A couple of years back, when my beagle was five months old, and I took him outside for his first walk, I noticed that he did something weird. Out of the blue, he snorted a couple of times, which sounded more like honking. Being a first-time dog parent, I got scared. I rushed him immediately to my vet. The vet told me that my dog was having an episode of Reverse Sneezing, also known as Inspiratory Paroxysmal Respiration. I am sure you have had the same situation. And now you are wondering why do beagles Reverse Sneeze?
The reason why your beagle is likely to reverse sneeze is due to irritation in the nose or back of the throat. The irritation can be triggered by inhaling foreign substances like seed, grass, or pollen. Allergens can also be the reason behind an episode of reverse sneezing.
Is it normal for Beagles to Reverse Sneeze?
While reverse sneezing may sound like honking, it’s a practice in which your dog rapidly pulls in the air to clear out his nasal passage. A typical reverse sneezing episode could last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. It may seem serious, but is it normal in beagles?
Occasional reverse sneezing is normal in beagles, and there’s nothing to worry about. However, if reverse sneezing occurs more often, it is advised to consult a veterinarian immediately.
According to Fox40’s article about reverse sneezing, most dogs with occasional episodes of reverse sneezing can live a perfectly normal life. This condition is harmless; in most cases, treatment is unnecessary. But it is essential to have your dog examined by the vet when you first notice his reverse sneezing.
How to identify reverse sneezing?
You can easily identify reverse sneezing by carefully noticing your dog. During an episode of reverse sneezing, your dog will extend his head and neck, stand still and make a honking sound. This may last anywhere from a couple of seconds to a minute.
Watch this video, and if your beagle is going through something similar, he is reverse sneezing.
Difference between regular sneezing and reverse sneezing
You mustn’t confuse regular sneezing as reverse sneezing or vice versa. With some awareness, you can easily spot the difference between the two.
Sneezing involves forceful and rapid expulsion of air and/or saliva, mucus, or other fluids, whereas reverse sneezing involves rapid inwards snorting, which may sound like honking.
What can you do?
First, ensure your dog is reverse sneezing and not having a seizure. According to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, there’s no specific treatment for reverse sneezing. But there are a few things you can try and could possibly work. Try massaging your dog’s throat or stroking his back (from head to tail). Let your dog inhale and exhale, so don’t hold him tight. One more thing you can do is block your dog’s nostrils for a quick moment. This helps your dog swallow and clear out irritation.
What causes Reverse Sneezing?
Many things can cause reverse sneezing in beagles. Let’s discuss some of the common reasons.
Foreign Substance
As you already know, beagles smell everything. And while smelling, your dog might inhale some foreign substances like a seed, pollen, or even grass. This can stick inside their nasal passage and cause irritation.
To clear out their nasal passage, dogs rapidly inhale air and try to pull that foreign substance. Usually, there’s nothing to worry about, but it’s best to take him to the vet if you notice this.
Obesity
Excessive weight can obstruct the upper airway and cause your beagle to snort due to irritation.
Smoke
Almost whenever my beagle gets in contact with some smoke, he starts snorting. I mentioned it on my Instagram page, and quite a few beagle parents have noticed similarly. So something to take care of.
Other Activities
Activities that can trigger reverse sneezing in your beagle are drinking, eating, pulling on the leash, or even excitement. Heavy exercise and big meals are the most common causes of reverse sneezing.
Nasal Mites
One possible reason for reverse sneezing can be nasal mites. These small parasites can penetrate the nasal passage and sinuses of your beagle. These mites transmit from dog to dog.
Other possible causes
- Allergies
- Viruses
- Perfume
- Household chemicals
For most beagles, reverse sneezing is rare and temporary that needs no medical treatments. But few unfortunates have this condition for their entire lives.
How to prevent Reverse Sneezing?
You cannot keep your four-legged pal in a confined area with zero allergens for his entire life, can you? You cannot 100% prevent reverse sneezing. But there are a few things you can do to prevent major causes of reverse sneezing.
- Keep your house clean.
- Try not to use harmful chemicals to clean your house.
- If you live in a dusty area, try to keep the windows off and air conditioning on. Using air filters would be great for you and your dog’s health.
- Avoid smoking in the house. Well, not just in your house, but overall, stop smoking.
- Avoid using scented candles or air fresheners. Try not to use perfume in the house.
- Make your dog wear a mouth cover when you take him outside.
- Consult a veterinarian for more advice.
With some effort, you can reduce the likelihood of having episodes of reverse sneezing to your wonderful beagle.
When to See the Vet?
If your pet beagle is having episodes of reverse sneezing more frequently, then get him checked by the vet. It would be a great help for your vet if you could record a video of your dog’s reverse sneezing.
If the episodes of reverse sneezing are longer than a minute, take your pet to the vet.
If you notice yellow or bloody fluid coming out of your pet’s nose while reverse sneezing, then its time to make an emergency appointment with your veterinarian.
Do not Panic
Reverse sneezing is quite normal. It sounds worse than it actually is. During an episode, stay calm and supportive to your beagle. In case the reverse sneezing continues for more than a minute, call your vet and ask him for advice.
DISCLAIMER: We do not constitute any pet medical advice. Kindly consult a licensed veterinarian for pet medical advice.