Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

If you're a new dog owner or have never seen your dog get hiccups, the first time might catch you off guard. You might find it funny at first—until you start to wonder if something’s wrong. The good news is that hiccups in puppies or dogs are generally harmless as long as they don’t last too long.

Dogs, Especially Puppies, Can Get Hiccups Just Like Humans

Yes, dogs can get hiccups, and this is true for most mammals that have a diaphragm. When a dog's diaphragm contracts involuntarily, it triggers the nerves connected to their throat, causing that familiar hiccup sound. This process is much like how humans experience hiccups, and it happens similarly in other mammals as well.

Puppies are particularly prone to hiccups because they’re full of energy and often haven’t learned how to pace themselves while eating or playing. As dogs grow and become more settled, hiccups usually become less common.

What Causes Dog Hiccups?

Hiccups in dogs are generally nothing to worry about. The most common cause is gulping down food or water too quickly. Overeating, excitement, or even stress can also cause hiccups. Some foods, especially spicy or irritating items, might upset your dog's stomach, triggering hiccups. If your dog frequently gets hiccups after meals, consider adjusting their diet or feeding routine to see if a particular food could be the culprit.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional hiccups are typically harmless, there are rare cases where persistent hiccups could indicate a more serious issue. If hiccups last longer than an hour, or if they occur frequently, this could be a sign of an underlying problem such as a respiratory condition, asthma, heat stroke, or pericarditis (inflammation around the heart). If you notice prolonged or unusual hiccups, it’s best to consult your vet to rule out any serious concerns.

Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language During Hiccups

It’s also helpful to pay attention to your dog’s body language when they experience hiccups. Most dogs will continue to play or rest without much concern, but if your dog seems distressed, is coughing, or showing other unusual symptoms like difficulty breathing, there may be more at play.

Recognizing when hiccups are just a passing event and when they might signal something more serious is key to keeping your pet healthy and comfortable.

How to Help Your Dog to Stop Hiccupping

If your dog has a short bout of hiccups, there are a few simple things you can try to help:

 1. Offer Your Dog Water:

Just like in humans, drinking a little water can help reset your dog's diaphragm and stop the spasms. Make sure the water is at room temperature, as very cold water could cause additional irritation.

2. Change Your Dog’s Breathing Pattern

Interrupting your dog's breathing pattern may help stop the hiccups. You can try engaging your dog in a play session or offer your dog a treat. Chewing or swallowing can alter the breathing rhythm enough to stop the hiccup reflex.

3. Massage to Calm Your Dog

If your dog's hiccups are due to excitement, try calming them down with a gentle belly rub or massage. This not only helps your dog relax but may also ease the spasms causing the hiccups.

How to Prevent Hiccups in Dogs

Although hiccups are usually harmless, there are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce their occurrence. If your dog tends to eat too fast, consider using a slow feeder bowl. These specially designed bowls make it harder for dogs to gulp their food, encouraging them to take smaller bites and reducing the likelihood of hiccups.

Dividing meals into smaller, more frequent portions can also help. In addition, if excitement seems to be the cause of your dog’s hiccups, you can try calming activities like a slow walk before meals to help regulate their breathing.

When to See Your Vet

If your dog frequently experiences hiccups, or if they last for an extended period, a trip to the vet is a good idea. The veterinarian may run tests to determine the underlying cause, and in some cases, may prescribe a muscle relaxant to ease the diaphragm.

But in general, just like in humans, hiccups in dogs are usually a harmless and short-lived annoyance. So, if your dog has a case of hiccups, there's no need to stress—just wait it out, and they’ll likely pass quickly.