Dog Reverse Sneeze Or Kennel Cough
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Key Takeaways
- Reverse sneezing, or paroxysmal respiration, is a benign reflex characterized by rapid, forceful inhalation producing a honking or snorting sound, typically lasting seconds to a minute and often triggered by excitement, allergens, or rapid eating.
- Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by agents like Bordetella bronchiseptica and various viruses, manifesting as a persistent dry, hacking cough with potential gagging, foam production, and systemic signs like lethargy or fever.
- Differentiating the two involves assessing the sound (inward snort for reverse sneeze vs. outward hack for kennel cough), duration (brief vs. days/weeks), and presence of other clinical signs (absent in reverse sneeze, present in kennel cough).
- Home management for reverse sneezing focuses on calming the dog and minimizing irritants, while kennel cough management includes rest, harness use, humidification, and isolation from other dogs for 10-14 days.
- Veterinary consultation is indicated for persistent coughing (>1 week), signs of respiratory distress, systemic illness, or in high-risk populations (puppies, seniors, brachycephalic breeds), with diagnostics potentially including physical examination, auscultation, and potentially tracheal swabs.
- Prevention of kennel cough involves vaccination against key pathogens (e.g., Bordetella, parainfluenza) and avoiding exposure to infected individuals, particularly in environments like boarding kennels or dog parks.
Hearing your dog make strange, honking, or gasping sounds can be alarming. Two common culprits are reverse sneezing and kennel cough. While both involve the respiratory tract, they have very different causes and treatments. Understanding whether your dog is reverse sneezing or has kennel cough helps you decide when to comfort them at home and when a vet visit is needed.
Quick Q&A: Common Questions
Question: How can I tell if my dog is reverse sneezing or has kennel cough?
Answer: Reverse sneezing is a rapid, forceful inhalation that sounds like a honking snort, often triggered by excitement or irritation. Kennel cough is a persistent dry, hacking cough that may produce foam or gagging, similar to a goose honk. Reverse sneezing episodes are brief and end on their own, whereas kennel cough lasts for days and may include other symptoms like lethargy or nasal discharge.
What Is Reverse Sneezing?
Reverse sneezing, medically termed paroxysmal respiration, is a reflex caused by irritation in the soft palate or throat. Instead of forcefully expelling air like a regular sneeze, your dog rapidly inhales, producing a snorting, choking, or honking sound. The episode often lasts 30 seconds to a minute, and dogs typically appear normal immediately after.
Common Triggers for Reverse Sneezing
- Excitement or stress
- Allergens (pollen, dust, smoke)
- Eating or drinking too fast
- Pulling on a leash (pressure on the neck)
- Nasal mites (less common)
Reverse sneezing is not harmful and usually requires no treatment. You can help your dog by gently massaging their throat, covering their nostrils briefly to encourage swallowing, or offering a calm environment.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (parainfluenza, adenovirus). It inflames the trachea and bronchi, leading to a dry, hacking cough that may sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat.
Key Symptoms of Kennel Cough
- Persistent cough that worsens with activity or excitement
- Gagging, retching, or production of white foam
- Clear nasal discharge or mild fever
- Lethargy and reduced appetite in more serious cases
Unlike reverse sneezing, kennel cough can last 10 to 20 days. While many dogs recover without treatment, severe cases may require antibiotics or cough suppressants.
How to Differentiate: Reverse Sneezing vs. Kennel Cough
Observing the behavior closely helps distinguish between the two.
| Feature | Reverse Sneezing | Kennel Cough |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Snorting, honking, gasping inwards | Dry, hacking, honking on exhale |
| Duration | Seconds to a minute | Days to weeks |
| Triggers | Excitement, allergens, eating | Exposure to infected dogs, bordetella |
| Posture | Neck extended, elbows splayed | Normal, may gag after cough |
| Other signs | None | Lethargy, fever, nasal discharge |
If your dog coughs multiple times throughout the day and seems unwell, it is more likely kennel cough. A single, isolated snorting episode after play is classic reverse sneezing.
Home Care and When to See a Veterinarian
Home Care for Reverse Sneezing
- Stay calm and speak softly
- Gently stroke the throat or hold nostrils closed for 2-3 seconds
- Ensure your dog is not pulling on a collar (use a harness)
- Minimize exposure to dust and smoke
Home Care for Kennel Cough
- Provide rest and reduce excitement
- Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid tracheal pressure
- Run a humidifier or bring your dog into a steamy bathroom
- Offer small amounts of honey (one teaspoon daily for large dogs, but avoid in diabetic dogs or puppies without vet approval)
- Keep away from other dogs until symptoms resolve
When to See a Vet
- Coughing persists longer than one week
- Your dog shows signs of respiratory distress (blue gums, open-mouth breathing)
- Lethargy, fever, or refusal to eat
- Puppies, senior dogs, or brachycephalic breeds (e.g., bulldogs, pugs)
- Suspected kennel cough in a multi-dog household
A veterinarian may perform a physical exam, take a tracheal swab, or recommend a Bordetella vaccine for prevention.
What to Expect at the Vet
If you visit the vet for suspected kennel cough, they will typically:
- Listen to the chest with a stethoscope
- Check temperature and lymph nodes
- Recommend a wait-and-see approach for mild cases
- Prescribe antibiotics if bacterial infection is likely, or cough suppressants if cough is severe and interfering with rest
- Advise isolation from other dogs for 10-14 days
In rare cases, chest X-rays are taken to rule out pneumonia.
Prevention Tips
- Vaccinate your dog against Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, especially if boarding, going to daycare, or attending dog parks
- Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce tracheal irritation
- Keep your dog away from obviously coughing dogs
- Maintain a clean home environment to minimize airborne irritants
Final Thoughts
Reverse sneezing is a harmless reflex that fades quickly, while kennel cough is an infectious illness that needs monitoring and sometimes medical treatment. Pay close attention to the sound, duration, and your dog’s overall demeanor. When in doubt, a quick call to your veterinarian provides peace of mind and ensures your furry friend gets the right care.