Dog hiccups are typically harmless and rarely severe. Symptoms are caused by diaphragm spasms or contractions of the diaphragm 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.
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.
The hiccups occur when your puppy’s diaphragm contracts involuntarily. 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 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, often caused by involuntary diaphragm contractions. Various factors can trigger these spasms, including:
Excitement
Just like humans, puppies can get overly excited, leading to hiccups. Try to keep your puppy calm and prevent overexcitement.
Eating or drinking too quickly
Rapid consumption can cause them to swallow air, contributing to 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 be a sign of 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 result in them swallowing 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 happen in any age group, 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 eight months to one year.
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 squeaky toy is enough to get your dog to breathe 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 the contraction of the diaphragm, and ease hiccup episodes.
Short walks
Taking your puppy for a brief walk or engaging in light exercise can also help calm them down, regulate breathing and stop your pup’s hiccups.
Slow down feeding
If your puppy tends to eat too fast or fails to chew its food, consider using a slow feeder or 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.
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 with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and to discuss potential dietary adjustments or medications.
If the problem persists, talk to your vet about medications to help relax diaphragm muscles.
Surgery could be an option in extreme cases if your dog has a physical abnormality related to its diaphragm.
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.
Your pup will likely outgrow these bouts of hiccups with patience and care, 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.