Reverse sneezing in dogs is caused by irritation or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, particularly in the nasopharynx (the area at the back of the nose and throat). This irritation triggers a reflex causing the dog to rapidly inhale air through the nose, producing a loud snorting or honking sound
. Common causes of this irritation include:
- Allergens such as dust, pollen, and plants
- Excitement or overexertion
- Pulling hard on the leash
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Foreign material like seeds or plant matter in the nasal passages
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- Nasal mites or parasites
- Excessive mucus
- Anatomical issues such as an elongated soft palate, especially common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like pugs and bulldogs
Reverse sneezing is generally harmless and often resolves on its own within seconds to a minute. It is thought to be a mechanism to clear irritants from the nasal passages
. If episodes are frequent or severe, veterinary evaluation may be needed to rule out underlying problems such as masses or chronic infections
. In summary, reverse sneezing is caused by irritation or inflammation in the upper airway triggered by various environmental, anatomical, or infectious factors.
