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My dog wheezes and shivers in cold snow. Is it reverse sneezing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 10 years and 7 months old | 27 lbs

My dog (10 year old male mixed rescue, 27 lbs) was excited to go outside. He went down the stairs (five steps) and stepped into the deep snow (it's 23 degrees F. outside), he started sort of wheezing, almost like he was going to cough something up but more wheezy, he looked scared and turned around to go back inside, where he continued doing the wheezing, heaving thing for a little bit longer, intermittently, while shivering. Then it subsided quickly. What could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2018

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My guess is that Buddy was reverse sneezing. You can look at some YouTube videos ("reverse sneezing dogs") to see if Buddy's symptoms are similar. Look at a few different videos. If you think this is what he was doing, it is no big deal. The cold air probably just irritated his nasal passages. There is no treatment for reverse sneezing; it is not a problem/issue and it is not life-threatening. Reverse sneezing is very common. If it was not reverse sneezing, then I would suggest you just monitor him and if the behavior recurs then you should take Buddy to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 7th, 2018

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Buddy may have been reverse sneezing, which is a normal behavior in dogs. I recommend keeping a close eye on Buddy, if he develops trouble breathing, he should be seen by a vet right away. I hope this helps and that all is well!

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