Are Dog Hiccups Normal? Causes and Solutions for Your Pup

Those familiar hic sounds aren't exclusive to humans. If you've ever seen your dog's belly jump with a small, repeated spasm, you've seen how dogs hiccup. A lot of the time, people are confused about whether this is normal or just a bit strange. These things happen to dogs all the time and are usually safe. Puppies especially deal with them all the time.

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Yes, dogs do get hiccups, and the way they work is the same as in people. A hiccup is when the diaphragm, a big muscle that helps you breathe, contracts without your control. When the diaphragm spasms, it causes a sudden intake of breath that is stopped when the voice cords close. The familiar "hic" sound comes from this quick closure.

Puppies are especially likely to experience this. Their growing bodies and high amounts of excitement make them very likely to have these little spasms. Most of the time, you don't need to worry if your puppy coughs after every meal or play session. It's a normal part of how they grow and change.

Top Reasons Your Dog Gets Hiccups

The cause of a case of hiccups is usually quite straightforward, even if it may appear random at first. Most of the time, these things have to do with breathing, eating, or feelings that make a dog's breathing rhythm change.

Eating or Drinking Too Fast

Fast movement is one of the main reasons dogs cough after eating. A dog will always swallow a lot of air when they gulp down their food or water. This extra air may irritate the diaphragm and stomach, which can cause spasms that cause hiccups. This happens a lot in homes with more than one dog, where the dogs may eat faster because they are competing with each other.

Excitement, Stress, or High Energy

When a dog is playing and gets excited, their breathing speeds up and sometimes changes direction. This change in breathing pattern is the main cause. It can happen with stress or worry too. If a dog is worried, it might pant or breathe quickly, which can have the same effect. It's just the body's reaction to a quick change in the way they breathe.

Fatigue and Temperature Changes

In some cases, it's just plain tiredness. A tired dog might get hiccups as their body starts to relax and their breathing changes after a long day of playing. A quick change in temperature, like drinking cold water on a hot day, can also sometimes be enough to start a short episode.

How to Get Rid of Dog Hiccups

Dogs usually get over their problems on their own within a few minutes. But if your dog seems like they are in pain, there are a few gentle things you can do to help them breathe better and soothe their diaphragm.

• Offer a Small Amount of Water: The act of lapping and swallowing can help interrupt the hiccuping cycle. Ensure your dog drinks slowly and calmly to avoid swallowing more air.
• Soothe and Calm Them: By gently caressing your dog's back or chest in gentle, rhythmic movements, you can calm them and assist them in controlling their breathing. Another option is a short, calm walk on a leash. The steady pace can help your dog take deeper, more gradual breaths.
• Slow Down Mealtime: Prevention is key. A slow-feeder bowl is a great way to avoid hiccups that come from eating too quickly. There is less air intake and fewer post-meal hiccups while using these bowls because of the built-in impediments that stop gulping.

A Common Mix-Up: Hiccups vs. Reverse Sneezing

A lot of pet owners think that hiccups are another familiar sound: reverse sneezing. While both can seem alarming, they are very different.

• Dog Hiccups: Dog hiccups are caused by spasms of the diaphragm, which make a quiet hic sound from the chest and a belly movement that you can see. The sound is made when air is taken in.
• Reverse Sneezing: This is a muscle spasm of the soft mouth and throat. The dog makes a loud noise by honking or snorting as they quickly breathe in through their nose. This usually happens when a dog is excited or has breathed in something irritating, like dust or pollen.

If you know the difference between them, you won't have to worry as much.

When to Worry About Dog Hiccups

Constant hiccups can be a sign of a deeper health problem, even though they are usually safe. It is important to pay attention to how often, how long, and any other signs you have.

It's important to call your vet if your dog's hiccups last longer than a few hours at a time or happen every day. You should also see a doctor if the hiccups are followed by other bad signs of distress, such as:

• Wheezing, coughing, or labored breathing
• Vomiting or frequent regurgitation
• Lethargy, weakness, or changes in behavior
• Loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing
• Nasal discharge

Persistent hiccups combined with these symptoms could point to conditions like gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, or other more serious problems. A thorough veterinary exam is the only way to get a proper diagnosis.

Your Pup's Hiccups Are Usually Harmless

Hiccups are a normal part of life for dogs, especially for young pups. Eating too quickly or having a lot of energy are common things that can cause them. If you learn how to be calmer and know what to look for, you can rest easy knowing that these little twitches aren't usually a big deal.

FAQs about Dog Hiccups

Why does my puppy get hiccups so much?

They have a lot of hiccups because their nervous and respiratory systems are still growing. The main causes are also getting excited and eating quickly. As puppies get older, most stop hiccuping all together.

Are dog hiccups painful?

Hiccups are generally not painful for dogs. They are more of a minor annoyance or a strange sensation. If your dog appears to be in distress during an episode, it's best to consult a vet to rule out other issues.

How long do dog hiccups normally last?

A typical case is short-lived, usually lasting a few minutes. While an episode lasting up to an hour can happen occasionally, anything that persists for several hours or occurs repeatedly throughout the day should be discussed with your veterinarian.

What's the difference between dog hiccups and a cough?

Hiccups are characterized by a rapid, rhythmic shallow breathing that starts with a spasm of the diaphragm. The term "cough" refers to the explosive release of air from the lungs, which is frequently accompanied by a hacking or loud noise. The two acts are different and have different causes.