Do dogs get hiccups, too? Yes, dogs can get the hiccups as well! And, it’s not a good idea to try and scare the hiccups out of them or attempt any of the other inventive ways people try to get rid of hiccups.
These hiccup facts, tips, and tricks may come in handy, especially if you have a puppy – as dogs are the most susceptible to hiccups at a young age.
Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Underlying Causes
If your dog gets a spell of hiccups, it’s generally not a cause for concern. Just like how humans experience hiccups, they usually go away in a minute or two and are not much to worry about. Hiccups, though annoying at times, can actually be beneficial for dogs and relieve stomach irritation or gas. As mentioned, hiccups are most common in puppies. Puppies can be more prone to hiccups because of their playful nature and excitement while eating.
There are several reasons as to why your puppy may have started hiccuping, such as:
- Rate of eating/drinking
- Certain foods
- Emotions
- Barking
Your dog most likely has hiccups because he ate or drank something too fast. Gulping down food or liquid too quickly can cause your pup to swallow extra air and trigger the hiccups. Although, there are times when dogs hiccup due to eating certain foods that irritate their stomach. High-grain foods, in particular, can be the reason for hiccups. Even excitement, stress and/or fatigue can prompt a bout of hiccups. Barking excessively can also cause hiccups – barking too much can bring on quick breathing and cause air to be trapped in their stomach, therefore provoking the hiccups.
There are rare cases when hiccups are due to a bigger, more serious issue such as asthma in dogs or stroke. If the hiccups persist or linger for longer than 30 minutes, it’s important to schedule a visit to your veterinarian and have your pup evaluated.
What’s the best remedy for dog hiccups?
Puppies and hiccups. This may come as a surprise as something you should learn about, but as a pet parent, it’s best to be prepared. So let’s talk about the best remedies and actions you can take to reduce discomfort for your pet. There are a few simple steps you can take to help avoid hiccups and actions you can take if your pup does … hiccup.
- Time
- Avoid certain foods
- Drink water
- Exercise
- Provide food
Dog hiccups will generally go away on their own. So giving it a few minutes to see if they disappear may be the only remedy you need. If your pup does have recurrent hiccups, there are additional measures you can take to drive them away. It may seem obvious, but if you’re dog keeps getting hiccups after eating certain foods or those high in grains, try to avoid giving them those foods. Take notice of his eating habits and do your best to figure out what’s inducing his hiccups. Much like us humans, a remedy for hiccups can be water. Providing a bowl of water for your pup to drink can also help to get rid of hiccups.
But remember, don’t try any of those wild ways humans try to get rid of hiccups. Hint, hint: I know we’ve all held our noses and drank water at the same time to stop that persistent … hiccup. Not a good idea with your dog! Instead, there are other – safe – ways to get rid of dog hiccups. Exercise and outdoor activity can cure hiccups by altering their heart rate and breathing. Providing food and allowing them to eat (hopefully slowly!) can also change their rate of breathing and ultimately stop the hiccups.
As a reminder, dog hiccups will usually go away on their own and are not cause for concern. But, if they do last a long time or keep coming back, contact your vet. Next time you hear that … hiccup, hiccup … from your pup you’ll know some of the reasons why they started and be prepared with a few things you can do to banish and prevent hiccups in the future!
Sources:
- “Dog Hiccups: What You Need to Know.” PetMD, Accessed 2 Jan. 2018. www.petmd.com/dog/care/dog-hiccups-what-you-need-know.
- Ripley, Katherine. “Can Dogs Get Hiccups?” American Kennel Club, 19 July 2017, Accessed 2 Jan. 2018. www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-hiccups/.
- Hickman, Gayle. “Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups?” Petful, 16 Dec. 2018, Accessed 2 Jan. 2018. www.petful.com/pet-health/why-do-puppies-get-hiccups/.
