Backward sneezing in dogs: THAT is really behind it

There is a very specific phenomenon in dogs: The backward sneeze.

What’s the deal with this reverse sneezing in dogs on yourself? Is it dangerous? Do you have to go to the vet immediately? Or are there home remedies that help with reverse sneezing?

You will find the answers to these questions in the following guide.

What is reverse sneezing in dogs?

The name reverse sneezing may already tell you: This type of sneezing takes place in the opposite direction.

So backwards instead of forwards. This phenomenon is also known under the English term «Reverse snowing».

It can occur in a wide variety of situations, and several times a day. It doesn’t really matter if it happens while you’re sleeping or at night.

In some cases, reverse sneezing can result of a cold be. But also stress is one of the possible triggers.

Interesting:

What does reverse sneezing actually sound like? This reflex produces a sound that is reminiscent of a combination of snoring, Sneeze and rattle remind. In other words, it’s a noise that can certainly send a fright through your limbs – if you don’t know it.

Is reverse sneezing dangerous for my dog?

Back sneezing is not in and of itself an uncommon phenomenon in dogs. In fact, it can already occur shortly after your dog has eaten.

Perhaps a bite went down the wrong throat or nostril? Then a reverse sneeze reflex can be the result.

However, the cause can also have a more serious background. Namely when tonsillitis or sore throatalso called tonsillitis or pharyngitis, is behind this sneezing.

These diseases can be quite dangerous – and make a visit to the vet necessary.

Causes: where does reverse sneezing come from?

It has not yet been fully clarified where reverse sneezing comes from. As the most likely trigger Throat, throat or larynx irritation considered.

Why it is like that? The irritation causes the throat and soft palate to spasm. This triggers the backward sneeze reflex.

These factors can also be considered as triggers: snoringeating, pollen, playing, tonsillitis, a collar that is too tight and allergies.

How often is reverse sneezing normal?

Unfortunately there is no benchmarkwhich allows you to see how often this phenomenon is considered «normal».

Because veterinarians in particular say that reverse sneezing can happen very often. They also conclude that in most cases there is no need to worry or panic.

Good to know:

Just at brachycephalic dog breeds – i.e. breeds with a shortened skull and snout – Is it completely normal for them to sneeze backwards?

These breeds include but are not limited to: Bulldogs, Pugs, Shi Tzus, Boxers, Pekingese, Boston Terriers and many more.

If you are a roommate of one of these breeds, you are probably aware of this fact. As well as the fact that other health problems can also arise here.

Backward sneezing won’t stop: what to do?

The following applies to all medical abnormalities: If these do not stop, action must be taken or treated.

But how can such treatment, if necessary, look like? It should be particularly effective if you Gently massage your dog’s larynx. This allows you to release the cramp that is responsible for the reflex.

Maybe you know the following measure of you, if you have choked? If you are then patted on the back, it helps with canine reverse sneezing the pounding on the chest.

If the backward sneezing doesn’t stop at all, you should definitely take your fur nose to the vet. And it makes absolutely no difference whether or not they belong to one of the dog breeds listed in the following section.

Interesting:

There is also a very safe home remedy – this popular treats. Because this causes the swallowing reflex is triggered. This in turn means that the sneeze reflex is turned off or suppressed.

Which breeds of dogs are particularly prone to backward sneezing?

There are some dog breeds that are predestined to sneeze backwards, unfortunately.

These are almost exclusively breeds with a short snout or a short head. This is partly the result of unhealthy breeding.

Particularly affected are, among others, the pugthe French bulldog and the Maltese. Also the chihuahuathe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the boxer are counted among the breeds that often suffer from reverse sneezing.

Video: This is what reverse sneezing looks like in a dog

When should I go to the vet?

As always, the need for a vet visit depends on how long a condition lasts. Even if your dog sneezes backwards.

As you now know, this phenomenon can also hide a health problem.

And with such a Going to the experts is always a must. This is the only way you can find out whether backward sneezing is breed-related or just an illness or stress.

Conclusion

What sounds like a mixture of rattling, snoring and sneezing is probably one of the strangest dog phenomena: backward sneezing.

The Triggers are diverse – and in some cases can be found in the dog breed and the anatomical makeup of the dog’s head.

Often harmlesscan but also diseases hide behind reverse sneezing.

What experiences have you had with reverse sneezing? And how did you get this under control for and with your dog?

We look forward to your comments and tips in the comments.