Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that occur in humans and some animals, often caused by a sudden inhalation of air or eating too quickly. There is no universally accepted theory about the cause of hiccups, and some believe they have a psychosomatic origin.
Dogs are among many animals that can get hiccups and experience them similarly to humans. Discover how dogs get hiccups, why they happen, and the best methods to cure them.
Dogs Can Get Hiccups—Just Like People!
Dogs experience hiccups in much the same way as humans; they result from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and the muscles surrounding it. The cause is often irritation to the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing in conjunction with other parts of the brain.
Hiccups are reflexive actions that happen in response to a stimulus. In humans, this stimulus is often swallowing or eating too quickly. In dogs, the trigger is often a sudden change in air pressure, such as when they jump off the bed or after they drink water.
The glottis is the opening between the vocal cords, which produces sound when it closes. When people drink alcohol, eat spicy food, or have a respiratory infection, their throat muscles contract and cause an interruption in breathing. This interruption causes hiccups.
The glottis causes a “hic” sound because of its closeness to the esophagus and trachea. When it contracts, air from these two organs rushes through it, producing a “hic” sound. Dogs don’t always make a sound when they hiccup; however, you can still spot them by looking for the quick jerk of the chest, which is also characteristic of human hiccups.
The most common causes of dog hiccups include:
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Inhaling something that causes irritation
- Stress or anxiety
- Stomach gas
- Overexcitement
- Spicy or hot food
- Certain medications
Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?
The medical community is not entirely sure why we hiccup, but there are a few theories. One theory is that we hiccup because of a leftover behavior from our time spent in utero.
Fetal hiccups are a common occurrence in the third trimester of pregnancy. The causes of fetal hiccups are not well understood; yet, it’s thought that an infant swallowing air in the womb or having contractions of the diaphragm muscles are possible causes. The fetus may also have swallowed amniotic fluid when swallowing air, resulting in a belch-like sound when the fetus exhales after taking a breath.
This theory could explain why hiccups occur more often in puppies than adult dogs and why your dog is likely to experience less frequent hiccups as they age.
Should I Worry if My Dog Has Hiccups?
Hiccups are normal reflexes that usually last for only a few minutes, but there are some cases when they can last for hours or days. Hiccups are not dangerous and do not cause serious health problems. However, they can be uncomfortable and may disrupt daily routines if they last for prolonged periods.
In rare instances, hiccups can signify a more severe health issue, such as asthma, pneumonia, or heart problems. If your dog has been experiencing repeated hiccupping episodes, it may be wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying conditions.
Seek emergency vet attention if:
- Your dog’s hiccups continue for hours.
- Your dog appears to be in pain.
- Your dog refuses to eat or drink.
- Your dog begins to drool excessively.
- Your dog begins to vomit.
- Instead of a “hic” sound, your dog begins to wheeze.
- Your dog displays any breathing difficulties.
How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Hiccups
While canine hiccups are non-threatening (in most cases), they can be highly annoying for your dog, especially if they continue for long periods. While there is no guaranteed method of curing hiccups, there are a few different things you can try.
Give them a petting session. Stroke their fur, pet them behind their ears or under their chin, or get them to lie down while you rub their belly. You can also give them a little head massage while talking to them in a soothing voice. This can help slow their breathing and help it return to a regular pattern.
Encourage your dog to take their time when eating. There are a few ways to get your dog to eat more slowly. You could give your dog a toy and let them play with it while eating. You could also put their food in an automatic feeder that dispenses kibble at a slower pace. The best way to ensure that your dog eats more slowly is to train them how to do so.
Another tip for curing hiccups in your dog is to offer them water. This cure can work for humans and dogs, as the cold water helps to soothe the irritation of the diaphragm and restore its normal function.
Be aware of online advice. Not everything you read on the internet is accurate, and some hiccup “cures” can do more harm than good. Don’t give your dog water if they are lying on their backs, and don’t offer solid chunks of food either, as both are choking hazards when your dog has hiccups.
Always look for trusted pet websites or contact your local vet when looking for medical advice.
