Why does my dog get hiccups frequently?

Dogs are adorable creatures and part of the reason why we love them is that they bring so much joy and entertainment to our lives. Even the most mundane things that they do, things that are considered normal, can appear funny and entertaining. However, dog owners should also know if the behavior a dog shows is normal or a possible sign of disease. Take hiccups, for example. Most of the time, dogs that experience hiccups are considered cute and can be a great source of joy and entertainment in the household. But are they harmful in any way? Continue reading to learn more.

Índice Show

What happens when dogs get hiccups?
Are hiccups dangerous for dogs?
Why do dogs get hiccups?
Why do we see hiccups more in puppies than in adult dogs?
How to Make Hiccups Go Away
Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s hiccups or another condition?
Can dogs get hiccups?
Why do dogs get hiccups?
Do puppies get hiccups?
Why do puppies get hiccups?
How to get rid of dog hiccups
When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups?

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Dogs and humans share a lot of similarities when it comes to anatomical features and physiological processes. Because of this, dogs tend to suffer the same general diseases and conditions as humans do, and this includes hiccups.

Though not technically a health problem, hiccups, which are quite common in humans, can also happen in dogs since both species possess the same organ primarily affected during hiccups. Like in humans, hiccups in dogs are generally not worrisome but there are situations where continuous hiccups can be an indication of nerve function or breathing problems.

What happens when dogs get hiccups?

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm of the dog goes through minor spasms. The diaphragm is a layer of muscle separating the abdomen and thorax (chest). The diaphragm helps separate vital organs in the thorax like the heart and lungs from abdominal organs like the stomach, intestine, and liver. But the main function of the diaphragm is to help in the breathing process of dogs.

When dogs breathe, the diaphragm contracts to increase the space of the thoracic cavity and allow the lungs to expand. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes to help the lungs contract and push the air out.

When the diaphragm spasms, this causes rapid and mild contractions that result in what we call hiccups. They generally cause slight chest and abdominal movement, which is usually accompanied by a quick and high “hic” sound. Hiccups are involuntary movements that can last for minutes to hours when triggered.

When hiccups are triggered, not only does it cause the diaphragm to have small, rapid contractions but it also causes the glottis (part of the animal’s vocal cords) to close rapidly, producing the signature “hic” sound we hear when dogs get hiccups.

Are hiccups dangerous for dogs?

Generally, hiccups are harmless to dogs. When dogs get hiccups, there are no signs that they are in pain. They don’t appear to be stressed or anxious during episodes, and they are generally calm during these contractions. It’s apparent that hiccups do not hurt dogs, but they can be annoying for the animal itself since episodes can last for hours. Most dogs will appear surprised because they are clueless as to what is happening. But in general, hiccups in dogs do not require treatment or any intervention.

Why do dogs get hiccups?

It is still unclear what specifically triggers hiccups in dogs. One popular theory explaining why dogs get hiccups is that it’s a leftover mechanism from when puppies were still in their fetal stage. It has been documented that fetuses get hiccups while still inside the uterus of their mothers and is presumed to be the body’s way to passively test the breathing muscles of the growing fetus.

Another working theory is that hiccups in dogs are triggered when the animal swallows too much air. This usually occurs when the dog eats or drinks water very quickly. Other situations where dogs might swallow large amounts of air is when they get too excited or become too stressed. This can also happen when dogs engage in strenuous activities and exercise or when they inhale something irritating. Rapid breathing and severe anxiety are also thought to be possible triggers of short spasms in the dog’s diaphragm.

Why do we see hiccups more in puppies than in adult dogs?

It has been observed that hiccups tend to occur more in puppies than in adult dogs. Puppies are more prone to hiccups than adults for several reasons. The first is the rate at which they ingest or swallow air. Puppies tend to swallow more air than adults because their level of excitement and physical activity tend to be higher than older dogs. It has also been observed that in addition to the possible triggers mentioned above, puppies can also get hiccups when they get tired or when they’re feeling cold.

Another possible reason why hiccups occur more in puppies is because of the extent of their body development. Puppies have generally weaker and less developed muscles, and their bodies are still not fully mature. This makes them more susceptible to premature muscle contractions, particularly in the diaphragm.

Because the frequency of hiccups in puppies is high, it’s considered normal for puppies to have hiccups daily, with episodes lasting for only a few minutes. This rate and frequency of hiccups is usually not a concern as long as it’s not accompanied by other symptoms like drooling, coughing, sneezing, hard swallowing, or lethargy and weakness.

How to Make Hiccups Go Away

While hiccups are generally considered harmless to our dogs, prolonged hiccups can make them uncomfortable. There is no established treatment to make hiccups go away, but pet parents can follow some of these steps that may help control or manage dog hiccups.

1. When dogs suffer from a prolonged episode of hiccups, you can offer warm water mixed with a small amount of sugar or honey. This sugar or honey solution can distract the dog or puppy suffering from hiccups and may help relax their breathing and control the spasms in their diaphragm.

2. Swallowing reflexes can sometimes disrupt the spasms from hiccups. Giving a gentle massage on your dog’s chest and neck can stimulate swallowing and may help make hiccups go away.

3. Light exercises like walking can also normalize the dog’s breathing pattern and help make their hiccups stop.

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As humans, we're well aware of how frustrating hiccups can be, but can dogs get hiccups, too? Yep. There's something undeniably cute about puppy hiccups, and you can't help but laugh at the face a dog with hiccups makes when they hear themselves make an unfamiliar noise!

