Yes, Dogs Hiccup. Here’s Why It Happens and How You Can Help

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We have all experienced the occasional annoying or embarrassing hiccups. But did you know that dogs and puppies also get them? Scientists aren't sure why dogs and humans have hiccups, but hiccups are usually not something to worry about.

Here's what you need to know about dog hiccups, from why your dog gets them to when to be concerned.

Can dogs get hiccups?

It is normal for dogs to get hiccups. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups, the involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that make it seem like we're gasping for air.

The hiccup is an uncontrolled spasm in the diaphragm, a muscle under the lungs, which rises and falls as your dog inhales and exhales. The diaphragm also helps pull air into the lungs and push it back out again. When the diaphragm spasms, it causes the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords) to close abruptly, resulting in the "hic" sound.

What causes dogs to hiccup?

Our canine companions often get hiccups for many of the same reasons people do, such as:

• Eating or drinking too quickly

• Overeating

• Becoming excited

• Swallowing air

• Overexerting

• Breathing in irritants

• Experiencing sudden changes in temperature

While all dogs can get hiccups, it is especially common for puppies to get them. Puppies' digestive systems are still developing, and they tend to also get hiccups from:

• Getting cold

• Getting tired

• Feeling excited

• Experiencing stress

There's also some research indicating that dogs may experience hiccups related to certain medications.

Should you be worried if your dog is hiccuping?

Generally, dog hiccups aren't anything to be particularly worried about. Most hiccuping spells result from eating or drinking too quickly, exercise, or overexcitement.

However, you should bring your dog for a visit with your veterinarian if:

• Your dog's hiccups do not go away on their own.

• The hiccups last more than several hours.

• Your dog is also drooling.

• The hiccups prevent your dog from eating or drinking.

• Your dog's breathing is irregular.

• Your dog's breathing is labored, they are short of breath, or wheezing.

In rare cases, hiccups that won't go away may indicate that your dog has a more serious health condition, such as pneumonia or Addison's disease.

How can you tell a hiccup from other breathing issues?

If your dog is coughing, hacking, or constantly making sounds like they are choking on something, these can be signs of other breathing issues.

Look for these additional signs that may mean your dog is having breathing issues rather than simply a bout of hiccups:

• Breathing noisily

• Making snorting noises, particularly with exercise

• Snoring when sleeping

• Tiring during exercise

• Collapsing or fainting after exercise

• Gagging or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your pup to visit the vet.

How can you help a dog with hiccups?

Dog hiccups usually clear up quickly on their own. However, you can do a few things that may help your dog.

As with humans, you can offer your dog water. A drink of water can help calm the hiccups. Keep in mind that you want to encourage your dog to drink slowly rather than gulping it all down.

If your dog gobbles up all their food quickly, this can lead to hiccups, so encouraging them to eat slowly is also important. Look for puzzle dishes or other food dishes to slow down rapid eaters. Wait until your pup has stopped hiccuping before feeding them so they don't accidentally choke on small bites of food.

Helping your dog, particularly a hiccuping puppy, to relax with a gentle belly rub can calm their breathing.

Despite many wives' tales claiming ways to eliminate human hiccups, no one knows whether they work. And you shouldn't even try these techniques with your dog:

• Do not try to scare the hiccups out of your dog.

• Don't pull their tongue.

• Do not try to hold them upside down.

• Don't put your fingers in their ears.

• Do not try any other similar tricks to get rid of your dog's hiccups.

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