How to stop reverse sneezing in dogs?

Reverse sneezing is one of those sudden, alarming noises that can make a dog lover freeze: rapid, loud inhalations, neck extended, and the dog appearing to snort or gasp. Most episodes are short and harmless, but because they look dramatic and can happen at home, on walks, or while traveling, it helps to understand what to do, when to worry, and how to reduce the chance of future events.

What Reverse Sneezing Means for Your Dog’s Health and Comfort

Owners notice reverse sneezing because it is noisy and unusual; that attention alone is a reason to learn a calm, consistent response. I typically see it in small and brachycephalic breeds — Pugs, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and many toy breeds — but any dog can have episodes. It matters when it interferes with daily life: repeated disruptions during sleep, episodes that scare a nervous dog or owner, or occurrences that complicate travel and boarding arrangements.

The emotional impact is real: people often worry their dog is choking or dying. That vigilance is useful, because some episodes are benign while others may point to a problem that needs attention. Knowing the difference lets owners act to interrupt an acute event, prepare a sitter with practical instructions, and decide whether a first-time episode, or a pattern of recurrence, should prompt a veterinary visit before a planned trip or kennel stay.

Fast, Practical Steps to Stop a Reverse Sneezing Episode

If your dog has a reverse sneezing episode, the two immediate priorities are to interrupt the spasm safely and to assess whether it settles quickly. Most episodes end within seconds to a couple of minutes and can be shortened by gentle calming measures. Seek veterinary care if breathing stays labored, the dog turns blue, or the episodes are frequent or worsening.

• Short calming techniques that may stop an episode: stay calm, gently hold the dog’s head level, softly stroke the throat, or briefly cover the nostrils to encourage a swallow and reset normal breathing.
• Episodes are usually benign when they are short, dog remains bright and eating normally afterward, and there is no nasal blood or distress; they are more concerning when prolonged, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms.
• Immediate veterinary attention is warranted if the dog shows blue gums, collapse, marked difficulty breathing, blood from the nose or mouth, or if you cannot restore normal breathing within a minute or two.

Inside the Reverse Sneeze: What’s Happening in Your Dog’s Airway

Reverse sneezing is a reflexive, rapid inhalation through the nose and throat that appears to originate from irritation of the nasopharynx — the area where the back of the nose meets the throat. When that mucosal area is irritated, airway reflexes may trigger a series of quick, noisy inhalations as the dog tries to clear the sensation. The soft palate can vibrate or move abnormally during this reflex, which contributes to the characteristic honking sound.

This pattern is different from ordinary coughing or aspiration. In coughs, air is expelled forcefully (an expiratory event) and may be associated with gagging, phlegm, or a deep, hacking sound. During reverse sneezing the dog typically leans forward or stretches the neck, inhales hard, and the sound is an inspiratory snort rather than an expiratory cough. Reverse sneezing may suggest upper airway or nasopharyngeal irritation rather than lower airway disease like bronchitis or aspiration.

Everyday Triggers: Dust, Allergens and Other Environmental Culprits

Episodes often follow brief exposure to an irritating stimulus. Airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold, household smoke, and strong perfumes or cleaning sprays may provoke an event. Sudden excitement, a burst of activity, or pressure on the neck from a tight collar or pulling on leash can also trigger the reflex by physically disturbing the nasopharynx. Seasonal allergies, quick temperature or humidity changes, and intense odors from cooking or other animals may be associated with more frequent episodes in sensitive dogs.

Red Flags: When a Reverse Sneeze Warrants a Vet Visit

Knowing which signs require a professional exam helps avoid unnecessary visits while catching serious problems early. Come in promptly or seek emergency care if you see blue or gray mucous membranes, collapse, persistent or worsening breathing difficulty, or if an episode does not calm within a few minutes. Recurrent or progressively worsening episodes that interfere with activity, episodes accompanied by blood from the nose or abnormal nasal discharge, or systemic signs like loss of appetite, weight loss, pronounced lethargy, or a chronic cough should be evaluated.

