Why does my puppy get hiccups? And what can I do to stop them?

Dog hiccups are typically harmless and rarely severe. Dog hiccup symptoms are caused by diaphragm spasms that are triggered by excitement, eating 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.

Some puppies and dogs get hiccups when sleeping! There’s nothing you can do if your dog hiccups in sleep. When dogs get hiccups at night it’s because they are relaxed and swallow more air. 

Sources of dog hiccups

Dog hiccups are so common some veterinarians think they are “growing pains” 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. Dogs typically stop having hiccups by the time the puppy is eight months to 1 year.

Other veterinarians claim hiccups are a vestigial reflex many puppies have from their days in the womb. It was a way they could exercise their lungs and strengthen esophageal muscles while being “underwater.”

The majority of puppies stop having hiccups once their lungs adjust to oxygen and a drier environment.

Nothing serious

There is no reason to worry if dog hiccup episodes last less than an hour. If they continue, or are chronic, consult your veterinarian.

Occasionally hiccups can be a warning sign of something more serious. Dog hiccups and vomiting can be a sign of gastrointestinal distress. Puppy hiccups also can be a sign of worms. 

If your dog experiences hiccups combined with coughing or shortness of breath, then it could be a symptom of heart disease, hypothermia, 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. 

Treatments for dog hiccups

As a rule, it is best to do nothing if your dog gets the 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. If you want to help your dog, change your puppy’s breathing rhythm. 

Try to distract your puppy. Often offering a ball or squeaky toy can be enough to get your puppy breathing normally again.

Giving your puppy water also can help. But avoid giving your dog any food or treats because they could cause choking. 

Another option, try rubbing or massaging your dog’s chest to help relax the diaphragm. You also could play with your puppy or snap on the leash and take a short walk.

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

Preventing hiccups

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

To help keep your dog from getting hiccups, don’t distract her while she’s eating. You also could use an interactive feeder to help your dog eat more slowly. When your puppy gobbles her food, she swallows air, which can cause hiccups.

Interactive feeder options include the: 

• Aikiou Junior Dog Slow Bowl — a twist on the traditional slow-feed dog bowl that requires your pup to forage for her food.
• Outward Hound Fun Feeder — uses ridges and mazes to slow your dog’s eating down.
• Northmate Interactive Feeder —  this specially-designed feeder is shaped like a tuft of grass and turns mealtime into a challenging game. 

Limit playtime if excitement triggers your puppy’s hiccups.

If the problem persists, talk to your vet about medications that can help relax diaphragm muscles. In extreme cases, if your dog has a physical abnormality related to its diaphragm, surgery could be an option.

Bottom line

Remain calm. Dog hiccups are usually as typical for your puppy or dog as they are for you.

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