Dogs can get hiccups just like humans can! Hiccups usually last for a few minutes, and occur when a spasm of the diaphragm causes the vocal cords to close suddenly. They are often accompanied by a characteristic noise, known as the sound of a hiccup. Contrary to popular belief, hiccups can be caused by a lot of things such as excitement, eating or drinking too quickly, and even swallowing air. Although they may be annoying for both pups and their owners, hiccups in a dog are usually not a cause for concern.

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Yes, dogs can get hiccups. Just like humans, when a dog’s diaphragm spasms unexpectedly it can cause a hiccup. Dog hiccups may be caused by eating too quickly, excitement, changes in temperature, eating foods that are too cold or too hot, or drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Hiccups typically resolve on their own but if your dog has hiccups that persist for a long period of time, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue and should be taken seriously.

Can Puppies Get Hiccups?

Yes, puppies can get hiccups just like humans do. Hiccups happen when something triggers the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. When the diaphragm suddenly contracts, it causes a distinctive hiccup sound. Puppies can get hiccups due to excitement, eating too quickly, or eating too much. In most cases, hiccups will go away on their own and do not require any treatment.

What Are Dog and Puppy Hiccups?

Dog and puppy hiccups are when the diaphragm suddenly contracts, causing an involuntary inhalation and resulting “hic” sound. Hiccups can be caused by eating too quickly, excitement, sudden temperature changes, including cold water after exercising, and even stress. Dog hiccups usually only last for a few minutes and are not cause for concern unless they last more than a few hours.

Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs?

No, hiccups generally do not hurt dogs and most dogs do not experience any discomfort when they have hiccups.

8 Week Old Puppy Hiccups

It is perfectly natural for puppies to experience hiccups just like humans can. While the sudden spasms can be cute, you may be left wondering if they are a cause for concern. Generally, hiccups in puppies (and in humans) are nothing more than a harmless inconvenience and should not last more than a few minutes. If hiccups last longer, there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. In some cases, hiccups may be a sign of an infection, a gastric irritation, or an obstruction in the digestive tract of the puppy. If you are concerned about your puppy’s hiccups, make sure to speak to a veterinarian for further evaluation.

Dog Hiccups And Vomiting

If your pup is suffering from hiccups and vomiting, it may be a sign of a medical issue. Common causes of hiccups and vomiting in dogs include gastroenteritis, viral infection, pancreatitis, snacks that are too large, foreign body ingestion, or a sensitivity to something in the environment.

How Are Hiccups Similar in Dogs and Humans?

Hiccups in dogs and humans are similar in that they are caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm and can be triggered by sudden excitement, drinking a carbonated beverage, eating too much, eating quickly, or even coughing. In both humans and dogs, hiccups generally only last a few minutes and will often stop on their own. Additionally, the “hic” sound created by hiccups in both humans and dogs is caused by the diaphragm quickly moving air through the vocal cords.

How Are Hiccups Different in Dogs and Humans?

Hiccups in both dogs and humans are caused by a sudden intake of air and an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. However, the difference is that dogs don’t usually experience multiple sets of hiccups. Additionally, humans have the ability to hold their breath to help stop their hiccups, however, dogs may not recognize this as an effective solution.

What Causes Hiccups in Dogs?

Hiccups in dogs are caused by the same reason as hiccups in humans, irritation of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and is used for breathing. When this muscle becomes irritated, either through eating too quickly, intense excitement, ingestion of air, or irritating food, the diaphragm will spasm. These spasms will cause the characteristic hiccupping sound that we are all familiar with. Other underlying diseases such as acid reflux, esophageal trauma, or inflammation can also lead to hiccups.

Why Do Dogs and Puppies Get Hiccups?

There are several likely explanations as to why do dogs and puppies get hiccups. One of the most widely accepted theories is that puppies and dogs can experience a spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. As with people, the diaphragm’s spasm causes a quick in-drawn breath, which results in the familiar “hic” sound known as the hiccup.

Another potential cause is over-excitement or stress. Often, when a pup or dog is anxious, excited, or emotionally stressed, their breathing pattern changes which can lead to hiccups.

Another potential cause of hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly. As the dog gulps down its food, the excessive air being taken in can cause a reflex spasm in the diaphragm.

Lastly, gustatory (tasting food) hiccups are experienced when dogs spend too much time enjoying their food or treats. In addition to smelling and tasting food, dogs can experience deep pleasure from licking, chewing, and savoring their food. This overeating can trigger hiccups.

Why Does My Puppy Get Hiccups at Night?

Puppies can get hiccups at night for a variety of reasons. One possible cause is overeating before bed, which can cause the stomach to swell, pressing against the diaphragm and causing hiccups. Having something lodged in the throat, such as a small piece of food, can also cause periodic spasms that result in hiccups. Stress or excitement can also lead to hiccups, especially if the puppy is not getting enough exercise during the day.

