Why Is My Dog Reverse Sneezing
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Reverse sneezing in dogs: causes, what it looks like, how to help, and when it signals nasal mites or other problems.
Understanding This Symptom
As a dog owner, noticing changes in your pet's behavior or health is the first step to getting them the help they need. This article covers the most common causes, warning signs that indicate an emergency, and what you can expect at the veterinarian.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Drive to an emergency clinic immediately for: sudden laboured breathing, a distended and painful belly, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, or suspected toxin ingestion. These scenarios do not wait well.
Common Causes
Less Serious Causes
More Serious Causes
- Poisoning or toxic exposure
What to Watch For
- Lethargy or reluctance to move or play
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool
Home Care and First Steps
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will typically:
- Perform a thorough physical examination
Treatment Options
Prevention
Long-Term Management
When to Get a Second Opinion
Related Symptom Guides
- Why Is My Dog Not Eating?
- Why Is My Dog Shaking?
- Why Is My Dog Limping?
- Why Is My Dog Vomiting?
- Why Is My Dog Coughing?
Should I go to the emergency vet?
A single reverse-sneezing fit that ends with a normal dog can be described at the next visit. Go the same day if the episode does not stop, the gums turn blue, or the dog is also coughing and lethargic.
How much will treatment cost?
The visit checks the nose, the soft palate, and the chest sounds. Sedation to look deeper, or films, are added when the spells are getting longer. Ask for that estimate only if the exam says it is needed.
Can I treat this at home?
Video the episode. Gently covering the nostrils for a second or offering a drink sometimes ends a short fit. Allergies, a foreign blade of grass, and a collapsing trachea can look similar on a phone video, which is why the clinic still needs to see the dog if the fits are new.