Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Yes, and Here’s Why

In humans, occasional hiccups are completely normal  — and usually more annoying than harmful. While we all get hiccups from time to time, it may catch you by surprise when your dog starts to “hic, hic, hic.”

Dog and puppy hiccups can be cute, but are they something to worry about? Just like in humans, dog hiccups are a natural bodily function and very rarely a cause for concern.

Keep reading to learn why your dog gets the hiccups and suggestions to help get rid of them.

What is a hiccup?

When mammals breathe in, their diaphragm contracts and moves down to make room for the lungs to expand. When we breathe out, the diaphragm relaxes and moves back into position. Usually, the movement is very smooth and rhythmic. 

However, when the diaphragm gets irritated, it will spasm. This causes the glottis, or vocal cords, to close and stop air intake, causing the “hic” sound.

Hiccups are neither painful nor unusual, especially in puppies. All mammals get them, but in dogs, the brachycephalic dog breeds can get them more frequently because of their shortened muzzles and restricted airflow. 

These types of dogs include:

• Pugs
• English Bulldogs
• Boxers
• Shih-Tzus
• French Bulldogs

Most hiccups will last only a few minutes and are no cause for concern. However‌, chronic hiccups sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. 

Why do dogs get hiccups?

A bout of hiccups can be triggered by a range of issues. The most common causes in dogs include:

• Eating too quickly
• Swallowing excess air
• Changes in temperature
• Over-excitement or stress
• Eating spicy food
• Excess stomach gas
• Breathing in irritants such as smoke or perfumes

Chronic hiccups can also be a symptom of something more serious, such as a respiratory disease or a food intolerance. If you’re concerned, you should take your canine companion to the vet.

Worried about the costs of unexpected vet bills? Pumpkin pet insurance plans can help cover the cost of eligible vet bills in the future, which lets dog owners focus on getting the care their pup needs.

Can puppies get hiccups?

Yes, puppies are more likely to get hiccups than adult dogs. Our youngest pets can ingest too much air during energetic play or while eating or drinking. 

A puppy’s muscles are weaker than an adult dog’s muscles and more prone to muscle contractions, including hiccups. Unless they last longer than a couple of hours, puppy hiccups aren’t a cause for concern.

How to get rid of dog hiccups

Most of the time, there is no need to stop your dog’s hiccups because they will go away on their own. 

However, if your pet does need a hand, there are a few strategies you can use:

Offer small amounts of water

Offering your dog small amounts of water can slow down their breathing rate and stop the hiccups. But drinking too quickly can make your dog swallow more air — which is a cause of hiccups. So make sure the water is room temperature and your dog is calm.  

Give your dog a spoonful of honey

Adding a spoonful of honey, maple syrup, or Karo Syrup to the drinking water can also slow down the hiccups. (You can also offer a lick of honey from a spoon.)The syrup or honey coats the throat, relieving the irritation. It also encourages your dog to drink because of the sweetness, restoring rhythmic breathing again.

Calm your dog with a massage

Swallowing can interrupt ‌hiccups, too. Massage the dog’s chest and throat to get them to swallow. This will normalize your dog’s breathing patterns and stop the hiccups. Rolling your dog onto their back and giving them belly rubs can also help them relax, causing their breathing patterns to return to normal.

Take them for a walk

Restoring normal, relaxed breathing is the cure for hiccups. Try taking your dog for a walk around the block or engaging them in light play. Because light exercise is good for stress relief, it can restore your dog’s breathing patterns back to a normal rhythm. 

Slow it down

Drinking or eating too fast is the most common cause of hiccups in dogs. When attempting to cure this condition, don’t feed large or solid meals. Your dog can inhale the food, which can lead to pneumonia or choking. Consider giving your dog their food in a slow-feeder dog bowl.

When to worry about dog hiccups

It doesn’t take much for hiccups to start. Swallowing in too much air or drinking too quickly can be enough to set them off. Because they’re so common, the hiccups aren’t usually cause for concern.

But if they do last more than a couple of hours, happen frequently or your dog is struggling to breathe, there may be an underlying cause.

Get your dog to the vet if you observe any of the following symptoms during a prolonged hiccuping episode:

• Hiccups that last more than a few hours
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Not eating or drinking
• Wheezing
• Signs of pain

You know your dog best, and if anything seems abnormal — trust your gut. Your vet will be happy to answer any questions.

Is it a hiccup or a reverse sneeze?

Hiccups are spasms in the diaphragm. Reverse sneezing is the spasm of the soft pallet found at the top back of your dog’s mouth. A reverse sneeze sounds like a snort, whereas hiccups are less violent-sounding with just a “hic” sound and no obvious body movements.

Reverse sneezing is when the soft pallet becomes irritated and spasms, narrowing down the trachea. Your dog will extend their neck ‌to expand the lungs and get more airflow. As they forcefully inhale through their nose, you’ll hear the reverse sneeze sound. 

Most cases of reverse sneezing require no medical attention. Once your dog exhales through their nose, the episode will stop. It’s about restoring a normal breathing pattern.

The bottom line: Dog hiccups

Dog hiccups are the same as human hiccups. They’re usually normal and go away on their own. Hiccups can be caused by a range of factors, such as eating too quickly, excitement, or anxiety. 

Chronic hiccups, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite can be signs of illness. In these cases, a trusted veterinarian will help ‌give you peace of mind and diagnose any health problems.

FAQs

---

---