Dog Care
Do Dogs Get Hiccups? Why It Happens and How to Help
Yes, dogs get hiccups, and puppies get them often. Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs, contracts suddenly, making a little "hic" sound. They are usually harmless and stop by themselves within a few minutes.
Why do dogs get hiccups?
- Eating or drinking too fast and swallowing air
- Excitement or energetic play
- Being a puppy. Puppies hiccup more often, and many grow out of it
- Stress or sudden changes in breathing
- Sleeping or dreaming, when breathing patterns change
The American Kennel Club notes that hiccups are common in dogs, especially puppies, and usually pass quickly.
How to help a dog with hiccups
- Help them calm down. A quiet spot and gentle strokes can settle breathing.
- Offer a little water, slowly.
- Encourage a gentle walk to change their breathing rhythm.
- Slow down mealtimes with a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder if hiccups follow eating.
Don't try to scare a dog out of hiccups, and don't give anything sweet such as syrup or honey without asking your vet.
Hiccups or reverse sneezing?
| Hiccups | Reverse sneezing | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Short, rhythmic "hic" with a small body jerk | Loud snorting or honking as the dog pulls air in through the nose |
| Posture | Usually normal | Neck stretched, elbows out, standing still |
| Length | A few minutes | Usually under a minute |
| What helps | Calm, water, a slow walk | Calm; gently stroking the throat may help |
When to see a vet
Call your vet if hiccups last more than an hour, keep coming back often in an adult dog, or come with coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, vomiting, drooling, not eating or lethargy. These can point to something other than ordinary hiccups.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my puppy get hiccups so much?
Puppies eat quickly, get excited easily and are still developing, so hiccups are common. Most hiccup less as they grow.
Are dog hiccups dangerous?
Ordinary hiccups are harmless. Contact your vet if they last over an hour or come with breathing problems, coughing or vomiting.
How long do dog hiccups last?
Usually a few minutes. Most stop on their own within 10 to 15 minutes.
Why does my dog get hiccups when sleeping?
Breathing changes during sleep and dreaming can trigger them. They're normal if your dog wakes up fine.
Do cats get hiccups?
Yes, though less noticeably. Hiccups that come with retching may actually be a hairball.
Sources
Guidance follows the American Kennel Club. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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