February 1, 2022 · 2 MIN READ

Pugs make an impressive collection of noises. One of the strangest is the sudden snorting, honking, or rapid inhaling episode commonly called a reverse sneeze.

It can look alarming, especially the first time you see it. The important thing is to distinguish a brief familiar episode from breathing trouble that is new, prolonged, severe, or accompanied by other concerning signs.

What does a reverse sneeze look like?

A dog may suddenly stand still, extend the neck, and make repeated rapid inhaling or snorting sounds. Many episodes are brief and stop on their own.

Why does it happen?

Reverse sneezing can be triggered by irritation in the nose or throat. Excitement, pulling on a leash, airborne irritants, eating or drinking, and other factors may play a role. A single episode does not tell you the cause.

What should you pay attention to?

• How long the episode lasts
• How often it happens
• Whether it is typical for your pug or new
• Whether your pug returns to normal immediately afterward
• Any nasal discharge, coughing, gagging, collapse, or obvious breathing effort

When to call the vet

Seek veterinary advice if episodes are frequent, changing, prolonged, associated with distress, or accompanied by coughing, nasal discharge, reduced stamina, collapse, or other symptoms. Blue or gray gums or tongue, severe effort to breathe, or collapse are emergencies.

Video helps

If an episode stops before you can reach the veterinarian, a short phone video can be useful. It gives the veterinary team something more specific than “he made a weird noise.”

Related: Pug Breathing Problems: What’s Common, What Isn’t.

Editorial note: This article is educational and does not diagnose the cause of breathing or sneezing episodes.