If you have no experience with puppy or dog hiccups, you might find yourself concerned. Are dog hiccups normal? Why do dogs and puppies get hiccups? What can you do to stop them?

Keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of dog hiccups, why they happen in the first place, and when it's time to take your four-legged friend to the vet.

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Pro Tip: In rare cases, hiccups can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and the longer you wait to see the vet, the more damage that can occur. With pet insurance, owners may feel empowered to get the fast answers they need for peace of mind about their pet's health, with protection against the financial risk of incurred vet costs.

Can dogs get hiccups?

Yes, dogs can get hiccups. In fact, they're quite common, and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups. They occur when the diaphragm (the muscle between the abdomen and the chest cavity) contracts involuntarily.

When your canine companion gets the hiccups, their inhaling breathe is followed by abrupt stops, which might shake their belly and chest, causing them to make a "hic" sound. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases.

Why do dogs get hiccups?

Dogs get hiccups when their diaphragm is irritated, causing it to contract then relax in involuntary spasms. The most common cause of dog hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly because it forces them to swallow air along with the food or water.

Food intolerance is another possible cause of hiccups in dogs. The stomach is close to the diaphragm, which can potentially cause spasms if their tummy is uncomfortable.

Other explanations for why dogs get hiccups include stress, excitement, and energetic play. In some cases, the cause of dog hiccups may be due to an upset stomach or gas.

Do puppies get hiccups?

Puppies of all ages — from newborns to 6-month-olds — can get hiccups. Hiccups are far more common in small puppies than in grown-up dogs, with almost all puppies exhibiting hiccups at some point during their development. In fact, puppies experience hiccups even before they're born, while they're still in their mother's womb.

Fun Fact: This also occurs in humans and other mammals, and although the reason is still unknown, the theory is that hiccups are a result of the body testing the muscles associated with breathing.

Why do puppies get hiccups?

There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups far more often than older dogs, including:

Puppies tend to be more excitable and more energetic than adult dogs. Rapid bursts of energy can easily impact their breathing causing hiccups.
Puppies are also more likely to eat or drink too fast.
Puppies have weaker organs, and their digestive system is less mature than those of adult dogs.
Being too tired or cold can also trigger puppy hiccups. That's why sleeping pups are much more prone to bouts of hiccups than awake ones.

How to get rid of dog hiccups

If your dog has hiccups, there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Many of the same cures used by humans also work well for dogs. Here are some of the most common methods:

If you two enjoy playing hide-and-go-seek, try giving them a gentle “spook” from around the corner, but be very careful not to instill legitimate fear in your poor pup.
A sip of water might help, just make sure they drink it slowly. Otherwise, they might gulp down air and end up with another bout of hiccups.
You can try to give them something sweet (preferably in a liquid form), such as water mixed with a little bit of sugar. The sweetness might help distract them and hopefully relax their breathing pattern.
If that doesn’t work, try to get rid of dog hiccups by adding in a bit of maple syrup, honey, or Karo syrup. These can coat the throat to soothe the irritation and slow down the breathing process. Just be sure that anything you give your pet doesn't contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is used in many human products, but it is toxic to dogs.
You can also try massaging your dog’s chest to help relax the diaphragm and get their breathing back to a normal rhythm.
Light exercise, like a mellow walk, may also do the trick by changing your pet's breathing patterns

Keep in mind, the chest contractions can be somewhat violent, so avoid giving your pet foods that require a lot of chewing, as this might present a choking hazard.

Prevention is always better than reaction. If your furry friend is prone to hiccups, try to figure out what causes them. If your dog is very eager to gobble up his food or water, consider getting them a slow dog feeder. Another option is to feed your pup several smaller portions throughout the day instead of two large meals.

You should also consider the size of their water bowl. There are bowls with different heights or levels that can help the water go down slower and with less air intake.

When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups?

Occasional hiccups are a perfectly normal occurrence in dogs and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your pup's hiccups occur very often, if they last for longer than a couple of hours at a time, or they begin to interfere with their daily activities, you should get in touch with your veterinarian.

Here are a few potentially serious causes of dog hiccups:

Respiratory issues. If hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, or wheezing, it could be a sign of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

Heatstroke in dogs can also trigger hiccups. Any dog can experience this life-threatening condition, but brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible due to their restricted airways and short muzzles.

The list of potentially serious causes of dog hiccups also includes pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac, the pericardium, which causes fluid to accumulate between the layers) and hypothermia (extreme lowering of the body temperature resulting from exposure to frigid temperatures for too long).

Gastric issues. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools on top of prolonged hiccups, it might be an indication of a gastrointestinal (GI) problem. The same symptoms, along with overall lethargy and exercise intolerance, can be a sign of a parasitic infection. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can also attack your pet's respiratory system. If your dog is still a puppy, make sure to have them on a de-worming schedule. They should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight, and 12-weeks as a puppy, and then every three months.

Pro Tip: By signing up your dog while they are still a puppy, your pet insurance can cover up to 90% of treatments for illnesses like parasite infections.

When you take your pup to the vet, the vet will likely start with a physical exam, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Depending on the initial results and the clinical signs your furry friend is showing, an abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, CT scan, and an MRI might be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal hiccups.