Dog Hiccups Symptoms

Excessive panting with pauses or hesitation in breathing, followed by a hiccupping sound. Your dog may also have a distended stomach. In some cases, your dog may also be restless and agitated and have difficulty sleeping.

How do I Know If My Dog Has Hiccups?

You may be able to see your dog’s stomach moving quickly as if it took a big gulp of air. Additionally, they may make a distinctive sound such as a sort of gasp or sneeze. 

What Do Dog Hiccups Look Like?

Dog hiccups look much like human hiccups. The dog will take in a breath quickly and audibly as they try to re-establish their breathing, and hiccups in dogs are generally accompanied by occasional trembling or shaking.

How Do You Stop Hiccups in Dogs?

Stop hiccups in dogs by first identifying the cause. If the cause is known, you can treat it directly. If the cause is unknown, there are several things you can try to stop hiccups in dogs.

1. Distract the Dog: Startling the dog can shock its system and disrupt the hiccup pattern. This could be done by clapping your hands, calling his name with an exciting voice, or speaking in a high-pitched voice.
2. Eating or Drinking: Give the dog a few mouthfuls of food or water. This can help to disrupt the hiccup pattern.
3. Massage: Gently massage the dog’s throat or chest. This can help to relax the muscles that are involved in hiccuping.
4. Gentle Pressure: Place a hand over the dog’s chest or abdomen and apply pressure. This can help relax the muscles in this area, which can end the hiccuping.
5. Exercise: Take your dog for a walk, play a game of fetch, or have him chase a ball. Exercise can help to relax the muscles and break the hiccup pattern.
6. Stimulation of the Gag Reflex: Try gently stimulating the back of the dog’s throat to get a gag reflex. This can help to break the pattern of hiccuping.
7. A Rousing Game of Hide and Seek: Tapering off the hiccuping can be accomplished by engaging the dog in a game of hide and seek. This can help reset the hiccuping pattern.

It is also important to remember that if your dog is seriously hiccuping, you should take him to the vet. Sometimes hiccups can be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

What If Dog Hiccups Don’t Go Away?

If your dog’s hiccups don’t go away, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. If your dog is having hiccups for an extended period, it’s best to take him to your vet for further evaluation. Potential causes of prolonged hiccups can include stress or anxiety, foreign objects stuck in the throat, or swelling of the throat due to an infection. An underlying health condition, such as an infection, tumor, or digestive disorder, could also be causing the hiccups.

When Should You Worry About Dog Hiccups?

Dog hiccups are typically normal and not something to worry about. However, if the hiccuping persists for more than a few minutes and is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, lack of appetite, or weight loss, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. Chronic or recurring hiccups may be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires treatment.

How To Prevent Puppy Hiccups

1. Feed Your Puppy SLOWLY: One of the most common causes of hiccups in puppies is gulping down their food too quickly. Feed your pup two to three smaller meals throughout the day, and whenever possible, use a slow-feed bowl that helps make them eat more slowly.
2. Give Your Puppy a Break Between Meals: Hiccups can also be triggered when a puppy has too much time between meals. Try to keep a regular schedule and feed your pup every four or six hours. This will ensure their stomach does not have time to empty between meals.
3. Massage Your Puppy’s Chest and Stomach: A gentle massage can relax the muscles in the chest and abdomen and can help reduce hiccups. Make sure you are using light, long strokes that soothe and relax your pup.
4. Provide Chewing Toys: Chewing on toys can help relieve hiccups by giving your pup something else to focus on. If you find your pup is hiccuping more than usual, provide a toy as soon as possible to distract them.
5. Stay Calm: Stress is one of the most common triggers of hiccups in puppies, so if you find your pup is hiccuping more than usual, it’s important to keep calm and provide reassurance. Take some deep breaths with your pup and focus on relaxation.

FAQ

Q. Should I be worried if my dog is hiccuping?

A. No, not particularly. Hiccups in dogs are typically caused by eating or drinking too quickly, and can usually resolve on their own. However, if the hiccups persist for more than a few hours, it may be a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Q. Can dogs get hiccups in their sleep?

A. Yes, dogs can get hiccups in their sleep just like humans do. It happens when the muscles that control the dog’s breathing contract involuntarily, which can create the characteristic ‘hic’ sound. The hiccups may startle the dog as they wake up, but they usually stop quickly and don’t cause any harm.

Q. Can dogs get hiccups from being scared?

A. Yes, dogs can get hiccups from being scared. This is because, just like humans, dogs can experience a sudden intake of air due to fear. This can cause their diaphragm to spasm, resulting in the classic hiccuping sound.

Conclusion

Yes, dogs can get hiccups just like humans. They will exhibit the same type of hiccup symptoms including rapid shallow breaths, contractions in the diaphragm, and lack of control over the air intake. It is believed that hiccups are caused by a contraction of the diaphragm and the dog’s body and reflexes respond in much the same way as humans. While hiccups may happen occasionally, only in rare cases will they last for more than a few minutes or be a sign of an underlying health issue.