers** — walks, excitement, perfumes, cleaning products - **Frequency** — daily, weekly, or occasional - **Other symptoms** — [eye discharge](/health/dog-eye-discharge), [coughing](/health/why-is-my-dog-coughing), or [bad breath](/health/dog-bad-breath-causes) **What you can do at home:** - Use a **harness** instead of a collar if lead pulling triggers episodes - Reduce **strong scents** — air fresheners, smoke, dusty bedding - Keep vaccinations and **kennel cough** protection up to date for social dogs - Wipe **clear nasal discharge** gently with a damp cloth **What not to do:** - Do not assume every snorting sound is reverse sneezing — **choking** is different - Do not poke objects into the nostril - Do not ignore **frequent episodes with discharge** ## What your vet may do If episodes are frequent or atypical, examination may include checking the nostrils, throat, and teeth. Your vet might recommend: - **Sedated nasal exam** if a foreign body is suspected - **Treatment for underlying infection** or allergies - **Allergy management** if irritants are the main trigger - **Referral** if anatomical breathing problems are suspected in flat-faced breeds Most dogs need no treatment — understanding the reflex and reducing triggers is enough. ## Related guides - [Why is my dog sneezing?](/health/why-is-my-dog-sneezing) - [Why is my dog coughing?](/health/why-is-my-dog-coughing) - [Kennel cough in dogs](/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs) - [Dog allergies and itching](/health/dog-allergies-and-itching) - [Dog eye discharge](/health/dog-eye-discharge) ## FAQs ### Is reverse sneezing dangerous? Usually not — episodes last seconds to a minute and resolve on their own. Persistent breathing difficulty, nasal discharge, or collapse after episodes needs veterinary investigation. ### Which breeds reverse sneeze most? Small breeds and brachycephalic dogs are commonly affected. Excitement, pulling on the lead, and irritants in the nose often trigger episodes. ### Can allergies cause reverse sneezing? Yes — dust, pollen, perfumes, and strong cleaning products can irritate the nasal passages. Seasonal patterns may overlap with other allergy signs. ### Should I record an episode for my vet? Yes — a short video helps your vet distinguish reverse sneezing from choking, collapse, or kennel cough. Note what happened just before the episode. ## Sources - [PDSA — Dog health advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub) - [Blue Cross — Dog health and injuries](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice) - [RSPCA — Dogs](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs) Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-reverse-sneezing Last modified: 2026-06-25