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What Animal Sneezes the Most?

Published in Reptile Sneezing 2 mins read

Iguanas are considered the animals that sneeze the most. Reptile experts cite that they sneeze more frequently and forcefully than other animals. This frequent sneezing is their method of expelling excess salts, a byproduct of their digestive processes.

Why Iguanas Sneeze So Much

Iguanas' unique physiology necessitates frequent sneezing. Their diet and metabolic processes produce a significant amount of salt, which their bodies expel through sneezing. This isn't a sign of illness but a normal bodily function.

Other Animals That Sneeze

While iguanas may hold the title for most frequent sneezing, many other animals also sneeze. This includes mammals like pandas, tigers, bears, elephants, dogs, and cats; and reptiles like other lizards and snakes. Sneezing is a common respiratory reflex across many species, serving to clear irritants from the nasal passages. Even aquatic animals have mechanisms to clear their respiratory systems of obstructions, although this isn't precisely the same as a mammalian sneeze.

Sneezing in Other Species

  • Dogs: Often sneeze due to allergies, nasal infections, or nasal mites.
  • Cats: Most sneezing in cats is also due to irritants or allergies.
  • Elephants: While their sneeze strength might be high due to their size, the frequency isn't documented as higher than iguanas.

Many factors influence how often an animal sneezes, including their environment, diet, and overall health.