No matter who you are, you’re likely familiar with the uncomfortable (and annoying) feeling of hiccuping. Sometimes episodes last for a few minutes and other times it feels like the hiccups will never go away. And don’t even get us started on all the silly “cures” and “remedies” that will have you guzzling water, holding your breath, and biting into a lemon!
But do our canine companions get hiccups? And are dog hiccups just as irritating as the ones that have plagued humans since the beginning of time?
We asked a vet to provide more information about hiccups in dogs including what canine hiccups look and sound like, what causes them, and advice for getting rid of them.
Do Dogs Get Hiccups?
Yes, just like humans, dogs can get the hiccups! “Dogs, especially puppies, do sometimes get hiccups,” says Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a veterinary advisor for PetLab Co. “But rest assured that your dog having occasional hiccups isn’t usually something to get worried about.”
To understand how hiccups happen, you need to understand a little bit about your dog’s diaphragm.
When dogs breathe, their diaphragm – the major muscle involved with respiration, located just below the lungs – contracts and moves downward. This makes room for a dog’s lungs to expand. When exhaling, this mechanism reverses. A human’s diaphragm works in the same way.
However, occasionally the diaphragm spasms and these spasms induce hiccups. “When the dog hiccups, the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords) shuts and the dog makes a ‘hic’ noise,” explains Dr. Koehler.
Do Puppies Get Hiccups?
Yes, puppies do experience hiccups — and they are absolutely adorable! Puppies actually get hiccups more frequently than adult dogs.
“Puppies may be more likely to ingest air while nursing and playing,” says Dr. Koehler. “They may also be more likely to experience hiccups since their bodies aren’t fully mature and muscles may be weaker.”
What Do Dog Hiccups Look and Sound Like?
While hiccuping, dogs will typically make a “hic” sound several times per minute. “Your dog will appear to have a small spasm or jerk,” says Dr. Koehler. “Their mouth may remain closed while hiccuping.”
Hiccuping looks and sounds the same for both puppies and adult dogs, but puppies tend to hiccup more frequently.
Possible Causes of Dog Hiccups
So, what causes dog hiccups? Most of the time, hiccups happen when dogs swallow too much air. This is called aerophagia.
Dogs may swallow too much air due to:
- Drinking too fast
- Stress
- Playing too roughly
Certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to hiccups. “Hiccups may be more common in flat-faced dogs like Pugs or Bulldogs due to the shape of their airways,” says Dr. Koehler.
Rarely, dog hiccups are associated with stomach issues that cause nausea or with respiratory issues that might cause excessive air swallowing, like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Dog Hiccuping After Eating
If your dog is regularly hiccuping after eating, it’s likely due to eating too quickly. When dogs scarf down food, they swallow a lot of air in the process. Swallowing air is one of the main causes of hiccups in dogs.
You can try to remedy this by slowing your dog down during meal times. Try using a slow-feeding bowl, puzzle toys, or lick mats to prevent your dog from eating too quickly.
Dog Hiccuping During Sleep
Dogs that hiccup during their sleep or at night may be more relaxed and swallow more air, leading to nighttime hiccups. But other times, what you think are nighttime hiccups might be something else entirely.
“Dogs often appear to hiccup at night when they’re actually just dreaming,” says Dr. Koehler. “During their dreams, some dogs make little jerky movements and noises in their sleep that resemble hiccups.”
Should You Worry About Dog Hiccups?
Hiccups in dogs can be relatively normal — just like in humans — and usually last around 10-15 minutes. But, if your dog’s hiccups don’t go away or your pup is showing other concerning symptoms, it’s time to call your vet.
“If your dog is acting lethargic, drooling excessively, vomiting, having diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, or has appetite changes, seek veterinary attention,” says Dr. Koehler.
Things That Look Like Dog Hiccups but Are Not
Sometimes pet parents can confuse retching or vomiting with dog hiccuping, since these are also associated with jerky body movements.
“A retching dog will make a loud gagging noise while opening their mouth,” says Dr. Koehler. “A dog who is about to vomit will make a lurching motion due to the abdominal effort, followed by a gag and vomiting. A dog with hiccups shouldn’t gag.”
How To Get Rid Of Dog Hiccups
First things first, it’s highly unlikely that human remedies for helping to get rid of hiccups will work on your furry friend. Scaring them or pulling their tongue will most likely just distress them more. Don’t do this.
Before you start trying to help your dog with their hiccups, think about what could have caused them. This may help you identify the right dog hiccup remedy to try. Here are a few suggestions.
Calm Them Down
If your dog has become overexcited or is very stressed, you may need to encourage them to take a break and calm down. Try some soothing techniques to help them relax. Slow, rhythmic stroking of their belly may help settle their breathing pattern and help hiccups go away.
Give Them Some Water
People often drink water as a way to get rid of hiccups, and this technique may help our canine companions as well. Dr. Koehler says that drinking water can disrupt the hiccups and help them stop.
If your dog doesn’t want to drink, you can try adding a small amount of honey to the water to encourage them to lap it up.
Gently Massage Your Dog’s Throat
Another tip from Dr. Koehler is to try gently massaging your dog’s throat as a way to encourage your dog to swallow and disrupt the rhythm of the hiccups. This may also help your dog calm down, which may help alleviate the hiccuping.
Use a Slow Feeding Bowl
If your dog hiccups a lot, this may indicate that they’re eating too fast. Try using a specifically designed slow-feeder dog bowl or a lick mat which will slow them down during mealtimes.
Try a Slow Walk
Another theory is that a quiet, slow walk may help your dog recover from their case of hiccups. Only do this if your dog can walk calmly by your side and take it easy — don’t attempt it if your dog gets overly excited on walks.
Feed White Rice
You could also offer your dog some cooked white rice, as this can swell in the stomach and may help put a little bit of pressure on the diaphragm and aid in slowing the hiccups.
Sources:
“Should You Be Worried About Dog Hiccups?” TPLO Info, Aug 29. 2021 https://tploinfo.com/blog/should-you-be-worried-about-dog-hiccups/
Author Ripley, Katherine “Can Dogs Get Hiccups?” American Kennel Club, Aug 30. 2021 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-hiccups
