What causes dog hiccups and how to stop them fast

Dog hiccups are typically harmless and rarely severe. Symptoms are caused by diaphragm spasms or contractions triggered by excitement, eating or drinking too fast, irritants, or stress.

Puppies that experience hiccups usually do so first thing in the morning after waking up, after naps, after eating, or when they are excited. It’s usually not a sign of an upset stomach.

Instead, hiccups are involuntary spasms affecting your dog’s breathing muscles.

Some puppies and dogs get hiccups when sleeping; you can do nothing if your puppy hiccups while asleep.

When dogs get hiccups at night, it’s because they are relaxed and swallow more air.

Hiccups are quite common in puppies and dogs, often caused by excitement, eating too quickly, or playfulness.

Puppies tend to hiccup more as their bodies are still developing. While it can be amusing, hiccups are usually not a concern and typically resolve on their own.

Monitoring their eating habits and providing a calm environment can help reduce their occurrence.

Sources of dog hiccups

Puppy hiccups are so common that some veterinarians consider occasional hiccups “growing pains” that some puppies must endure while physically and mentally maturing.

Hiccups occur when your puppy’s diaphragm involuntarily contracts. Usually, the episodes decrease as dogs get older.

Adult dogs rarely have hiccups, and most dogs stop having hiccups by the time the puppy is eight months to one year.

Other veterinarians claim hiccups are a vestigial reflex that many puppies have from their days in the womb. They were a way to exercise their lungs and strengthen esophageal muscles while “underwater.”

Most puppies stop having hiccups once their lungs adjust to oxygen and a drier environment.

Why does my puppy get hiccups?

Puppy hiccups are a common occurrence. Causes of hiccups are caused by involuntary diaphragm contractions. Various factors can trigger these spasms, including:

Excitement

Just like humans, puppies can get overly excited, which can lead to hiccups. Try to keep your puppy calm and prevent overexcitement.

Eating or drinking too quickly

Rapid consumption can cause them to swallow air, which can trigger hiccups.

Irritants

Certain environmental factors or irritants can also trigger hiccups.

Stress

Changes in their environment or routine may cause anxiety, resulting in hiccups.

Puppy hiccups are nothing serious

As pet parents, it’s natural to worry if your puppy experiences hiccups. But there’s no need to worry if hiccup episodes last less than an hour. If the hiccups continue or are chronic, consult your veterinarian.

Occasionally, hiccups can be a warning sign of something more serious. Hiccups and vomiting can be signs of gastrointestinal distress, and puppy hiccups can also indicate worms.

Suppose your dog experiences hiccups combined with coughing or shortness of breath.

In that case, it could be a symptom of heart disease, hypothermia, heat stroke, kennel cough, heartworm disease, asthma, or other respiratory diseases.

If you are concerned, schedule an appointment with your vet.

Hiccups occasionally are mistaken for reverse sneezing, which happens when your dog sucks air in through her nose.

Dog breeds prone to puppy hiccups

Some dog breeds may be more prone to hiccups due to their physical characteristics or temperamental traits.

Here are a few breeds commonly associated with frequent hiccup episodes:

Small breeds

Tiny dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers may experience hiccups more often.

Their smaller diaphragms can lead to more frequent spasms, especially when they get excited or eat too quickly.

Brachycephalic breeds

Breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers have short snouts, which can make breathing more labored.

This can cause them to swallow more air, leading to hiccups.

Active breeds

Energetic dogs, like Border Collies or Jack Russell Terriers, may also be susceptible to hiccups due to their high levels of excitement and playfulness.

Their active lifestyle can lead to rapid breathing and subsequent diaphragm contractions.

Puppies of all breeds

While hiccups can occur at any age, puppies of all breeds are particularly prone due to their developing bodies.

As their respiratory systems mature, hiccups typically decrease in frequency.

Sensory breeds

Some breeds, like Dalmatians and Beagles, are highly attuned to their environment. Their heightened sensitivity to stimuli can trigger excitement-induced hiccups more frequently than in calmer breeds.

While hiccups are common in many dogs, understanding your breed’s tendencies can help you manage and minimize these episodes.

If you notice persistent hiccups or accompanying symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Stop dog hiccups quickly

In puppies, hiccups are usually temporary and tend to decrease as they grow older.

Most dogs outgrow them by the time they reach 8 months to 1 year old.

As a rule, it is best to do nothing if your dog gets hiccups. If you get stressed, you will exacerbate your puppy’s anxiety.

Some people, however, can’t just stand by if they sense their dog is in trouble.

Change breathing pattern

To help your dog, change your puppy’s breathing rhythm or breathing pattern.

Try to distract your puppy. Offering a ball or a squeaker toy is enough to get your dog breathing normally again.

