Can Dogs & Puppies Get Hiccups?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dogs have many cute behaviors, whether smiling at us, tilting their head, or giving us puppy dog eyes. But what about hiccups? Is this a cute behavior or something to worry about? Like humans, dogs can experience hiccups, or repeated, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that can cause a “hic” sound. In most cases, these aren’t a cause for concern.

While hiccups are more common in puppies, adult dogs can also experience them. Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers, says puppies have weaker respiratory muscles, tend to eat quickly, and are more active, which may result in them swallowing extra air and getting hiccups.

Read on to learn more about dog hiccups, including common causes, possible risks, and treatments.

Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?

Dogs get hiccups because they’re a natural reflex for most mammals. Usually, when dogs hiccup, their diaphragm involuntarily contracts, and the area where the vocal cords are–known as the glottis–closes abruptly. Then, a “hic” sound happens when the respiratory muscles contract. This can happen at a rate of 4 to 60 hiccups per minute.

“Even though we don’t know the exact cause of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles contracting like this, one theory is that it happens when dogs swallow excessive air,” Dr. Bonk says.

Below, we’ll discuss a few reasons why your dog may get hiccups, according to vet experts.

1. Your dog is eating or drinking too fast

If your dog quickly consumes their food and water, Dr. Bonk says they’re taking in extra air, making them more prone to hiccups. She says speed eating can also cause coughing after eating or drinking water.

2. Your dog is stressed or anxious

Do you notice your dog panting or breathing faster? Dr. Bonk says these signs of stress increase a dog’s air intake and can lead to respiratory muscle contractions and hiccups.

3. Your dog is overexcited

It doesn’t take much for some dogs, especially puppies, to get excited. When your dog gets excited, they may start breathing harder and faster. This overstimulation can cause them to breathe in extra air and start hiccuping.

4. Your dog’s food is too spicy or hot

Dr. Bonk says when your dog eats spicy or hot food, they might want to drink water quickly, which causes them to take in extra air. She explains that spicy food may also contain capsaicin, which can affect the activity of the diaphragm, leading to muscle contractions and hiccups.

5. Your dog has excess gas in their stomach

If your dog is gassy, it may be because they’re eating too fast. Dr. Bonk says filling the stomach with air can irritate the diaphragm, contract muscles, and cause hiccups.

6. Your dog is on certain medications

Dr. Bonk explains that some antibiotics, antidepressants, and steroids, like prednisone, Valium, or alprazolam, can cause throat and stomach irritation. If your dog takes any of these medications, they may experience gastric reflux and hiccups.

7. Your dog has inhaled an irritant

Dr. Bonk explains that irritants, such as pollen, grass seed, or other foreign objects, can inflame your dog’s airways or throat. Hiccups may develop as your dog tries to increase their air intake to catch their breath.

How to Get Rid of Dog Hiccups

The good news? Hiccups rarely require treatment and go away on their own, says Dr. Audrey Weaver, Partner Doctor at Heart + Paw Glen Mill. However, you can offer your dog the following to ease their hiccups.

• A drink of water: Dr. Bonk recommends giving your dog a small drink of water, but not so much that it can gulp down too much. Dr. Weaver advises watching how your dog drinks since overdrinking can cause vomiting.
• Pet-safe antacids: While giving your dog milk is commonly recommended, our vet experts suggest choosing a pet-safe gastro protectant or antacid instead, as milk may cause gastrointestinal (GI) or stomach issues.
• Chest and belly massages: Dr. Weaver says massaging and petting your dog’s stomach may help them pass the swallowed air through burps or farts.
• A light walk: Dr. Bonk says light walks or dog training can help break the muscle contraction cycle, which can help the hiccups pass. Dr. Weaver recommends waiting one to two hours after eating since strenuous activity can lead to bloat, particularly in big dog breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, or English Mastiffs.
• Relaxation: If your dog is anxious or overexcited, Dr. Weaver suggests helping your dog relax with calming treats, beds, or collars.
• Rice, grains, or bread: Our vet experts agree that a bland diet may be helpful if you notice signs of an upset stomach alongside hiccups. These signs include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, drooling, or lip-smacking, and if you can treat this, hiccups may subside.

Is My Dog Hiccuping or Reverse Sneezing?

It’s common for pet parents to confuse hiccuping and reverse sneezing. “Reverse sneezing refers to spasms and subsequent sneezing that occurs because of irritation in the nose and throat,” Dr. Reacher explains.

Unlike reverse sneezing, hiccups don’t involve the upper respiratory tract and are most often triggered by extra air in the stomach. Hiccups are usually secondary to acid reflux and other GI issues.

If you’re unsure if your dog is experiencing hiccups or reverse sneezing, it’s best to consult your vet.

Should I Be Worried If My Dog Has Hiccups?

Thankfully, pet parents don’t usually have to worry about their dog hiccuping. Hiccups tend to be temporary and resolve on their own–much like human hiccups!

However, if their hiccups last more than a day or two, it’s best to seek veterinary advice. We also recommend consulting your vet if your dog is hiccuping due to one of the following health concerns, which usually show symptoms beyond hiccups.

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Upset stomach
• Asthma
• Parasites
• Heatstroke
• Heart problems
• Ingesting a foreign body

How to Prevent Dog Hiccups

While dog hiccups are common, you can usually prevent them by making the following mealtime changes:

• Giving food in a slow feeder
• Feeding your dog smaller meals
• Using a different water bowl

Can Dogs with Hiccups Still Play, Eat & Drink?

Hiccups don’t generally affect your dog’s ability to play or drink water, explains Dr. Shannon Barrett, Veterinarian, Owner, and Writer at Downward Paws. While playing is usually okay, never withhold water and wait to offer food until hiccups pass.

Barrett reassures that puppies and adult dogs are usually resilient to hiccups. “They tend to ignore them and continue their daily activities, including playtime and running,” she adds.

Generally, while hiccups are often a non-issue and resolve on their own, pet parents should be vigilant and take their dog to the vet if they persist or other worrying symptoms appear.