Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Yes! Watch this Adorable Puppy with an Incurable Case of Hiccups + Causes, Cures & Prevention
Humans aren’t the only ones who can get hiccups—kittens, rabbits, and even horses get hiccups, too, but do dogs get hiccups, and if so, what do dog hiccups look like, and what do dog hiccups sound like? Not only can dogs get hiccups, but it’s pretty darn cute when they do. Just look at these adorable puppy hiccups!
So why do dogs get hiccups, and are dog hiccups something you need to be concerned about? The good news is that it’s normal for adult dogs and puppies to experience hiccups occasionally, and rarely a sign of something more serious. If your dog is prone to hiccups and you want to learn how to prevent your dog from hiccuping more often, there are some simple things you can do to reduce their bouts of hiccups.
Here, we’ll explore why dogs get hiccups, how to help a dog with hiccups, and small changes you can make to avoid situations leading to hiccups.
Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?
Hiccups are uncontrolled contractions of the diaphragm, a strong layer of muscle in the base of a dog’s chest and the primary muscle used to expand and relax the lungs for breathing. Both adult dogs and puppies can get hiccups, but hiccups are more common in puppies than in adult dogs.
Why do puppies get hiccups more often than adult dogs? The theory is that hiccups occur more often in puppies because they are more prone to heightened excitement, nervousness, and eating too fast. It’s also worth noting that puppies are picked up more often, which can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.
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Common triggers for dog hiccups:
- Eating too fast
- Drinking too fast
- Excitement or stress
- Gas or upset stomach (e.g. from food allergy)
- Being picked up by the abdomen
- Certain medications
With some simple observation, it is relatively easy to identify your dog’s hiccup triggers. For example, if your dog hiccups at night after being given a specific medication but not in the morning, they may be reacting to their medicine. If your dog has a habit of eating or drinking too quickly and gets hiccups after meals or water breaks, you may want to consider getting a slow feeder or offering them smaller bowls of water.
How To Prevent Dog Hiccups
You probably can’t learn how to stop hiccups for dogs for good, but you can make a few small changes to reduce the frequency of your dog’s hiccups. Most dogs have a hiccup trigger, so all it takes is identifying the trigger and making targeted changes to avoid it.
Use a Slow Feeder
One of the most common reasons dogs get hiccups is because of drinking or eating too quickly. A slow feeder is a bowl with multiple compartments or obstacles that prevent dogs from gulping down their food all at once. Eating too quickly can cause the stomach to become distended, which can press on and irritate the diaphragm, causing it to contract and create hiccups. By slowing down your dog’s eating or drinking, you can help them avoid this discomfort.
Don’t Pick Up Your Dog From The Abdomen
The diaphragm of a dog is located at the base of the chest/top of the abdomen. Picking up a dog from the belly can trigger hiccups since you are pressing on the diaphragm.
“Instead of picking them up underneath their abdomen, I want you to pick up around them, from their hiney, that way they won’t get the hiccups,” says Dr. Adam Christman in a great demonstration of the right way to pick up a dog.
Encourage Calm Playtime & Transitions
Why do puppies have hiccups more often than adult dogs? Two of the major reasons are excitement and a newly developing digestive system! Puppies are experiencing the world for the first time, and there’s a lot to be excited (and nervous) about.
To help your puppy avoid hiccups triggered by emotional highs, encourage them to calm down when they start to get over-excited, try to initiate quiet play with chews or stuffed toys, and keep transitions calm—don’t greet your pup or say goodbye with too much excitement. Keeping the mood mellow and relaxed can help your puppy control their breathing and avoid gulping too much air when they’re feeling big emotions.
How To Cure Dog Hiccups
Dogs will usually get over having hiccups within a few minutes, though some can last a bit longer. Some dogs won’t seem to care that they have hiccups, while others may be more distressed by the discomfort. If you have a pup that gets hiccups often, you may want to learn how to get rid of puppy hiccups or at least how to comfort your dog until the hiccups subside.
Gentle Belly Rubs
Gentle belly rubs can help get rid of dog hiccups, as long as you don’t put too much pressure on the abdomen. Have your pup lay on their side and give them a slow, soothing massage. This can also help your dog regulate their breathing, which can stop hiccups.
Drinking Water
Just like humans, dogs can cure their hiccups by drinking water. However, this won’t work if your dog likes to gulp water, which can cause them to swallow more air and make the hiccups worse. If your dog can drink calmly, encourage them to have a few slurps.
Stay Calm
Never try to scare your dog’s hiccups away, and do your best to stay calm. Agitation or over-excitement can trigger hiccups or make them worse, so keeping your dog’s environment calm and your tone/energy soothing will help them relax and eventually stop hiccuping.
When Do Dog Hiccups Become a Sign of Health Issues?
Most of the time, hiccups are not a sign of anything serious or underlying. However, if your dog’s hiccups are concerning or you think they get hiccups too often after trying several methods to reduce their bouts of hiccups, a trip to the vet might be needed.
“You should take your dog to the vet if he gets hiccups for more than a few hours, or if they shift to a wheezing sound that causes irregular or difficult breathing,” says All Creatures Great and Small Animal Hospital.
Sneezing, coughing, or drooling excessively in conjunction with hiccups can also be signs that your dog has an underlying health problem. Similarly, you should schedule a vet visit if the hiccups cause significant discomfort or become disruptive to your dog’s life.
Dog Hiccups FAQ
You’re almost a dog hiccup expert! Here are a few more key facts to help you round out your knowledge of doggy hiccups.
Can spicy food give dogs hiccups?
Yes. Spicy foods are irritating to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues which can in turn cause hiccups. Dogs should never be fed spicy food, and even smelling something like strong chili powder could irritate your dog and cause hiccups.
What conditions can be mistaken for hiccups?
Reverse sneezing is sometimes misidentified as hiccups. Reverse sneezing or paroxysmal respiration is characterized by a quick, sudden, repetitive intake of breath that may sound like snorting, sneezing, or hiccuping. Reverse sneezing is typically caused by respiratory inflammation, and if your dog does it often you should consult with a vet.
How long do dog hiccups last?
Dog hiccups typically last between 5–15 minutes but can last longer. If your dog regularly hiccups for more than an hour it may be cause for concern.
Are some dog breeds more likely to get hiccups than others?
Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Boxers may be more likely to get hiccups than dog breeds with longer snouts, but any kind of dog can get hiccups. Some people believe that miniature Schnauzers, German Shepherds, and other breeds with a predisposition for megaesophagus (enlarged esophagus) are also more likely to get hiccups.
Can anxiety cause hiccups in dogs?
Yes! Anxiety, fear, nervousness, and other heightened emotions can cause dogs to hiccup. Similarly, excitement can also cause dog hiccups.
Can acid reflux cause dog hiccups?
Yes. Gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux can cause dog hiccups.
