Dog Constantly Reverse Sneezing (Here’s Why)

Dog Reverse Sneezing vs Sneezing: What’s the Difference?

Regular sneezing in dogs happens when the nasal passages are irritated by things like dust, pollen, perfume, or a mild cold. Air is forcefully pushed out through the nose, often in short bursts, and it looks similar to human sneezing. Dogs usually act normal afterward, and occasional sneezing is rarely a concern.

Reverse sneezing, on the other hand, is caused by irritation at the back of the nose or soft palate. Instead of pushing air out, the dog rapidly pulls air in, making loud snorting, honking, or choking-like sounds. Episodes can look scary, but most dogs remain alert and recover within seconds to a minute.

Key difference:

• Sneezing = air forced out of the nose

• Reverse sneezing = air pulled in through the nose

While normal sneezing is often linked to environmental irritants, reverse sneezing is commonly triggered by allergies, excitement, pulling on a collar, post-nasal drip, or sudden temperature changes.

Occasional reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but frequent, worsening, or prolonged episodes—especially with nasal discharge, lethargy, or breathing difficulty—should be checked by a veterinarian.

Is reverse sneezing in dogs dangerous?

In most cases, reverse sneezing is not dangerous. It is a reflex that occurs when a dog’s soft palate or nasal passages are irritated, causing sudden, rapid inhalations that resemble choking or gasping.

While it can be alarming to watch, episodes are usually short-lived and harmless. However, if reverse sneezing becomes frequent, prolonged, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, or coughing, it may indicate an underlying respiratory problem that needs veterinary attention.

Dog Constantly Reverse Sneezing: Common Causes

Allergies 

Allergies are one of the most common causes of frequent reverse sneezing. When pollen, dust, mold, or airborne irritants enter the nasal passages, the lining becomes inflamed.

This inflammation triggers spasms of the soft palate, causing the snorting, honking, or inward gasping sound associated with reverse sneezing.

Dogs with allergies often have flare-ups during spring or fall, or whenever pollen counts are high. Indoor allergens like dust mites, scented candles, perfumes, and cleaning products can also cause persistent irritation.

When the nasal passages become swollen or itchy, the dog may reverse sneeze repeatedly to clear the irritation.

Some dogs also rub their face, lick their paws, or sneeze normally between episodes, showing that the inflammation is ongoing rather than isolated.

Read more: Dog reverse sneezing and not eating (Should you worry?)

 Nasal Mites or Small Irritants

Nasal mites are microscopic parasites that live inside the nasal passages. They cause severe irritation, itching, and inflammation, leading to repeated reverse sneezing episodes.

Dogs with nasal mites may rub their nose on furniture or the ground, sneeze frequently, or show clear discharge.

Even without parasites, tiny irritants—such as pollen grains, dust, seeds, or small pieces of grass—can lodge temporarily in the nasal cavity.

The body reacts by causing spasms of the soft palate, which results in clusters of reverse sneezing. Dogs that frequently bury their noses in grass, soil, or bushes are more likely to pick up debris that causes constant episodes.

Because irritants remain in the nasal cavity until cleared, the dog may reverse sneeze multiple times over several days.

Post-Nasal Drip or Throat Irritation

Irritation in the throat or back of the nasal cavity is a major trigger for reverse sneezing. Post-nasal drip from allergies, mild infections, or sinus irritation can cause mucus to collect near the soft palate.

When the soft palate becomes irritated, it spasms, triggering repeated reverse sneezing episodes.

Dogs may swallow excessively, cough lightly, or clear their throat before or after an episode. Reverse sneezing often worsens at night or after waking, when mucus shifts in the throat.

Dogs with long soft palates—such as brachycephalic breeds—are especially prone to this because their airway anatomy traps mucus more easily.

Excitement or Overstimulation

Some dogs reverse sneeze when excited, overstimulated, or suddenly active. The rapid change in airflow, increased heart rate, and quick movements cause the soft palate to vibrate or temporarily misalign. This triggers the strange inhaling spasms of reverse sneezing.

This type of reverse sneezing often happens during:

• Greeting guests.
• Preparing for a walk.
• Seeing another pet.
• Playtime.
• Returning home after an outing.

Excitement-induced episodes typically come in bursts but can occur frequently if the dog is naturally high-energy or anxious.

Temperature or Humidity Changes

Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can irritate the nasal passages. Cold air, dry indoor heating, or going from outdoors to indoors can cause swelling or dryness inside the nose.

This leads to constant reverse sneezing as the dog tries to clear the sensation.

Dry air makes the soft palate more sensitive, while cold air can trigger spasms. Dogs may reverse sneeze in the morning when the indoor air is dry or after going outside in cooler weather.

This cause is especially common during winter or in homes with strong air conditioning.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Mild upper respiratory infections—viral or bacterial—can cause frequent reverse sneezing due to inflammation in the nose and throat.

The swelling and mucus buildup irritate the soft palate and nasal passages, causing repeated episodes throughout the day.

Dogs with respiratory infections may also have runny eyes, congestion, coughing, or occasional lethargy. Reverse sneezing may appear at the beginning or end of the illness and may persist due to lingering inflammation.

Even minor infections can sensitize the airway, making reverse sneezing happen more often than usual.

Elongated Soft Palate 

Some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, have an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the airway.

When the soft palate vibrates or becomes irritated, the dog reverse sneezes in frequent, dramatic episodes.

Because the airway structure naturally restricts smooth airflow, even mild excitement, drinking water, or pressure on the throat can trigger reverse sneezing. The episodes may occur daily or weekly depending on the severity of the condition.

