Mary Allen
When sneezing backward, the dog suddenly gasps for air in rapid gulps. As disturbing as it sounds, the phenomenon is mostly harmless.
When it happens for the first time, owners often panic: without any warning, the dog suddenly sucks in air through the nose in rapid succession, almost like fits and starts. He stretches his head forward and his nose up as if he were struggling for air. Usually, a few seconds later the spook is over and the dog is completely normal again. A frightened and worried owner is left with the question: What was that?
“Reverse sneezing is no reason to panic. It occurs relatively frequently in dogs,” explains veterinarian Katharina Staub from Einsiedeln SZ and can thus calm down worried dog owners. Backward sneezing, also known as reverse sneezing, is actually not a real sneeze, but a protective reflex of the body. A muscle spasm is triggered by irritation in the nasopharynx above the soft palate. This shows up in the form of backward sneezing. “Similar to a sneezing fit or a cough, the dog cannot suppress the backward sneezing at the moment,” says Staub.
Tightness in the Throat Favors Attacks
Not all dogs are affected by reverse sneezing. Some reverse sneeze every once in a while, for others it’s almost a part of their normal lives. Dust believes there are numerous possible triggers for this. “Anything that can cause irritation in the nasopharynx can trigger reverse sneezing. Some dogs show reverse sneezing in everyday life, for example when they are excited, eating, or drinking hastily. » Such an episode is usually over after a few seconds. Short-headed dogs, also known as “brachycephalic” dogs, are more frequently affected. These include all dogs with a particularly round, short head that do not have a clear stop between the forehead and the nose, such as pugs, Pekingese, and bulldogs. But terriers also often go through such attacks. “All of these dogs have smaller larynxes and windpipes due to their anatomy, which makes it easier to irritate the soft palate because it’s a little narrower there,” explains Staub.
However, if the dog keeps sneezing backward and the seizures last longer, there could be other reasons, which the expert says should be better investigated by the vet. “If your own dog suddenly shows very heavy reverse sneezing, which is usually never does, you should go to the vet.” As with prolonged sneezing or nosebleeds, a foreign body in the nose or airways can be the cause of the attack. “If, for example, a blade of grass is stuck, the dog will constantly and violently sneeze backward,” says Staub.
It is the same with severe angina. “Inflammation in the pharynx caused by an infection or an allergy can also trigger reverse sneezing, especially if the pharynx is already narrowed by swelling of the mucous membrane and tonsils.” The vet can remove any foreign bodies or relieve any swelling or inflammation with medication. However, the examinations often remain inconclusive.
Dog Owners Can Calm Down
Unfortunately, even a veterinarian cannot prevent the attacks. Owners can still help their dogs. So you can try to prevent the triggers by finding out if the dog always sneezes backward in certain situations – for example when it is excited or stressed. If the phenomenon occurs mainly after eating or drinking, Staub advises helping the dog to take more time. However, it is also possible that the dog is allergic to chemicals, fragrances, or pollen or is irritated by these substances, causing it to sneeze backward.
For whatever reason the dog sneezes backward, the most important thing is: to keep calm. If you panic, the dog will get nervous too. “Most of the time, reverse sneezing sounds worse than it is. It passes quickly and requires no intervention,” explains Staub. Nevertheless, the vet thinks it is useful if owners do something during the attack. In her opinion, it is above all reassuring for the owners when they don’t have to stand by and watch.
Staub suggests just trying out what triggers the seizure faster in your dog. “A light neck massage helps some dogs, but not others.” A pat on the chest or a treat may help. “But it should calm the dog down and not upset him.” Dust, therefore, does not believe in measures such as pinching your nose. “A lot of dogs just don’t like that.”