Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing
We at Milo Naturals know how worrying dog reverse coughing and sneezing can be, especially when it suddenly looks like your dog is struggling, choking, or making a loud dog hacking cough out of nowhere. Many owners search “dog reverse coughing and sneezing” because the episodes look dramatic, but the good news is that most cases are harmless and stop within seconds.
We at Milo Naturals specialise in canine respiratory wellness, so in this guide we explain exactly what dog reverse coughing and sneezing is, why it happens, when it becomes serious, and how natural respiratory support — like our upcoming Milo Naturals Respiratory Support formula with Tiger Milk Mushroom, Cordyceps, Mullein Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Marshmallow Root and natural bacon flavouring — may help dogs with sensitive airways.
What Is Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing?
Dog reverse sneezing (paroxysmal respiration) is a reflex where your dog rapidly inhales air instead of exhaling like a typical sneeze. This can create a loud dog hacking cough sound, which is why many owners confuse dog reverse sneezing with choking or real coughing.
A typical episode looks like:
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Stiff body posture
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Head and neck stretched forward
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Repetitive inhaling/snorting motions
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A sound similar to a dog hacking cough
Episodes usually last 5–20 seconds and rarely require treatment.
Why Does My Dog Reverse Cough or Reverse Sneeze?
Understanding the triggers behind dog reverse coughing and sneezing can help reduce episodes. Here are the most common causes:
1. Irritants in the Air
Dogs often reverse sneeze when something irritates the soft palate or nasal passages, such as:
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Dust
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Pollen
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Perfume
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Cleaning products
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Smoke
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Dry air
Many dogs sensitive to these irritants also experience a dog hacking cough, especially during allergy season.
Natural support ingredients like nettle leaf and mullein leaf — found in Milo Naturals Respiratory Support — may help maintain airway comfort.
2. Excitement or Pulling on the Lead
Excitement, fast breathing, or pressure on the throat can easily trigger dog reverse coughing and sneezing.
Commonly affected breeds include:
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Pugs
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French Bulldogs
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Yorkies
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Shih Tzus
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Dachshunds
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Chihuahuas
Their anatomy makes them more prone to upper-airway spasms.
3. Throat Irritation
Anything that irritates the throat or soft palate can trigger a reverse breathing episode, including:
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Eating too fast
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Drinking cold water
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Dry throat
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Post-nasal drip
Throat-soothing botanicals like marshmallow root help coat the throat and may reduce sensitivity.
4. Allergies
Allergy-prone dogs often experience:
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Reverse sneezing
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Eye watering
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Dog hacking cough
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Nasal irritation
👉 Buy Milo Naturals Respiratory Support Here: Shop Now (includes tiger milk mushroom, nettle leaf and cordyceps and more, which are known in traditional herbal wellness for supporting allergy-related airway comfort).
5. Anatomy & Breed Predisposition
Small breeds or brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs) get dog reverse coughing and sneezing more often due to:
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Narrow nasal passages
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Long soft palate
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Compressed airways
Is Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing Dangerous?
Usually, no.
Dog reverse sneezing is harmless and often stops on its own.
However, it may indicate something more serious if:
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Episodes become more frequent
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Each episode lasts more than 30 seconds
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Your dog is distressed afterward
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There is discharge from the nose
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A persistent dog hacking cough develops
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Your dog also shows lethargy or appetite loss
If these occur, a vet check is essential.
How to Stop a Reverse Sneezing Episode
During dog reverse coughing and sneezing, you can gently help:
✔ Massage the throat
Calms the soft palate and promotes swallowing.
✔ Briefly cover the nostrils
Encourages one strong swallow, which often stops the spasm immediately.
✔ Keep your dog calm
Lower stimulation and use a soft voice.
✔ Avoid irritants
Keep your home free of strong scents, smoke, dust, and aerosols.
Natural Airway Support for Dogs Who Reverse Sneeze
If your dog frequently experiences reverse sneezing or a mild dog hacking cough, natural respiratory support may help keep the airways calm.
Our upcoming Milo Naturals Respiratory Support formula contains:
Tiger Milk Mushroom
Known for its powerful respiratory benefits and lung comfort.
Cordyceps
Supports oxygen uptake and overall respiratory function.
Mullein Leaf
Traditionally used to help maintain clear airways.
Nettle Leaf
Supports dogs with seasonal allergies and environmental triggers.
Marshmallow Root
Coats and soothes the throat to reduce irritation.
All gently flavoured with natural bacon, making daily use easy and enjoyable for your dog.
When to See a Vet About Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing
Seek veterinary care if:
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Episodes happen daily
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Breathing looks difficult afterwards
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There is frequent dog hacking cough
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Your dog collapses or panics
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Nasal discharge becomes cloudy or bloody
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Appetite or energy drops noticeably
Reverse sneezing itself is harmless — but paired symptoms may indicate:
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Nasal mites
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Infection
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Dental issues
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Collapsing trachea
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Heart-related coughing
If your dog is simply coughing a lot, feel free to check out our blog post here: Why is my dog coughing?
FAQ: Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing (Short & SEO-Optimised)
1. What is dog reverse coughing and sneezing?
A harmless reflex where dogs inhale repeatedly, often sounding like a dog hacking cough, but caused by irritation of the soft palate.
2. Why does my dog suddenly reverse sneeze?
Triggers include allergies, irritants, pulling on a lead, excitement, or throat irritation.
3. Is dog reverse coughing and sneezing dangerous?
Usually not. It’s only concerning if episodes become frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by breathing issues.
4. How do I stop a reverse sneeze episode?
Gently massage the throat, cover the nostrils briefly, and keep your dog calm.
5. Can supplements help reduce episodes?
Yes — natural botanicals like mullein, nettle, marshmallow root, cordyceps, and tiger milk mushroom (found in Milo Naturals Respiratory Support) may soothe sensitive airways.
References
[1] Tiger Milk Mushroom – Respiratory Health
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00461/full
[2] Cordyceps – Oxygen & Respiratory Function
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
[3] Nettle Leaf – Airway & Allergy Support
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19140159/
[4] Mullein Leaf – Respiratory Therapy Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647/
[5] Marshmallow Root – Throat & Cough Relief
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30064132/