Encourage water intake

Getting your puppy to drink water can also help. But avoid giving your dog food or treats, as they could cause choking.

Massage

Gently rub or massage your puppy’s chest or give your puppy belly rubs. This can help relax the diaphragm, stop its contractions, and ease hiccup episodes.

Short walks

Taking your puppy for a brief walk or engaging in light exercise can also help calm them, regulate breathing, and stop their hiccups.

Slow down feeding

If your puppy tends to eat too fast or doesn’t chew its food, consider using a slow feeder or an interactive toy. This will help prevent it from swallowing air during meals.

Limit excitement

If you notice that excitement triggers hiccups, keep playtime calm and avoid overwhelming situations.

If hiccups persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

Remember, the goal is to distract your puppy and help her breathing return to normal.

Ensure your dog’s emotional well-being

Hiccup episodes can be surprising for dogs, but keeping their emotional well-being in mind can help.

Here are some tips for comforting your dog:

Stay calm: Your dog can sense your emotions, so remain composed and speak softly to reassure them.

Provide comfort: Gently pet your dog or hold them close to offer physical reassurance.

Avoid overreacting: Keep your response casual; avoid laughing or reacting in a way that might alarm them.

Distraction techniques: Redirect their attention to a favorite toy or engage in a simple game to distract them from the hiccups.

Create a safe space: If hiccups happen in a stressful environment, guide your dog to a quieter, familiar space where they feel secure.

Offer treats: Giving a small favorite treat can help create a positive association, but ensure it won’t upset their stomach.

Monitor their health: Keep an eye on your dog’s overall health. If hiccups are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your vet.

Positive reinforcement: Once the hiccups pass, offer praise and affection to reinforce a sense of safety.

Preventing puppy hiccups

Use a few simple strategies to prevent hiccups. Here are some helpful tips:

Slow feeding

If your dog keeps hiccuping and swallowing rapidly, it could be a sign your puppy is eating too quickly.

When your puppy gobbles food, it swallows air, which can cause hiccups.

Consider using an interactive or slow feeder if your puppy eats too quickly.

These bowls are designed to make your dog work a little for the food, reducing the chances of gulping air.

Minimize distractions

When your puppy is eating, create a calm environment.

Don’t distract them with noise, people, or other pets, as these can lead to excitement and increased hiccups.

Monitor excitement

If you notice that your puppy’s hiccups are triggered by playtime or high-energy activities, try to limit play to calm interactions.

Gradually increase their excitement level to help them adjust.

Hydration

Ensure your puppy stays well-hydrated, especially after eating or during play.

Encourage them to drink water. Proper hydration can aid in digestion and help prevent hiccups.

Frequent breaks

Frequent breaks can help your puppy calm down and reduce the risk of hiccups during play or training sessions.

Relaxation techniques

Teach your puppy relaxation techniques, such as practicing settling down in a designated space. This can help them manage stress and excitement levels.

Observe eating habits

Pay attention to how your puppy eats. If it seems to gobble its food, you might need to change its feeding routine or the type of food it eats to encourage slower eating.

Consult your veterinarian

If hiccups are frequent, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues and discuss potential dietary adjustments or medications.

If the problem persists, talk to your vet about medications to help relax the diaphragm muscles.

Surgery may be an option in extreme cases if your dog has a physical abnormality of the diaphragm.

Commonly asked questions about dog hiccups

Q: What can be mistaken for hiccups in dogs?
A: Other issues like coughing or respiratory problems.

Q: Should I be concerned if my dog has hiccups?
A: Generally not, but monitor for other symptoms.

Q: What do hiccups look like in dogs?
A: Repetitive contractions of the diaphragm cause quick breaths.

Q: How long is too long for a dog to have hiccups?
A: If they persist for more than a few minutes.

Q: When should I call a vet about dog hiccups?
A: If hiccups last too long or are accompanied by distress.

Q: What is a diaphragm spasm in a dog?
A: Involuntary contractions of the diaphragm cause hiccups.

Q: What is the best way to stop dog hiccups?
A: Try calming techniques like gentle petting or offering water.

Bottom line: Dogs outgrow hiccups

Remain calm.

An occasional bout of hiccups is as typical for your puppy or dog as human hiccups are for you.

Hiccups are common in puppies, and dogs usually outgrow the condition.

While they can be startling for dog parents, understanding their causes and how to prevent them can make a significant difference.

Implementing strategies like slow feeding, minimizing distractions during mealtime, and managing excitement levels can help reduce the frequency of hiccups.

Remember to keep a close eye on your puppy’s overall health. If hiccups persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting your veterinarian is always a good step.

With patience and care, your pup will likely outgrow these hiccups, allowing you both to enjoy many happy, hiccup-free moments together.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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