Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing: Causes, Risks & Best Protection for

Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing: Causes, Risks & Best Protection for Flat-Faced Breeds

wangvivien

May 22, 2025

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French Bulldog wearing a trachea-safe X-shaped harness to help reduce dog reverse coughing and sneezing

🐶 Is Your Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing a Lot? Don’t Ignore It—Especially If They’re a Flat-Faced Breed

Have you ever noticed dog reverse coughing and sneezing, where your dog suddenly inhales sharply, making a loud snorting sound—almost like a sneeze in reverse?

This behavior is commonly known as reverse sneezing. While it’s often harmless, frequent dog reverse coughing and sneezing can sometimes be a red flag—especially in flat-faced breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs with sensitive airways.

❓ What Is Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing?

dog reverse coughing and sneezing in a flat-faced French Bulldog

Dog reverse coughing and sneezing happens when something irritates your dog’s nasal passages, causing rapid and forceful inhalation. It often sounds like snorting or gagging and typically lasts from a few seconds to about a minute.

Common triggers include:

• Small breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like Frenchies, Pugs, and Boston Terriers

• Sudden excitement, environmental changes, or exposure to strong scents

🚨 What Causes Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing?

Dog reverse coughing and sneezing may be triggered by:

• Dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke, and airborne irritants

• Overexcitement or intense physical activity

• Dry air or sudden temperature changes

• Narrow nasal passages or structural airway issues (very common in flat-faced breeds)

Illustration showing common causes of dog reverse coughing and sneezing, including dust, smoke, temperature changes, and airway sensitivity in flat-faced dogs

⚠️ When Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing Isn’t So Harmless

In some cases, frequent dog reverse coughing and sneezing could signal a more serious condition—such as a collapsed trachea.

Illustration explaining collapsed trachea in dogs, showing weakened airway structure that can lead to dog reverse coughing and sneezing

❓ What Is a Collapsed Trachea?

A collapsed trachea occurs when the cartilage rings of a dog’s windpipe weaken or flatten, narrowing the airway and making breathing difficult. It is most common in:

• Toy and small breeds (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians)

• Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers)

Warning signs include:

• A dry, honking cough—especially when pulling on a leash

• Labored breathing or wheezing

• Gagging after excitement or eating

• Dog reverse coughing and sneezing that worsens over time

❌ Why Collars Can Make Dog Reverse Coughing and Sneezing Worse

If your dog has a sensitive trachea or shows signs of a collapsed trachea, collars can place direct pressure on the neck and airway, increasing respiratory strain. Pulling against a collar may worsen dog reverse coughing and sneezing, potentially leading to choking, persistent coughing, and long-term airway damage. According to VCA Animal Hospitals – Tracheal Collapse in Dogs, pressure on the neck can aggravate coughing and breathing difficulties in dogs with compromised airways.

That’s why we recommend switching to a no-pull, trachea-safe harness designed to avoid neck pressure entirely and better support your dog’s breathing comfort.