Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Calming Tips to Calm Your Dog Down
What is reverse sneezing in dogs?
Reverse sneezing in dogs, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal breathing (IPR), actually has nothing to do with a dog catching a cold. It is a phenomenon caused by a muscle spasm at the junction of a dog’s mouth and throat or irritation of its soft palate. As a result, your windpipe narrows and spasms for about 30 seconds.
During this time, the dog makes frantic attempts to breathe through its nose. Because his windpipe is so small, he can’t take a full breath. As a pet owner, watching your dog struggling to breathe can be scary to watch.
You may be relieved to know that it is not harmful and that you can help your pet get through an episode safely using the tips below.
What reverse sneezing looks like in dogs
First off, you may be wondering what reverse sneezing in dogs looks and sounds like. Because the IPR is a sudden, involuntary respiratory reflex, it does not have the same characteristics as a normal sneeze. Instead, it involves a series of quick, forceful inhalations of air into the nose.
When a dog sneezes backwards, it makes a loud squawk, a snort, and a choking sound at the same time. The dog can maintain a very still position while he extends his neck and front legs. The pet’s chest and abdomen will move in and out quickly, as the following video shows.
How to treat reverse sneezing in dogs
The first thing you can do if your dog is experiencing a reverse sneeze is to maintain your composure. Keep in mind that your dog is not in immediate danger. You can prevent your anxiety from transferring to your dog by managing your own stress levels.
The episodes can occur at any time of the day and under any circumstances. So you shouldn’t be alarmed if you notice your dog sneezing backwards while sleeping or shortly after taking a long nap. It can also occur after playing, exercising, or eating. An episode can be triggered when they inhale dust, or it can happen completely randomly.
Relaxing tips to calm your dog
Pet owners can comfort and soothe their dogs during an IPD episode using a variety of techniques. Veterinarians and animal hospitals frequently use these methods because they help to release the spasm and end the episode. The next time your dog sneezes backwards, try the following:
- Talk to your dog in a soothing tone and gently massage his throat.
- Blow gently on your dog’s face to encourage swallowing.
- Gently cover your dog’s nostrils briefly to help him swallow.
- Open your dog’s mouth and gently press his tongue to relieve the spasms.
When using these methods, your dog must swallow several times, which will usually stop the reverse sneeze spasm. When trying to calm him down verbally, it may help to place him in a cool place or out in the open.
Talk to your dog in a calming tone and gently massage his throat.
Does Benadryl help reverse sneezing in dogs?
Avoid the temptation of giving your dog Benadryl to treat reverse sneezing. Although it might help end the episode, it won’t address the underlying problem. Additionally, Benadryl can have serious side effects in dogs when not administered correctly, and should only be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Is reverse sneezing harmful to my dog?
Some pet owners may be concerned that reverse sneezing is detrimental to their dogs’ health. They may worry that their dogs will choke or suffocate to death because they can’t breathe. However, the owner usually finds it much more frightening than the dog.
Veterinarians say that an occasional episode of DPI is not painful or harmful to your pet and has no negative consequences. After the episode (which lasts about 30 seconds), your dog should be back to normal.
However, if the episodes become more frequent or severe, your veterinarian should be consulted in case of an infection or other underlying medical condition. Some respiratory diseases can become chronic or even fatal if not treated properly.
When to talk to your vet
Your dog’s health shouldn’t be affected by occasional bouts of reverse sneezing, and most dogs don’t need medication. But some vets may suggest antihistamines if the condition is severe, persistent, and related to allergies.
You should always consult a veterinarian if your pet has persistent reverse sneezing (more than 2 episodes in 24 hours) or respiratory symptoms that affect their ability to breathe.
It is imperative to seek veterinary attention if your dog experiences recurrent episodes or other respiratory problems. These include coughing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, or just not feeling well. This will help identify if there are other issues present.
final thoughts
Reverse sneezing in dogs can occur in any breed of dog, but it seems to occur more frequently in brachycephalic dogs such as pugs and bulldogs. These breeds are believed to have longer soft palates and narrower tracheas. This can increase resistance to airflow in the airways and make them more likely to reverse the sneeze.
During an episode, remember to stay calm and help your dog by speaking in a soothing tone, gently massaging his throat, and coaxing him to swallow. This will help stop the spasms. Placing your dog in a cool area or outdoors may also help.
The condition is not considered harmful unless there are underlying medical conditions. Talk to your vet if your dog has had more than two episodes in 24 hours or if you have concerns about his health. Your vet may need to administer antihistamines or other medications.
Sources and further reading
This article is accurate and true to the best knowledge and belief of the author. It is not intended to replace the formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or advice of a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Luisa Fiolek