4 Reasons Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups And How to Deal With it

Do you know why dogs get hiccups? It’s actually a pretty common question, and many people are surprised to learn that dogs can get hiccups just like humans!

There isn’t really a definitive answer as to why dogs get hiccups, but there are several theories out there.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular explanations for why dogs get hiccups and see if any of them make sense!

Why do dogs get hiccups?

There are several reasons why dogs might get hiccups, including:

Eating or drinking too fast

Dogs (and humans) can sometimes get hiccups if they eat or drink too quickly.

When you gulp down food or water, it can cause a spasm in your diaphragm (the muscle that separates your chest and abdomen), which the theory suggests is the culprit for hiccups.

However, not all dogs who eat quickly will get hiccups, which indicates that there may be other factors at play. 

Eating or drinking too much

Another theory is that dogs can get hiccups if they eat or drink too much. This is because when your stomach is full, it puts pressure on your diaphragm, which can cause a spasm.

This theory makes a lot of sense, as many people (myself included) have gotten hiccups after overeating!

Excitement or stress

Some dogs may get hiccups when they are excited or stressed. This is because excitement and stress can both lead to an increase in adrenaline, which can cause your diaphragm to spasm.

This theory is supported by the fact that hiccups are often seen in dogs who are about to be put under anesthesia for surgery, as they may be feeling anxious about the procedure.

Age

Hiccups are also more common in puppies and senior dogs. This is likely because both groups of dogs are more prone to eating or drinking too quickly, overeating, and experiencing stress or anxiety.

So there you have it!

What should I do about my dog’s hiccups?

If your dog is experiencing hiccups, there is no need to worry. Hiccups are not harmful and will usually go away on their own after a few minutes (or hours at most).

However, if your dog seems to be in discomfort, there are some options you can do.

Have your dog drink a small amount of water.

This will help if your dog is experiencing hiccups due to eating or drinking too fast, as it will help to slow down their swallowing.

Just make sure that you don’t give your dog too much water at once, as this can also lead to stomach problems.

Start with a few swallows and then wait to see if their hiccups stop before giving them more.

Feed your small dog meals throughout the day.

If your dog is prone to overeating, try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal.

This will help to prevent their stomach from becoming too full and putting pressure on their diaphragm.

Give your dog a chest massage.

If your dog’s hiccups are due to stress or anxiety, a gentle chest massage may help to relax them and ease their hiccups.

To do this, simply place your hands on your dog’s chest and massage it in a circular motion.

You can also try holding your dog in a comforting embrace to help them feel safe and secure.

Distract him with play.

If your dog’s hiccups are due to excitement, you can try to distract him with a toy or game.

This will help to take their mind off of whatever is causing their hiccups and hopefully help them to go away.

Give your dog a calming treat.

If your dog’s hiccups seem to be caused by excitement or stress, try giving them a calming treat such as a piece of cheese or a dog biscuit.

This will help to relax their nerves and may help to stop the hiccups.

Hiccups are a mystery, but they’re nothing to worry about

While we may not know exactly why dogs get hiccups, we do know that there is nothing to worry about.

Final thought

Dogs can get hiccups for the same reasons that humans do. Often, it is simply due to drinking too much or eating too fast.

However, hiccups can also be caused by excitement or anxiety. In some cases, they may be a sign of a more serious condition such as an infection or a gastrointestinal issue.

If your dog seems to be having difficulty breathing or is showing other signs of distress, it is important to seek veterinary care.

Otherwise, hiccups are usually nothing to worry about and will go away on their own after a short time.