Older dogs with elongated soft palates sometimes develop more frequent episodes as tissues lose elasticity over time.

Inflammation After Eating or Drinking

Some dogs reverse sneeze immediately after eating or drinking because food particles or water briefly irritate the throat. This happens more often with fast eaters or dogs prone to mild reflux.

The sudden inhaling motion of reverse sneezing helps clear the sensation, so the dog may have several episodes right after meals. If this happens consistently, the dog may be experiencing mild esophageal irritation.

My dog has been reverse sneezing for 2 days

Reverse sneezing for multiple days, such as two or more, is unusual and should not be ignored. While occasional reverse sneezing is common, persistent episodes suggest ongoing irritation or a developing respiratory issue.

Causes could range from allergies and infections to foreign objects in the nasal passages. A veterinary evaluation is recommended to identify the cause and provide treatment if necessary.

Sudden onset of reverse sneezing in dogs

A sudden onset of reverse sneezing often occurs when the dog experiences acute irritation in the nasal passages or soft palate.

Triggers may include inhaling dust, pollen, perfume, strong scents, or a foreign object. Sudden episodes can be alarming but are typically short-lived and harmless.

However, if reverse sneezing appears suddenly and is severe, persistent, or accompanied by coughing, gagging, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, veterinary evaluation is recommended to rule out infections or structural abnormalities.

Related: Dog sneezing a lot suddenly (Here’s why) 

Senior dog constantly reverse sneezing

Reverse sneezing in senior dogs can be more noticeable due to age-related changes in the airways, such as weakened throat muscles, chronic inflammation, or nasal irritation.

While occasional reverse sneezing is usually harmless, constant episodes in older dogs may indicate allergies, nasal polyps, respiratory infections, or other underlying issues.

Persistent reverse sneezing in a senior dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out conditions that could affect breathing or quality of life.

Dog constantly reverse sneezing at night

Reverse sneezing at night is often more noticeable because the dog is less distracted and the airways are relaxed, allowing irritants in the throat or nasal passages to trigger the reflex.

Common causes include allergies, dust, pollen, or mild nasal inflammation, which can accumulate in the airway while the dog is resting.

Nighttime reverse sneezing is usually not dangerous, but frequent or prolonged episodes should be monitored, as they may indicate underlying respiratory issues that need veterinary attention.

Related: Dog sneezing excessively at night (When to worry)

Dog constantly reverse sneezing and shaking

If a dog is reverse sneezing frequently while also shaking, it may indicate significant airway irritation or discomfort, or even pain in the head, neck, or throat.

Shaking can be a response to the distress caused by repeated episodes or an attempt to dislodge an irritant.

This combination is more concerning than reverse sneezing alone and may signal allergies, infections, nasal obstruction, or foreign objects. Persistent reverse sneezing with shaking should be assessed promptly by a veterinarian to ensure there is no serious underlying condition.

Read more: Dog shaking and reverse sneezing

What to Do If Your Dog Is Constantly Reverse Sneezing

Start by remaining calm. Although reverse sneezing sounds dramatic, most episodes are short and harmless. Gently rub your dog’s throat to encourage swallowing, which helps reset the soft palate. You can also lightly cover the nostrils for a second to make your dog swallow and stop the spasm.

Move your dog to a calm, quiet area to reduce excitement or stress-related triggers. Check the environment for irritants such as perfumes, cleaning sprays, scented candles, dust, or smoke. Removing these can immediately lessen episodes.

If allergies are suspected, monitor outdoor exposure and consider wiping your dog’s face and paws after walks to remove pollen. Using a humidifier indoors can help soothe dry nasal passages during cold or dry seasons.

Make sure your dog is not inhaling irritants in the yard. Avoid letting them bury their face in grass or soil if this causes frequent episodes.

If reverse sneezing continues daily, worsens, or seems tied to illness, veterinary evaluation is important to rule out nasal mites, infections, dental issues, or anatomical problems.

Dog reverse sneezing getting worse

If a dog’s reverse sneezing is getting worse, it may signal increasing irritation or an unresolved underlying cause.

This could include worsening allergies, nasal mites, infections, or anatomical issues like elongated soft palate or nasal growths.

Worsening episodes should be documented—note their frequency, duration, and triggers—and assessed by a veterinarian, especially if the dog shows additional symptoms like gagging, coughing, or lethargy.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Contact your veterinarian if your dog:

• Reverse sneezes multiple times a day.
• Has episodes that last longer or occur back-to-back.
• Shows nasal discharge (yellow, green, or bloody).
• Coughs, gags, or struggles to swallow.
• Seems lethargic or refuses food.
• Has trouble breathing normally between episodes.
• Shows facial pain, pawing at the nose, or sudden. sneezing fits.
• Recently ate grass, chewed debris, or inhaled dust.

Seek emergency care if:

• Breathing becomes labored rather than just noisy.
• Your dog collapses or appears disoriented.
• The episode does not resolve and worsens over time.

Persistent reverse sneezing can sometimes indicate a deeper respiratory or structural issue.

Related: Dog sneezing excessively (Common Causes  and How to Help)

Key Takeaway

A dog constantly reverse sneezing is usually reacting to allergies, nasal irritation, throat inflammation, excitement, temperature changes, or airway sensitivity.

While most episodes are harmless, frequent reverse sneezing should never be ignored because it often reflects underlying irritation.

With observation, environmental adjustments, and veterinary guidance when needed, most dogs experience fewer episodes and breathe comfortably again.