Dog Has Hiccups: Causes, Signs, and What to Do

It's a quiet morning and your puppy suddenly starts making strange little sounds. It's rhythmic, high-pitched, and a little cute – your dog hiccups! While this is often not a cause for concern, many pet owners naturally feel a little anxious when they first hear about it. If you're wondering, "Why does my dog hiccup?" or "How do I get rid of puppy hiccups?" —you're in the right place.

In this guide, we'll go over everything about dog hiccups to address all your concerns.

Why do puppies hiccup?

Just like humans, puppies and adult dogs can experience hiccups when the diaphragm (the muscle under the lungs) goes into involuntary spasms. This causes a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the well-known "hic" sound.

Common Reasons for Dog Hiccups

• Overeating or eating too quickly

• Arousal or overexertion

• Rapid breathing during playtime

• Swallowing air while eating or drinking

• Sudden changes in temperature

• Stress or anxiety

Young puppies are more prone to hiccups due to their still-developing bodies and high energy levels. Most hiccups are completely harmless and go away on their own.

6 Specific Conditions Linked to Dog Hiccups

Let's explore six common scenarios where you might notice your puppy or dog hiccupping.

1. The puppy hiccups after eating

This is perhaps the most common trigger. When puppies eat too quickly, they can swallow excess air, leading to swelling and spasms in the diaphragm.

What you can do:

• Use a slow-feeding bowl

• Offer smaller meals more often

• Discourage vigorous play immediately after eating
  
  

2. Dog hiccups at night

If your dog hiccups before bed, it may be due to stress, fatigue, or digestive issues. Dogs relax at night just like we do, and the diaphragm can sometimes go into spasm while relaxing.

3. Dog hiccups when sleeping

Seeing your dog hiccup while sleeping can be alarming, but it's often related to the REM stage of sleep, during which your dog may shiver, dream, or breathe irregularly.

If hiccups last longer than 15 minutes or are accompanied by other symptoms such as drooling or discomfort, consult a veterinarian.

4. The dog hiccups after vomiting

Vomiting can irritate the esophagus and stomach, leading to muscle spasms that trigger hiccups. Your dog may also swallow extra air during gagging.

If hiccups persist after vomiting or are combined with lethargy, drooling, or refusal to eat, seek veterinary attention.

5. The dog hiccups in the morning

Morning hiccups are often linked to an empty stomach, changes in breathing during sleep, or excitement upon waking. A light snack before bed can help.

6. My dog has a lot of hiccups

Frequent hiccups might indicate:

• Gastrointestinal upset

• Food intolerance or allergies

• parasites

• Respiratory conditions

• Irritation of the diaphragm or nerve

If your dog hiccups daily or seems uncomfortable, a visit to the vet is a good idea.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Hiccups

Hiccups in dogs are usually easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Signs of hiccups in dogs:

• Rhythmic, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm

• A soft "hic" or snap

• Slight movement in the chest or abdomen

• It can occur while resting or shortly after eating

Unlike choking or coughing, hiccups are usually mild and repetitive rather than frantic or distressing.

Is it normal for puppies to hiccup?

Yes, it's very normal! Puppies are especially prone to hiccups because their bodies are still developing and they tend to eat, drink, and play enthusiastically.

Hiccups in puppies – What is normal:

• Frequency: Several times a week or even daily for short periods

• Sound: Slight, repetitive hic or snorting noise

• Companion behaviors: Often none: your puppy may continue to play or sleep

• Situations: After meals, during rest or during sleep

If hiccups are accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or drooling, consult your veterinarian.

Dog hiccup sound

Dog hiccups often sound like:

• A silent "hic" or breath of air

• Occasional whining or howling, especially in young puppies

• Repetitive for 5 to 15 minutes

You may also find that your dog's belly contracts slightly with each setback.

Does my dog hiccup or just choke?

