-- title: "Dog Keeps Reverse Sneezing And Licking Lips" category: "clinical-methods" metaDescription: "Learn why your dog reverse sneezes and licks its lips, when it’s serious, and how to help at home. A practical guide for pet owners." primaryKeyword: "dog keeps reverse sneezing and licking lips" secondaryKeywords:
- dog keeps reverse sneezing and licking lips
pet care advice
Dog Keeps Reverse Sneezing And Licking Lips
If your dog suddenly starts making a loud snorting or honking sound while also licking its lips, you might feel alarmed. This combination, reverse sneezing (also called paroxysmal respiration) paired with lip licking, is common but often misunderstood. While usually harmless, it can signal underlying irritation or discomfort. Understanding what’s happening and when to seek help will keep your pet safe and you calm.
Quick Q&A: Common Questions
Question: Why is my dog reverse sneezing and licking its lips at the same time?
Answer: Reverse sneezing is a spasm of the soft palate and throat, often triggered by irritation. Lip licking is a calming signal or a response to nausea or excess saliva. When they occur together, it usually means your dog is trying to clear an irritant from its airway or throat, or it may indicate mild gastrointestinal upset. Most episodes resolve on their own within a minute.
What Is Reverse Sneezing?
Unlike a regular sneeze that expels air, reverse sneezing pulls air in forcefully through the nose. The dog extends its neck, elbows out, and makes a distinctive snorting or honking sound. It is not harmful and typically stops in under 60 seconds. Lip licking often accompanies the episode as the dog swallows excess saliva or feels a tickle in the throat.
Common Causes of Reverse Sneezing and Lip Licking
1. Nasal or Throat Irritation
Dust, pollen, grass seeds, or strong odors can trigger a reflex spasm. Lip licking helps clear the throat or signals mild discomfort.
2. Postnasal Drip or Allergies
Seasonal allergies cause mucus to drip into the throat, leading to reverse sneezing followed by lip licking as the dog tries to swallow.
3. Excitement or Overstimulation
Some dogs reverse sneeze when they are overly excited, pulling on leash, or gulping air. Lip licking here is a calming signal.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Acid from the stomach can irritate the throat. Lip licking is a classic sign of nausea, and the reverse sneeze may follow shortly after.
5. Foreign Object or Mass
Rarely, a grass awn, bone fragment, or tumor in the nasal passage or throat can cause chronic episodes. If the behavior persists for days, a vet exam is needed.
When to See a Veterinarian
Most reverse sneezing episodes are benign. However, you should schedule a visit if:
- Episodes last longer than 2 minutes or occur multiple times daily.
- Your dog shows other signs: coughing, gagging, lethargy, loss of appetite, or pawing at the mouth.
- Lip licking is accompanied by excessive drooling, vomiting, or refusal to eat.
- The breathing pattern changes outside of the episode (e.g., wheezing, blue gums).
Home Care and What to Do During an Episode
Remain calm. Panicking can stress your dog and prolong the episode. Try these steps:
- Gently massage the throat or blow a puff of air into the dog’s nose to encourage swallowing.
- Offer a small amount of water or an ice cube to lick. This can reset the swallow reflex.
- Distract your dog with a toy or a quiet voice. The episode usually ends within seconds.
- If triggered by excitement, use a calm, settling cue like “settle” or “lie down.”
What to Expect at the Vet
Your veterinarian will take a history and observe a video if you can capture one. They may:
- Examine the mouth, throat, and nasal passages.
- Recommend allergy testing, bloodwork, or x-rays if episodes are frequent.
- Prescribe antihistamines for allergies, antacids for reflux, or, in rare cases, refer to a specialist for nasal endoscopy.
Prevention Tips
- Keep your home free of dust and strong scents (candles, incense).
- Use a humidifier in dry climates to keep airways moist.
- Avoid sudden excitement during walks; allow slow intros to new environments.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals if reflux is suspected (elevate the food bowl).
- Maintain regular dental checkups to rule out oral pain.
Final Thoughts
Seeing your dog reverse sneeze and lick lips can be unsettling, but it is rarely an emergency. By observing the context and frequency, and knowing the signs that warrant a vet visit, you can confidently manage these episodes. Always consult your veterinarian if you have doubts, especially if the behavior becomes persistent or is paired with other symptoms. Your calm responsiveness is the best medicine.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or regulatory guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified specialist regarding animal health, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic decisions.