Why does my dog sneeze when he lies on his back for more than a few seconds

Question

Seriously, the dog is incapable of rolling on his back without sneezing. He's typically laying on his back to try and get his tummy rubbed, at which point he will usually sneeze in the face of the innocent person who tried to help him out. Even if no one is around he'll sneeze though. Doesn't matter if he's been playing/breathing hard, or is completely relaxed. He sneezes and then won't stop until he turns his head the right-side up. He doesn't appear to enjoy the sneezing, but he'll still lay there on his back for four or five sneezes, typically until he sneezes so hard he falls over and stands up on his own. He hasn't put together the back=sneezing connection yet.

Anyone know what causes this?

Answer 1

Dogs can sneeze for a number of reasons, most commonly for:

1. Infections in the nasal passages. Seems unlikely for your pooch given that head position seems to be a factor.

2. Allergies, again seems unlikely, except that the nose up may be allowing for dust or other allergens to more readily enter. Far fetched in this respect.

3. Gum and tooth issues. This may be possible, there could draining that triggers the sneezing and sitting upright stops that.

4. Nasal blockage, some foreign object. Also a bit possible, head tilt could cause that to move back and irritate.

At any rate, I think it would be a good idea to get a vet to have a look-see. It may all just be a harmless oddity, but it doesn't hurt to get it checked just in case it's an early sign.

Answer 2

When he's on his back, is he looking up into a light, the bright sky, or the sun? If so, it might be a harmless photic reflex. This happens to other animals besides humans. I don't know how common it is in dogs.