It can be alarming when you get to suddenly hear your dog making a strange choking, snorting or gasping sound. You may wonder if they are struggling to breathe or that something is struck in their throat. You may take it for choking, but in many cases, that sound just might be your dog reverse sneezing.

Reverse sneezing is a common reflex in dogs that can cause noisy and rapid breaths through the nose. It is harmless and passes in a short period(say for 20-30 seconds), but if it starts to affect your dog’s quality of life, you should go for the medical treatment as soon as possible. It can look dramatic to you the first time you experience it with your dog, but just remember that it will pass in a short time.

However, as a pet parent, it becomes important for you to know what it is, how it gets triggered, and when a dog making choking noise may need medical attention.

What is Dog Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing happens when your dog rapidly inhales through its nose. It is different from sneezing normally, where air is forcefully pushed out through the nose. A reverse sneezing involves taking repeated inward breaths.

While some dogs may appear as they are choking or having trouble breathing, most of the dogs, during this episode, may suddenly stop, stretch their neck, widen their eyes and make some loud snorting or honking sounds.

As a new pet parent, this can be a frightening sight for you. The good news for you is that it usually is very brief and harmless. And once it stops, your dog may start reacting normally, as if nothing has happened.

Why is my Dog making a Choking Noise?

There might be several reasons as to why a dog starts snorting, gagging or making weird and unusual breathing sounds suddenly.

This can happen due to some common triggers that include:

• Dust
• Perfume or cleaning products with strong smell
• Smoke
• Sudden excitement or some sudden activity
• Pulling against a collar or leash
• Eating or drinking quickly
• Change in temperature

However, your dog can start the episode without any obvious trigger too.

If your dog has small episodes, and then starts reacting normally, it can be reverse sneezing. But, repeated episodes or other symptoms should not be considered as the same.

What Does Reverse Sneezing Look Like?

A reverse sneezing can make your dog look like they are having difficulty breathing. The typical signs that can mean reverse sneezing are:

• Repeated inward breaths
• Repeated snorting sound
• Stretched out neck
• Head held forward
• Sudden stillness
• Gagging or choking like sound
• Episodes that stop on their own

You may also notice your dog breathing funny for some seconds and then returning to normal. You do not have to worry. In some cases, the dogs have these episodes more frequently, while the others experience this occasionally.

How to Stop Reverse Sneezing in a Dog?

As a dog parent, if you are wondering how to stop reverse sneezing in a dog, the first step is to stay calm. Your panic can make the scene more stressful as your dog might already be startled by the sensation.

What you should do in this situation:

✦ Stay calm and reassure your dog: Your dog is already startled, you should try to talk to the dog calmly and avoid any sudden movement.

✦ Move away from the possible irritants: Take your dog away to somewhere it can have fresh air if you are near smoke, strong perfume or any other possible irritants.

✦ Let your dog settle: Avoid giving water or food to your dog during this time.

✦ Gently stroke your dog’s neck or head: If your dog is comfortable with being touched at the time, gently stroke its neck and head to make it comfortable.

✦ Observe the episode: When the episode is happening, you should observe how long it lasts and what possible thing is triggering it.

In many cases, this would stop without any interference. If it is happening regularly, you should try to identify the pattern.

Is Dog Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

The question, is dog reverse sneezing dangerous, can be answered when you identify whether your dog is experiencing these episodes for short times and then being normal. It cannot be considered dangerous in this case.

However , not every choking or loud breathing sound can be considered as reverse sneezing.

You should contact your veterinarian when the episodes are very frequent, lasting longer than usual, or are happening along with constant coughing, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, less appetite, tiredness, difficulty in breathing or weakness.

The sound that every dog's reverse cough or choking sound is making is very harmless.

Home Remedies for Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

There are many simple changes that can help reduce the triggers that cause this. There are certain home remedies for reverse sneezing in dogs, but they cannot be considered as something that can be used as a substitute for the veterinary visit.

✦ Keep irritants away: You should keep things like strong perfumes, smoke, air fresheners, etc. away from your dog.

✦ Keep the environment comfortable: A good ventilated home can help your dog reduce irritants that are airborne. If your dog is very much allergic to dust, try to wash your dog’s bed regularly.

✦ Use a harness: If your dog experiences reverse sneezing when pulling against a collar, switching to a properly fitted no pull dog harness can help reduce pressure around the neck. Make sure the harness fits comfortably and does not restrict your dog’s movement or breathing

✦ Keep a track of triggers: You should note down when the episodes are happening, and what are the triggers that are affecting it.

✦ Use a Licking Mat: A licking mat for dogs can help keep your dog calm and occupied during stressful moments. Spread some dog-safe food on the mat to encourage licking and provide a relaxing activity that may help reduce stress and boredom.

Identifying the triggers and the patterns would help you and your veterinarian understand what is happening and how it is happening.

You should avoid putting your finger into your dog’s mouth during the reverse-sneezing episode. It might cause injury for your dog unknowingly, or your dog can also bite your finger if you try to retrieve something during this episode.

Final Thoughts

Dog reverse sneezing can sound frightening to you when your dog suddenly starts to choke or have trouble breathing. However, in many cases, the short episodes are a simple reflex caused by some irritation in the nose or throat.

The best way to deal with it is to stay calm, try to remove the possible triggers and observe your dog’s behaviour before and after it happens. You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms are prolonged and it doesn’t stop in a short period of time.

Understanding when your dog needs medical attention and when the situation is just a strange funny snort is very essential to follow up appropriately in case of need for your dog.