Reverse Sneeze VS Sneezing

Photo Credit: http://justsomething.co/the-23-funniest-photos-cats-dogs-mid-sneeze/

​You're sitting in your living room and all of a sudden you hear a ruckus in the next room. It sounds like a wild hog has overtaken your dining room and is in the middle of redecorating your walls with snot. 

Nope. It's just your dog...reverse sneezing. 

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, consider yourself lucky as most dogs suffer from reverse sneezing at some point or another, though there are breeds that are more susceptible to the phenomenon. 

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First, lets start by defining the difference between a regular old sneeze, and a reverse sneeze. 

• Regular sneezes generally cause a dogs head to move in a downward movement, sometimes resulting in a nose plant. 
• Reverse sneezes cause the head to move backwards, as if they were trying to look at the ceiling. Instead of blowing air out, they suck air in...hence resulting in a snorting like sound. 

Reverse sneezes are not harmful, though they can be uncomfortable. They can last for a few minutes or just a few seconds. If your dog seems to be in a reverse sneeze fit, gently blow in their face. This will cause them to take a deep breath in, interrupting the reverse sneeze and hopefully ending the fit. 

Reverse sneezing is also known as backwards sneezing, or paroxysmal respiration and is most common in breeds with Brachycephalic skulls, like pugs and bulldogs. Brachycephalic skulls are broad and short. Below is a list of dogs who may suffer from reverse sneezing, though it is possible in any breed. 

1. Boxer
2. Boston Terrier 
3. Staffordshire Terrier 
4. Cane Corso 
5. Pugs 
6. Shar-Pei 
7. French Bulldog 
8. Shih Tzu
9. Bullmastiff 
10. Chow 

So what causes reverse sneezing? Reverse sneezing is caused by a spasm of the soft palate and throat likely caused by an irritant, like an allergen. Your pup probably got too close to a dandelion, or inhaled some dust. In rare cases, medication may be required if your dog suffers from severe allergies causing frequent reverse sneezing fits. Otherwise, the fit will pass and the wild hog will transform back into your lovable pooch.  

Photo Credit: www.reddit.com