French Bulldog Reverse Sneezing: Is it Dangerous or Normal?

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On March 19, 2025

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If you ever saw reverse sneezing in French bulldogs, then you probably wondered if it is dangerous for your dog. Luckily, French bulldog reverse sneezing is not as scary as it seems. To help your furry friend easier deal with those episodes, we recommend you to read the following lines.

We’ll explore its causes, preventive measures, and care strategies to ensure your furry friend remains healthy and comfortable.

What is Reverse Sneezing in French Bulldogs?

Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, is when a dog rapidly inhales air through the nose and makes a snorting or gagging sound. Unlike a regular sneeze where air is expelled outwards, reverse sneezing is when air is inhaled inwards.

During an episode, dogs will often stand still, stick their neck out and make repeated snorting noises. It can be scary to watch but generally harmless and lasts less than a minute.

French Bulldogs: Why They’re More Prone to Reverse Sneezing

French Bulldogs are part of the brachycephalic breed group, with short noses, flat faces and compact skull structures. While these features make them cute, they also make them more prone to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion and respiratory distress. Their unique upper respiratory anatomy plays a big role in their susceptibility to reverse sneezing.

Short Nasal Passages: Frenchies have short and narrow nasal passages so dust, pollen and allergens can easily irritate their airways. This leads to involuntary spasms that trigger reverse sneezing.
Long Soft Palate: Many brachycephalic dogs including Frenchies have an elongated soft palate which can partially obstruct airflow. When air can’t pass through, it can cause gagging, snorting and reverse sneezing.
Stenotic Nares (Narrow Nostrils): Their small nostrils can’t allow proper airflow and makes it harder for them to breathe especially when excited or exposed to airborne irritants.

These structural issues make Frenchies more prone to nasal congestion, snoring and respiratory distress which can all contribute to frequent reverse sneezing.

Common Triggers of Reverse Sneezing in French Bulldogs

Here are the things that can trigger reverse sneezing in French Bulldogs:

Environmental Irritants

Dust, smoke, strong smells or household chemicals can irritate the nasal passages and cause reverse sneezing.

Allergens

Pollen, mold or dust mites can cause nasal irritation and reverse sneezing. Unfortunately, Frenchies are dogs that are especially prone to allergies. Besides seasonal pollen, Frenchies can show allergy to strong perfumes, laundry detergents, and smell of cigarettes.

Overexcitement and Physical Activity

Sudden excitement or physical activity can cause rapid breathing which can trigger reverse sneezing. If your dog gets crazy every time he/she sees you at the front door, then you definitely need to change your arrival routine. Do not show excessive emotions and say only ‘’Hi’’ to your little gremlin. Too much cuddling, and kissing can lead to explosive emotions and reverse sneezing in French bulldogs.

Respiratory Infections

Infections in the respiratory tract can cause inflammation and increase the chance of reverse sneezing. In case your Frenchie is coughing and breathing difficulty, then you definitely need to visit a vet. Your Frenchie can get pneumonia if you leave it untreated.

Nasal Mites

These little buggers can irritate the nasal passages and cause frequent reverse sneezing. If you suspect nasal mites, have your vet check them out. Your vet will prescribe you nose drops and will mechanically clean the nostrils.

What to Look for During a Reverse Sneezing Episode

During a reverse sneezing episode you may see:

Sudden Onset: It starts without warning.
Posture: Dog stands still with head extended and neck stretched.
Sounds: Loud snorting or gagging noises from rapid inhalations.
Duration: 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Remember to differentiate reverse sneezing from other respiratory issues like tracheal collapse or asthma which can cause coughing, wheezing or prolonged breathing difficulties. If unsure, have your vet check them out.

How To Stop Reverse Sneezing in French Bulldogs

While reverse sneezing is usually harmless and resolves on its own, you can help your Frenchie during an episode:

Staying Calm

Your demeanor can influence your dog’s anxiety levels. Remaining calm can help soothe them.

Gentle Throat Massage

Lightly rubbing your dog’s throat can help alleviate the spasm causing the reverse sneezing.

Briefly Covering the Nostrils

Gently covering your dog’s nostrils can prompt them to swallow, which may help clear the irritation. Ensure this is done carefully to avoid causing distress.

Offering Water

Providing a small amount of water can help soothe the throat and clear any irritants. Do not give your pooch to drink a cold water but the one that stood at room temperature.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Reverse Sneezing in French Bulldogs

To minimize the frequency of reverse sneezing episodes:

Using a Harness Instead of a Collar

Switching from a collar to a harness during walks can reduce throat irritation caused by leash pulling. In our offer, you can find great French bulldog harnesses that are not only more pleasant to wear but also made of quality fabrics.

Minimizing Exposure to Irritants

Keep your home free from excessive dust, smoke, and strong fragrances. Regular cleaning and using air purifiers can help maintain air quality. Just like humans, our dogs can react sensitively to strong perfumes, detergents, and smells. Since Frenchies are prone to allergies, our recommendation is to use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and to avoid using fabric softeners.

Managing Allergies

If your Frenchie has known allergies, work with your vet to manage them effectively, possibly with antihistamines or other medications.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

While occasional reverse sneezing is harmless, frequent or prolonged episodes could indicate an underlying issue. Here’s when you should seek veterinary assistance:

Frequent or Prolonged Episodes: If your Frenchie experiences reverse sneezing multiple times a day or if episodes last longer than a minute, it’s time to consult a vet.
Difficulty Breathing: If your dog shows signs of respiratory distress, such as gasping for air, blue gums, or excessive panting, this could indicate a more serious condition.
Nasal Discharge or Coughing: Any unusual discharge from the nose, sneezing with mucus, or persistent coughing could be a sign of an infection or nasal mites.
Lethargy or Loss of Appetite: If your dog appears weak, fatigued, or uninterested in food, it could signal a more severe respiratory issue.

A vet may conduct tests such as nasal swabs, X-rays, or endoscopy to determine if allergies, infections, or structural issues are causing the problem.

Long-Term Management Strategies for Reverse Sneezing in French Bulldogs

If your Frenchie is prone to frequent reverse sneezing episodes, consider implementing long-term strategies to manage and reduce occurrences.

1. Environmental Modifications

Air Purifiers: Investing in an air purifier can help remove airborne allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Hypoallergenic Bedding: Using hypoallergenic dog beds and blankets reduces allergen exposure.
Regular Cleaning: Vacuuming your home frequently and using non-toxic cleaners can prevent nasal irritation.

2. Dietary Adjustments

Omega-3 Supplements: Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet can reduce inflammation and strengthen their immune system.
Antihistamine Supplements: If your vet suspects allergies, they may recommend dog-safe antihistamines or natural alternatives like quercetin.

3. Medical Interventions

If environmental changes don’t reduce the frequency of reverse sneezing, your vet might suggest:

Antihistamines or Steroids: These can help control allergy-induced nasal irritation.
Nasal Flush: A veterinarian can perform a nasal flush to remove irritants or clear mucus buildup.
Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures such as soft palate trimming or nostril widening (for stenotic nares) can improve airflow and prevent frequent episodes. Read our blog post about Nasal surgery in French bulldogs for more info.

Conclusion

Reverse sneezing in French Bulldogs may seem concerning, but it’s generally a harmless condition. Understanding the triggers, learning how to manage episodes, and taking preventive measures can ensure your Frenchie remains happy and comfortable. However, if reverse sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is the best course of action.