Hiccup:

• Rhythmic, soft, and often unnoticed by your dog

• Lasts a few minutes

• No visible distress

Suffocation:

• Sudden onset

• Choking, kicking in the mouth, panic

• Shortness of breath

• Requires immediate attention
  
  
  

When in doubt, stay calm and keep an eye on your dog. If symptoms become severe, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

How to Get Rid of Puppy Hiccups

While most setbacks resolve themselves, here are a few things you can try:

Safe ways to help a dog with hiccups:

1. Encourage slow breathing: gently massage your chest or speak calmly.

2. Offer water: Hydration can help restore the diaphragm.

3. Use a slow-feeding bowl for meals.

4. Distract your dog: A short walk or gentle play can interrupt the cycle of spasms.

5. Avoid high-fat or spicy treats that can irritate the digestive tract.

⊗Do not try remedies for human hiccups such as startling, pulling the tongue or feeding dogs, as they can be dangerous for dogs.

Some Interesting Facts About Dog Hiccups

A hilarious (and a bit confusing)

Imagine you're relaxing with your dog, both of you in couch potato mode, when suddenly: hic! Your dog jumps up, his eyes wide open. That small setback shook his world.

Dogs and hiccups: a mystery wrapped in a nervous body

Unlike humans, dogs don't understand what hiccups are. To them, that little involuntary spasm is like an alien trying to poke them from the inside. And their reactions? Unpayable.

• The Side Eye of Suspicion: Some dogs stop, tilt their heads slightly, and look at you as "Was that you? No? Hold on... Was it me?! "

• The Immediate Licking Response: Dogs often lick their lips or nose after hiccups, as if trying to reset their entire face. Maybe you think it was a sneaky sneeze or a burp that turned unruly.

• The dramatic getting up and away: Others will get up, stretch as if they intend to do it all the time, and relocate. Because, obviously, the couch caused the hiccups.

• The Puppy Panic Mode: Puppies, in particular, can be hilariously baffled by hiccups. Some will try to run away from the sound (coming from them), while others look around as if there is an invisible squirrel behind them.

Is my dog okay though?

Absolutely! Hiccups are normal, especially in puppies. They occur when the diaphragm becomes irritated, perhaps from eating too quickly, getting too excited, or even just drinking water at the speed of light.

The real fun is seeing how each dog reacts differently:

• Some act like they've just discovered a superpower.

• Others think it's a new toy... inside his own chest.

• And a few stare into space as if they were having a full-blown existential crisis: "Am I broken?"
  
  
  

Should I intervene or just enjoy the show?

Usually, no intervention is needed. But if your dog seems distressed, you can:

• Rub his belly gently to soothe the diaphragm.

• Distract them with a walk or a toy.

• Give them some water, but not too quickly, or you could get around two of the hiccups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it OK for dogs to hiccup?

Yes, occasional hiccups are perfectly normal, especially in puppies. They usually go away on their own and aren't painful or harmful. If they occur frequently or are accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or unusual behavior, consult a veterinarian.

How do you eliminate hiccups in dogs?

To help a dog with hiccups:

• Offer fresh water

• Encourage slow, calm breathing

• Massaging your chest or belly

• Use slow-feeding bowls

• Avoid arousal after meals

Most mishaps are resolved without any intervention.

What can be confused with hiccups in dogs?

Some signs may look like hiccups, but they are not:

• Reverse sneezing (snorting inward, often sounds scary but harmless)

• Cough (may indicate kennel cough or another illness)

• Choking (emergency; watch for gagging or shortness of breath)

• Seizures or tremors (if uncontrollable and combined with other symptoms)

If you're not sure, videotape the behavior and show it to your veterinarian.

What are hiccups like in a dog?

Dog hiccups often involve:

• Mild, rhythmic spasms of the chest or abdomen

• A consistent sound such as "hic," snort, or soft snort

• Dogs usually remain calm and do not show distress

They usually last 5 to 15 minutes and resolve on their own.

Why is my dog making these strange hiccups?

That "weird hiccup thing" is probably a harmless hiccup caused by eating too quickly, excitement, or digestive changes. If the behavior is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it could also be:

• Reverse sneezing

• Gastrointestinal upset

• Respiratory infection

When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

Hiccups in dogs, especially puppies, are a normal occurrence and usually harmless. They often occur after eating, during sleep, or during times of arousal. While the sound may catch you off guard, hiccups usually go away on their own within minutes.

But if you notice that your dog hiccups frequently, or that it is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, coughing or breathing problems, do not ignore it, contact your veterinarian. A short video of hiccups can also help your veterinarian diagnose any underlying problems.