Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

It might seem like you’re seeing things, but dogs can get the hiccups. They are characterized by jerky movements and a “hic” sound, similar to the sound humans make. Here, we explain why dogs get hiccups, why puppies get hiccups more often than adult dogs, when to be concerned about dog hiccups, and how to prevent them.

Do Dogs Get Hiccups?

Yes, dogs can get hiccups just like their owners. It’s fairly common, especially in puppies or younger dogs. Hiccups are involuntary spasms in the diaphragm and are part of normal dog behavior. You’ll know your dog is hiccupping if you see their stomach (diaphragm) contract, followed by a typical “hic” sound.

Reverse hiccups in dogs, or another word for a reverse sneeze, are not the same. This is when dogs rapidly inhale air due to an irritant, such as dust or bugs.

Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?

We don’t actually know why mammals get the hiccups, but there are some potential factors for dogs:

• Eating or drinking too fast: Like in humans, this is the most common cause of hiccups in dogs. When a dog eats too fast or gulps water, they can take in a lot of extra air and create hiccups.
• Excitement: If your dog is excited, they could be breathing faster, causing them to potentially take in excess air.
• Stress: The same goes for stress; if a dog is stressed, their breathing patterns can change, potentially leading to hiccups.
• Puppyhood: Puppies are more likely to get hiccups. We don’t know the exact reason why, but one cause might be a developmental issue. Puppies might “test drive” breathing muscles in utero, and the behavior persists outside their mothers’ bellies. Another is that it might be a puppy’s way of getting rid of gas or relieving an upset stomach.
• Temperature changes: Some dogs hiccup when they are suddenly exposed to cold temperatures. This can happen more in puppies, too.
• Respiratory problems: In rare cases, persistent hiccups might point to a deeper breathing issue.

Can Puppies Get Hiccups?

Puppies are more likely to get hiccups than adult dogs. This may be because they have developing digestive and respiratory systems. They are also likely to get more excited or more stressed than adult dogs and eat their food faster. Your puppy might even get the hiccups while they are sleeping. As they age, puppy hiccups will decrease in frequency. If you feel your puppy is hiccupping too much, speak to your vet about potential health problems.

How to Get Rid of Dog Hiccups

Most doggy hiccups will resolve themselves on their own, but if you want to try coaxing your dog’s hiccups along, here are some potential dog hiccup remedies:

• Offer water. Get your dog to drink water slowly, such as by using a smaller bowl, using a pet water fountain, or using a slow-feeder bowl. Drinking too fast can cause hiccups.
• Calm them down. If they are excited or stressed, try calming them down by petting them gently. This can help regulate breathing.
• Go for a walk. Some dogs can get rid of hiccups by exercising. Walking can distract them and regulate their breathing. You can also try playing gently with them.
• Change positions. Changing from standing to sitting or lying down might help hiccups resolve faster.
• Rub their bellies. Gently massaging your dog’s belly might help relax their belly and make them more comfortable.

Don’t try to apply human techniques here, such as scaring them or getting them to hold their breath. This could be more stressful for them. Dog hiccup treatments are unique to them, and human logic cannot be applied.

When Do Dog Hiccups Become a Cause for Concern?

Now that you know what dog hiccups look like and that they generally go away on their own, it’s important to know that sometimes hiccups can be a cause for concern. Here are the things you should look for in dog hiccups that might be a symptom of something else:

• How long they’ve had the hiccups: If they’ve been hiccupping consistently for more than a few hours, call your vet.
• How frequently they get hiccups: If they are having multiple hiccupping episodes several times a day, something else might be going on.
• A change in the way it sounds: If the hiccups turn to wheezing or gasping, they might be having trouble breathing, and you’ll need to call your vet.
• Other symptoms: If other symptoms, like coughing, vomiting, not eating, wheezing, diarrhea, or digestive issues, happen with the hiccups, call your vet immediately.
• Clear pain: If your dog looks like they are uncomfortable or are in pain, call your vet.

Preventing Dog Hiccups

Hiccups are a part of life for dogs and adults. Usually, they are nothing to worry about. There are some things you can do that might help prevent dog hiccups, such as:

1. Encourage them to eat at a slower pace. Use slow-feeder dog bowls or puzzle feeders to help them slow down their eating and take in less excess air.
2. Calm them down before eating. Many dogs find feeding time exciting, which can create hiccups.
3. Feed them smaller, more frequent meals. Some dogs do well with portion control to help prevent them from taking in too much air when eating.
4. Exercise them. Regular exercise can help with digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Hiccups

Are Dog Hiccups Dangerous?

Most of the time, dog hiccups are not dangerous and will pass quickly. If your dog has been hiccupping for a long time, super frequently, or is exhibiting other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, you should call your vet.

What is a Cure for Dog Hiccups?

There is no “cure” for dog hiccups, but there are a few things you can do that may encourage hiccups to go away. You can offer water if they’ll drink it slowly, take them on a walk, or rub their belly. Do not try to scare them or make them hold their breath.

What Do Dog Hiccups Look Like?

Dogs’ hiccups look and sound similar to human ones. They will make a “hic” sound, and their stomachs will jerk. Some dogs might open their mouths or gulp with each hiccup.

Conclusion

Most of the time, dog hiccups are nothing to worry about and are a normal part of dog life, especially for puppies. By knowing how to manage them, you can make it slightly more comfortable for your dog if they get hiccups, and the signs to look out for in case it’s a more serious condition that needs veterinary attention.

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dogs articles.