At the clinic, your veterinarian will want a history (timing, frequency, triggers, and any associated signs) and often an observation of the dog’s breathing. Depending on findings they may recommend diagnostics to look for nasal disease, airway inflammation, foreign material lodged in the nasopharynx, or other problems. Tests may include a physical exam, examination of the nose and throat, nasal swabs, X-rays, or referral to a specialist for endoscopy — but many dogs with occasional, isolated events do not need advanced testing.

Immediate Actions Owners Can Take to Calm and Help Your Dog

When an episode occurs, a calm, gentle approach is the safest and most effective. Below is a practical step-by-step order I give owners to try, with the reminder that video can be extremely helpful if you later consult your veterinarian.

1. Stay calm and time the episode. Your calm presence helps the dog relax and gives you a sense of how long it lasts.
2. Minimize stimulation: remove other dogs, loud noises, or sudden movements that may worsen excitement.
3. Try gentle throat stroking or briefly cover the nostrils for a second to encourage a swallow and re-establish normal breathing — do not force the nose closed or hold your dog tightly.
4. Offer a small amount of water or a calm treat once the dog relaxes; changing to an upright position can help some dogs.
5. Note duration, frequency, and any discharge or blood. If it doesn’t resolve within a minute or two, or breathing worsens, seek emergency care.

Home Prevention: Long‑Term Strategies to Reduce Episodes

Reducing exposure to common triggers can lower episode frequency. Regular housekeeping to keep dust and dander down, using a HEPA air purifier in sleeping areas, avoiding heavy fragrances and strong cleaning chemicals, and removing smokers or heavy smoke from a dog’s environment can make a difference, especially in dogs with sensitivity.

For dogs that react when their neck is pressured, switch to a well-fitted harness and address leash-pulling with positive training to reduce sudden neck strain. If allergies are suspected, a veterinarian-guided plan can include skin or blood testing, targeted antihistamine strategies, and environmental recommendations like hypoallergenic bedding and frequent laundering of sleeping areas. Food-related sensitivities are less commonly linked to reverse sneezing, but diet review can be part of an overall allergy plan when recommended by your veterinarian.

Behavioral strategies also help: if excitement frequently triggers episodes, use gradual desensitization and reward-based training to lower the intensity of greetings or activity. Short, repeated practice sessions that reinforce calm behavior on leash and during door greetings may reduce reflexive events over time.

Helpful (and Harmful) Gear: What to Use — and What to Avoid

Practical items that typically reduce risk include a padded, well-fitted harness to remove pressure from the neck, a HEPA air purifier for the main living area to reduce airborne particles, and easy-to-clean, hypoallergenic bedding to limit dust and mites. Keep fresh water accessible and use calming treats or chews when practicing training for excitement management.

Avoid nasal sprays, OTC decongestants, or human remedies unless directed by your veterinarian; some products are irritating or harmful to dogs. Also avoid choke chains, prong collars, and any gear that concentrates force on the neck, as repeated pressure may increase episodes.

Who to Contact: Vets, Specialists and When to Seek a Second Opinion

Your primary care veterinarian is the first and best contact for a new or changing pattern of reverse sneezing; they can examine the nose and throat, rule out obvious causes, and recommend tests or treatments. If an episode becomes an emergency — severe, prolonged breathing difficulty, collapse, or cyanosis — go to an emergency or urgent veterinary facility immediately.

For recurrent, unexplained, or complicated cases, a referral to a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist or a veterinary behaviorist may be appropriate: a specialist can perform advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy or imaging and develop a targeted medical or surgical plan if required, while a behaviorist can assist with structured training plans to reduce excitement-related triggers.

References and Trusted Resources for Further Reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Disorders in Dogs — Merck Veterinary Manual (section on nasal disease and clinical signs)
• VCA Hospitals: Reverse Sneezing in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals client information page on causes and first aid
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Reverse Sneezing (honking) — Cornell Feline and Canine Health resources
• Ettinger, S.J., & Feldman, E.C., Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th ed.: Respiratory System Disorders in Small Animals — chapter overview and diagnostic approaches
• Veterinary Partner (VIN): Reverse Sneezing in Dogs — clinical overview for practitioners and owners