One day, you might be playing with your dog and having the time of your life. After a bit, they start making a “hic” sound. It seems strange at first, but they do it again seconds later, and it becomes rhythmic and recurring. You may be wondering if your dog is having hiccups.
Why do dog hiccups happen? Are they the same as human hiccups? When is the best time to notify your vet of any possible concerns? There are so many questions, and they will all be answered to help alleviate any fears you might have. Hiccups do tend to be harmless for dogs, and there’s always a cure for them.
What Are Dog Hiccups?
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm (breathing muscles) suddenly spasms or contracts. It soon causes the vocal cords to close, causing that infamous “hic” sound that humans and dogs make (albeit they are different from one another). Yes, dogs do experience hiccups for the same reasons humans do. However, they tend to deal with them during their puppyhood because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing.
So, why do dogs get hiccups when they are still young? Let’s just say it’s all part of the developmental process. However, adult dogs can still get hiccups themselves. They are brief, harmless, and typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Common Causes of Dog Hiccups
There are plenty of possible triggers for dog hiccups. The good news is that most of them are normal and non-life-threatening. What exactly could they be? Here’s a look at the following:
Eating or Drinking Too Fast
This is considered one of the most common causes of dog hiccups. Drinking or eating quickly can lead to your dog swallowing air as well. The excess air can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups. Puppies and adult dogs with a habit of scarfing down meals with a lot of excitability can be one of the reasons why dog hiccups happen. Spicy foods may also contribute to canine hiccups and certain digestive issues.
Excitement or Overstimulation
Of course, we did mention excitement briefly in the previous example. Hiccups are associated with a burst of energy or excitement. For example, they can occur after your dog’s typical “zoomies” (if they have them regularly). It may occur whenever they are playing with their favorite toy. Overstimulation can lead to rapid changes in their breathing patterns that can increase the likelihood of hiccups.
Rapid Breathing
When we think of rapid breathing, we may be thinking about respiratory distress that may require a visit to the vet. However, fast breathing is normal after play, stress, or when your dog is experiencing mild anxiety (i.e., if they are panting a lot). Still, the rhythm of the diaphragm is disrupted when this happens. Briefly, dog hiccups can occur and can resolve on their own in a few seconds.
Temperature Shifts
If it’s a hot day outside and your dog is drinking cold water, those temperature shifts can cause mild irritation in the diaphragm. These sudden changes can also affect your dog’s breathing and digestion, which can trigger hiccups.
Now that you know of the triggers, you can feel a little more at ease knowing what causes dog hiccups in the first place. It’s OK for your dog to get a little excited (but not out of control). At the same time, be aware that when they experience hiccups, it may stem from that excitement or other conditions that may trigger it.
Dog hiccups are common when puppies continue to grow or develop, or if your adult dog is playful or high in energy. Adults do get occasional bouts as they get older, especially if they are the more energetic breeds such as Australian Shepherds or Border Collies.
Are Dog Hiccups the Same as Human Hiccups?
Most of the time, they are. If you think about it, dogs and humans experience involuntary diaphragm movements that can cause those hiccups. However, dogs can’t tell you how they feel. For this reason, you’ll want to observe their behavior while they have a hiccup episode. If they are behaving normally or eating, playing, or resting, then there is no cause for concern.
How Long Do Dog Hiccups Last?
The good news is that dog hiccups are short-lived. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. However, they may last as long as 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t worry, there is no additional intervention needed. However, hiccups that last longer and happen repeatedly over several days may be something to bring up to your vet to rule out anything that may seem unusual.
How To Help Your Dog with Hiccups
Hiccups won’t require treatment, but you can do a few gentle things to help alleviate any discomfort your dog may have. This also applies to any potential hiccups they may experience in the future. Here are some things that we suggest to help with dog hiccups:
Encourage Calm Breathing
If your dog is hiccupping after excitement or play, offer them a quiet space, speak gently to them, and rub their belly or chest. By doing this, you can regulate their breathing while also reducing their hiccup frequency.
Offer Small Sips of Water
Swallowing often helps with resetting the diaphragm. Be sure to offer your dog fresh water (not cold or icy water). Small amounts can help keep hiccups at bay.
Take Mealtimes Slow
Your dog may have the habit of inhaling their food. Consider having them use a slow feeder bowl or change the meals to smaller portions but more frequent feeding times. A puzzle feeder may be the best investment to make, as it can slow down chewing. As a result, there is less air intake and less risk of hiccups.
Gentle Movement
Light walking can help your dog’s breathing while also relieving any hiccups that may be going on. A short stroll around the yard can help your dog focus on something else, rather than hiccups.
Something to consider could be changing up your dog’s diet, such as offering them bland diet dog foods, especially if your dog tends to deal with digestive issues regularly. Not only are they easy to digest, but they can also reduce gas or bloating, which can be known to trigger hiccups. Vet-approved digestive supplements (such as what Under the Weather offers) can be suggested as well.
When Should You Contact Your Vet About Dog Hiccups
Hiccups are indeed mostly harmless. However, there are rare instances where they may become persistent and be linked to other unusual symptoms. Nevertheless, it means that a deeper issue may be happening, and vet intervention is more than necessary. Consider notifying your vet as soon as possible if:
- Hiccups last more than an hour
- If they occur multiple times a day over several days
- Your dog appears distressed, lethargic, or refuses to eat
- There is coughing, wheezing, or unusual breathing accompanying hiccups
While they might not mean something is wrong, it never hurts to ask your vet what may be going on, especially if your dog is dealing with underlying health issues. Sometimes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Could Dog Hiccups Be Confused with Something Else?
Dog hiccups may be mistaken for something else. What might it be? Here are some possible things that hiccups may be mistaken for and why:
- Reverse Sneezing: This can be a sharp, snorting sound that happens when your dog inhales quickly. The wheezing sound may be dramatic for lack of a better term. However, they are usually harmless.
- Coughing: They sound dry and hacking. It may signal irritation or a possible respiratory issue that is usually mild. If they are dealing with respiratory system issues, hiccups might not be a symptom of such health problems.
- Gagging or Burping: This can occur after eating or drinking. Like hiccup sounds, gagging or burping may be due to them gulping air.
If you are unsure of what sounds your dog is making or what you’re seeing, take a quick video and send it to your vet as soon as possible. They can identify the behavior fairly quickly and consult with you on any further actions. Granted, it is important to remember that it’s fine to worry about your dog if they are dealing with something like hiccups (or something similar to it).
Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Hiccup-Free
Dog hiccups are mostly harmless. However, it is always a good idea to make sure you monitor your four-legged friend, if and when those hiccups happen. Over time, those instances are reduced due to growth, and they may have mellowed out eventually (especially if they had more energy during their puppy years). But once in a while, adult dogs can have hiccups, but this should not be a cause for concern.
Under the Weather understands that your dog’s health is important. That’s why we offer high-quality supplements and bland diet dog foods that can help support an overall healthy life. Take a look at what we have in store for your dog right now.
