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My dog sneezes a lot outside, even reverse sneezes. Allergies or infection?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 10 lbs
My dog mostly sneezes a lot when he is outside but not a lot when he is inside also he been sneezing since Tuesday,but he also has reversal sneezes a lot when he is outside so does my dog have respiratory tract infection or allergies...?? And there is nothing in his nose
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 12th, 2018
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 3rd, 2017
Willow's sneezing increase this time of year could be due to all of the extra irritants and allergens in the air from pollens, trees, and grasses. If she has yellow or green nasal discharge, this could indicate infection. However, if her discharge is clear and minimal, infection is unlikely. Consider discussing antihistamine medications with Willow's vet, because these can provide some minimal benefit in some cases.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 18th, 2017
Reverse sneezing is most commonly caused by something they inhale that irritates the nasal passages and causes dripping down the back of the throat. Sneezing can be caused by allergies or an upper respiratory infection or even an object that was sniffed up the nose (like a grass seed or a piece of grass that is lodged inside the nose). If the sneezing continues or there starts to be discharge from the nose, I would definitely recommend taking him to a veterinarian for evaluation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 21st, 2019
Both sneezing and reverse sneezing can be a sign of allergies, an upper respiratory infection or even something stuck up the nose. If the sneezing seems extreme or you’ve noticed any nasal discharge you should have your vet examine Negan Carlos.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 13th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about your concern for Willow. There can be many different causes for reverse sneezing, ranging from an irritant such as a piece of grass, allergies, viruses, inhaling a chemical product like cleaner, and more. You can read about this at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952493 . You can try putting Willow in a bathroom while you run a hot shower for 10 minutes to give a steam treatment which may relieve some of the irritation. If the issue becomes more persistent or other symptoms develop a visit to the vet is recommended.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful