My dog snorts and gasps for air. Is it reverse sneezing or trachea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

My 6 yr old Havanese has been making noises like the equivalent of a person blowing their nose. He also is getting these fits where he seems like he can't breathe and reaches his neck out for air. It's been pretty constant throughout the last few nights and days.

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Answered By Debi Matlack 50

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 21st, 2016

Your dog may have be doing what is called a reverse sneeze, especially if it happens when he gets excited. It is termed a reverse sneeze, because it sounds like the dog is rapidly pulling air into his nose, whereas in a 'regular' sneeze, the air is rapidly pushed out through the nose. During a reverse sneeze, the dog will make rapid and long inspirations, stand still, and extend his head. A loud snorting sound is produced, which may make you think the dog has something caught in his nose. The most common cause of a reverse sneeze is irritation of the soft palate, which results in a spasm. This spasm narrows the airway and makes it temporarily more difficult for the dog to take in air. Factors that may be associated with reverse sneezing include excitement, eating or drinking, exercise, physical irritation of the throat such as from pulling on a leash, respiratory tract mites, allergies, irritating chemicals such as perfumes or household cleaners, viral infections, foreign bodies caught in the throat, and post-nasal drip. If you witness a dog having a reverse sneeze it may seem alarming, but in most cases it is not a harmful condition, there are no ill effects, and treatment is unnecessary. Usually the dog is completely normal before and after the episode. However, in some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers or King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, sounds similar to a reverse sneeze may be a sign of a respiratory problem, such as an elongated soft palate. In these cases, there are usually other respiratory symptoms as well, and these dogs should be examined by a veterinarian. A reverse sneezing episode can last for several seconds to a minute. Some claim that an episode can be shortened by closing the dog's nostrils for several seconds with your hand or massaging the throat. An upper respiratory infection, long soft palate, or some kind of irritant in the nasal passages could also contribute to his making odd noises when breathing, as well as a condition known as collapsing trachea. It's much more common in toy breeds, such as poodles and Chihuahuas, but it can happen in other breeds too. The trachea is supported by tough rings made of cartilage. Occasionally, the trachea will lose its rigidity and collapse while the dog is breathing. For unknown reasons, the cartilage rings weaken and the trachea no longer has proper support. It happens most often as a result of excitement or exercise. The symptoms depend on the severity of the deterioration. Usually, the dog will have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise. The deeper the pet tries to inhale, the more the trachea collapses, further restricting air flow (similar to sucking on a straw too hard). The pet appears to tire easily as it becomes short of breath. Dogs with a collapsing trachea will generally cough as if trying to clear the airways, and occasionally this cough will sound like a goose honk. In very severe cases, the tongue and gums will appear blue as breathing becomes restricted. Examination with the fingers and radiographs (x-rays) will generally confirm the diagnosis. Depending upon the severity of the condition, medications will help. Veterinarians usually prescribe drugs to help dilate the airways. The coughing is controlled by cough suppressants such as Torbutrol. If the pet is obese, we suggest a stricter diet. Finally, activity should be restricted and not encouraged. Dogs with collapsing tracheas should wear harnesses instead of collars in order to take any pressure off of the trachea. With the help of medication and modification of lifestyle, the collapsing trachea can be controlled but seldom cured. In severe cases, surgery to help open the airways may be beneficial, but most cases are managed medically not surgically.

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My dog snorts and gasps for air. Is it reverse sneezing or trachea?

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