Why does my dog do that?
What does it mean when my dog does a reverse sneeze?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Reverse sneezing, a loud, repeated snorting inhale through the nose with the neck stretched out, is a common, generally harmless reflex caused by irritation of the soft palate or throat, often from excitement, a sudden smell, or pulling on a collar. Episodes typically last under a minute and resolve on their own.
What is happening during an episode
During a reverse sneeze, a dog stands still, extends its neck, and pulls air in rapidly and repeatedly through the nose, producing a loud snorting or honking sound that can look and sound alarming, especially the first time an owner sees it, but it is a spasm of the throat and soft palate rather than a sign of choking or breathing failure.
Common triggers
Excitement, fast eating or drinking, a sudden strong smell, pollen, or pressure on the neck from a tight collar during a walk can all trigger an episode, and small and flat faced breeds tend to experience it more often given their narrower nasal and throat passages.
What to do during an episode
Gently stroking the throat, briefly covering the nostrils for a second, or offering a small lick of something tasty can sometimes shorten an episode, though most resolve on their own within 30 seconds to a couple of minutes without any intervention needed.
Key takeaways
- Reverse sneezing is a loud but generally harmless throat and soft palate reflex.
- Excitement, fast eating, strong smells, or collar pressure commonly trigger it.
- Small and flat faced breeds experience it more often due to narrower airways.
- Most episodes resolve on their own within about a minute.