Introduction To Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Reverse Sneezing
If you’ve ever heard your bulldog suddenly start honking and snorting like an angry little goose, you’ve met the infamous reverse sneeze.
It’s common in our flat-faced “brachy” breeds (English and French bulldogs especially) and can happen at any age.
The first time you see it, it can give you and your bully a wicked scare.
What Are The Symptoms of Bulldog Reverse Sneezing?
It usually looks like this: your bully
- freezes
- stretches their neck
- flares their elbows
- and starts a rapid series of snorts or honks, as if they’re trying to blow out something stuck in their nose.
Then, just as suddenly, it stops, and they go back to life as if nothing happened.
When Your Squishy-Faced Sweetheart Sounds Like a Goose
Bulldog And French Bulldog Reverse Sneezing 5 Must Know!
- Scary but Short-Lived: Reverse sneezing can look alarming, but it usually lasts only a few seconds.
- Cause in Most Breeds vs. Bulldogs: In many breeds, the cause is idiopathic (unknown). In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, however, it’s often linked to BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome).
- Other Possible Triggers: Allergies, foreign bodies (like foxtails), nasal mites, fungal infections, or even pressure from a neck collar and leash can set it off.
- Simple Ways to Break the Episode: Gently pressing the “Adam’s apple” to trigger swallowing, or briefly covering the nostrils, can help stop the spasm.
- Supportive Care: Calming and immune-boosting Bully Therapeutic Bundles may provide additional support for prevention and overall wellness.
Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX
Why Reverse Sneezing Happens In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?
Sometimes the cause is a mystery (idiopathic, in vet-speak). But in bulldogs, the #1 culprit is BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.)
BOAS means their flat compressible face can cause a multiple serious, debilitating airway obstructive problems such as:
- Elongated soft palate (like a little curtain flapping in the airway)
- Pinched nostrils
- Thick swollen tongue
- Everted laryngeal saccules (blown up laryngeal tissue)
- Hypoplastic trachea (narrow windpipe)
- Thick nasal plates
All these can make the airway narrower, creating more suction and pressure when your bully breathe in.
That extra “pull” can irritate the throat and sinuses, triggering a reverse sneeze.
Other Possible Causes of Bulldog Reverse Sneezing
- Allergies (dust, pollen, perfumes, cleaning sprays)
- Nasal mites
- Nasal fungal infections
- Foreign objects (like foxtails
- Dental issues (like subgingival hair stuck under the gums, leading to a nasal fistula)
- Collar or leash pressure on the neck
How To Prevent and Treat Bulldog Reverse Sneezing?
Preventing and treating reverse sneezing depends on underling cause
#1 BOAS Surgery
Early repair of obstructive features can be life-changing. Opening the nostrils and trimming the elongated palate are the most common fixes.
#2 Harness Instead of Neck Collar
No more neck pressure from collars and leash.
#3 Reduce Allergens and Irritants
Use air purifiers, avoid strong fragrances, keep dust down, choose pet-safe cleaners.
#4 Parasite prevention
Keep mites at bay with vet-approved preventatives.
#5 Hydrating and feeding changes
Slow feeders, raised bowls, and keeping mealtime calm can help.
#6 Natural calming and bully supplements
can help prevent and manage reverse sneezing.
#7 Antihistamine trial
Sometimes helpful for allergy-related sneezing (check with your vet first).
#8 Trigger check
Take your bully outside; if the sneezing stops, it might be an indoor irritant.
#9 Environmental Allergen Filters:
HEPA indoor air filters, AC filters, etc
What to Do During a Bulldog and French Bulldog Reverse Sneezing Episode?
- Stay calm: your bulldog will, too.
- Gently massage their throat.
- Briefly cover their nostrils for a second or two: this encourages swallowing and can reset the airway.
When to See the Vet for Reverse Sneezing?
If your bulldog’s reverse sneezing is frequent, severe.
Or comes with other symptoms like nasal discharge, vomiting, nosebleeds, or signs of illness, it’s time for further testing.
Your vet may recommend X-rays, nasal exams, cultures, or biopsies to rule out more serious conditions.
Dr. Kraemer’s Reverse Sneezing Summery:
✅ Bottom line: Reverse sneezing in bulldogs is usually harmless.
But because of their unique anatomy, it’s worth keeping an eye on the frequency and severity.
With a little prevention and some smart care, you can help your bully breathe easier — and honk less.
