I know from experience it can be caused by seasonal allergies or even a "doggie cold". Has your dog been boarded recently or around other dogs? There are some things that are contagious that a dog does this with too.

Hi Debbie, I have four pugs, and they all have done, or still do the reverse sneezing.My oldest use to do it but hasn`t for a long time. Another does it often, but mostly when she is excited, the other two just do it once in awhile. My vet said it is common in the pug breed (don`t know about beagles). I just massage the throat a little and talk them through it.

I thought only the snub nosed breeds did this, guess not! my moms Shih Tzu does this, but only when you give her a bath, odd huh?

I could see why this would happen with pugs since they have a very shortened nose and would be a breed specific problem. Some dogs do sneeze when excited, mine golden/bermese mountain mix does, but she just sneezes regular. I might add a bit messy too!
I would also guess that maybe since the basset is doing when it's sleeping that it's more of an airway issue. Is the dog overweight? I pet sit for a beagal that looks like a basset and it makes so many noises when it sleeps you wouldn't beleive it!
Just a pet owner and pet sitter that's been around the blocks opinion that if it was my dog and it was something new that started out of the blue I might have the vet check it out. May be like we humans have sleep apnea that your dog is experience some type of sleep disorder with it's breathing.

My toy fox terrier does this and according to the tft yahoo group, it's fairly common for the breed. No short face, there. I also had a pug and mixed breed who did it a lot.

I researched it in the past and found out that it's harmless for the dog. My dog usually does it when she's been sniffing in the dirt. I rub their throats, too, and it seems to help.

Thanks for the info.My older basset goes through periods of doing it and Sally just started doing it to.I too rub the throat area and it seems the episode shortens by doing that.Shes not been around other dogs besides our other basset.It could be allergy related as she has started itching,etc.Thanks.Debbie

I just thought of one other thing that it's a symptom of, Valley Fever which is very serious. Probably not an issue where you live though. Brain forgets things sometimes! It's usually found in arid weather areas, like here in AZ or in California where it started.

Actually reverse sneezing DOES SOUND HORRIBLE and it is nothing. Some dogs do it regularly some dont, does not matter where they live or what type they are...get use to it. PS above poster has a good point to be concerned with when with other dogs if your dog shows signs of coughing or feeling listless, having excess eye discharge etc it needs to see the vet. Viruses are exchanged between dogs, in dog bowls and licking places other dogs have licked which have not been cleaned. Just like a cold

My Boston Terrier has a very short nose (shorter than most BTs), and hasn't been bothered with reverse sneezes until the last few years (she's now 12 years old). When she gets one, I gently pry her mouth open a little, and get in front of her so she can see me, I then open my mouth and take a big breath, and she mimics me. When she takes a big breath through her mouth, she gets over the reverse sneeze (works about 80% of the time).

I know they say reverse sneezing is harmless, but I can see that it is a scary experience, like she's trying to get air through the airway. She always comes to me for help.

how cute....what a great visualization and yes, I agree it is scary

Our 14 1/2 y/o beagle-basset-corgi-etc. and our 9 1/2 y/o doxie both have had them since they were young. Our vet taught me how to put gentle, but firm pressure on the diaphragm to stop them. You can actually feel the diaphragm relax after just a few seconds. They always give me a "thanks mom" kiss afterward.

is it serious when your dog sneezes about five times in a row and then hits his head on the floor?