Along with a breath issue, puppy hiccups are very common among puppies and are something that vehemently concerns dog owners about how to get rid of dog hiccups. It is an apparently cute sight to see your puppy hiccuping after its dinner or taking a nap. However, this adorable hiccuping can get extremely serious at times, and can even denote the health condition of your puppy.
Read and learn everything about hiccups and how to get rid of dog hiccups in this article. I am unable to understand why my puppy has hiccups– Here’s why! A hiccup in your dog/puppy is mostly caused when its diaphragm is irritated. It contracts and then relaxes, causing an involuntary spasm while breathing.
Hiccups in puppies/dogs are usually caused when they eat food or drink water way too fast causing the dog/puppy to ingest air along with it Apart from these reasons even general excitement and stress can also cause a bout of hiccups.
Know About What Causes Hiccups In Dogs- Key Reasons!
Hiccups are mainly caused due to a spasm in the diaphragm, which is located under the lungs. The spasm makes the glottis, the opening between vocal cords, shut suddenly. This makes the “hic” noise. Hiccups in puppies/dogs and humans happen in a similar way. Normal hiccups in puppies/dogs are caused due to two major reasons-
- After eating or drinking too fast, they tend to start hiccupping
- Sometimes when they are too tired or excited it also triggers hiccups
- When dogs/puppies are too cold it also initiates hiccups.
Scientists have not yet discovered what exactly causes hiccups in dogs and other mammals. However, there are two major theories regarding hiccups as given by doctors and scientists. One is that hiccups are leftover from when animals develop in the uterus. It might be that hiccuping in the womb is a way of checking the breathing muscles.
Exactly why puppies have more hiccups than adult dogs. As the puppy grows, it will start having fewer hiccups, or no hiccups at all. Another reason that scientists believe is that hiccups are the puppy’s mechanism of relieving gas or an upset stomach.
When Can Dogs Get Hiccups And It Becomes A Health Concern?
Even though these hiccups might seem cute and adorable if they continue for about 60 minutes in your dog and they start displaying other symptoms, it could be a sign of something serious. In such a case consulting a veterinarian is the ideal solution.
Along with hiccups if your dog suddenly starts sneezing, coughing, having an increased heartbeat, or even reverse sneezing it should be considered a serious issue. Overexertion, heatstrokes, and gastric issues might also cause hiccups in dogs. Only a veterinarian can diagnose the problem correctly and do a proper treatment of your dog.
Regularly Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups? Ways To Solve!
Hiccups in dogs are not a very serious concern in puppies. As explained earlier it is mainly caused due to fast eating of food and drinking of water by your dog. If you are a pet owner and wondering how to get rid of dog hiccups, we have several solutions for you. Initially, you can try using the most common home remedy for your dog/puppy by giving it a small spoonful of Karo syrup, honey, or maple syrup.
You can always try some other home treatments-
- Try and massage the dog’s chest
- Take your dog on a mellow walk
- Try slowly feeding your dog.
These hacks might help you stop your dog’s hiccups.
How Frequently Can Dogs Have Hiccups
Puppies and Dogs usually don’t have hiccups for a prolonged time. Hiccups are occasional in dogs especially when they eat or drink too fast. However, if your dogs have hiccups for a longer period of time, make sure to report it to the doctor and if required make a visit.
For a prolonged period, why does my puppy have hiccups continuously? If your puppy starts having hiccups for a prolonged period accompanied by breathing troubles, it generally means there is a serious underlying health issue. Heatstroke can cause continuous hiccups in puppies and medication needs to be provided immediately. Another significant problem that causes prolonged hiccups is gastrointestinal issues.
In such a case your dog might exhibit other symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If not properly taken care of this will cause serious health disruptions for your puppy. Contact your vet immediately when you start noticing such symptoms. Various parasites can also cause these issues along with exercise intolerance and overall lethargy.
Which Puppy Hiccups Worms Are Harmful?
The most common cause of hiccups in puppies/dogs is because of dring water or eating food way too fast. Even general excitement and stress can also cause a continuous bout of hiccups in them. However, some intestinal worms cause hiccups in puppies too. If your dog has prolonged and continuous hiccups, gets diarrhea and starts vomiting, you must take them to a vet. This is usually caused by worms. Certain worms that cause hiccups in dogs are-
- Heartworms
- Roundworms
They also cause respiratory issues such as nasal discharge, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Make sure to take them to a vet if you see such symptoms along with hiccups. Really, do hiccups mean you’re growing? Know facts!
Just as in humans, hiccups don’t mean you’re growing up, even in dogs/puppies it doesn’t mean they are growing up. It is just an age-old rumor that was associated with hiccups. We have explained clearly that hiccups are caused due to irritation in the diaphragm.
Get To Know What Dog Hiccups Look Like!
Hiccups in puppies/dogs are very similar to that of hiccups in humans. Dogs/Puppies make a “hic” sound accompanied by a diaphragm spasm. Dog hiccup symptoms include a combination of the hic sound and spasms. Sometimes you might just notice an occasional burp and spasm but might not hear any sound.
Unable to stop dog hiccups and vomiting– Solutions If you are thinking about how to get rid of dog hiccups and vomiting the first thing that you need to do is contact your vet immediately. This might be caused because of some gastric issues or because of parasites or gastric issues. If this continues for long your dog will also have a loss of appetite and lethargy.
In case of a worm issue, your puppy/dog needs to be dewormed quickly with a vet’s advice. Suddenly my dog keeps hiccuping and swallowing– Possible treatment If your dog suddenly starts hiccuping and swallowing, then it’s probably a symptom of acid reflux. If this continues for a few weeks or months then it needs to be addressed immediately. Acid reflux if turned into a chronic condition might result in esophagitis, which requires serious treatment by the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Bad That My Dog Is Hiccuping?
Ans: Dog hiccups are not a bad thing if it happens occasionally when your dog eats or drinks too fast. It usually resolves itself without doing much externally within a few minutes. You can try some home remedies by feeding it small amounts of honey, maple syrup, or Karo syrup to reduce hiccups. However, if it continues for a longer period of time, it is suggested you take them to a vet.
Q2. How Long Do Dog Hiccups Last?
Ans: Normal hiccups in dogs usually last for about a few minutes and resolve by themselves. However, in case of prolonged hiccups, it can last for about 60 minutes or more. Prolonged hiccups can denote a serious underlying health issue.
Q3. Why Is My Dog Hiccuping So Much?
Ans: If your dog has started hiccuping suddenly after eating or drinking, it is very normal and is mainly caused by your dog eating or drinking very fast. There is not much to worry about and will resolve on its own. But if it continues for long, make sure to visit a veterinarian.
To Wrap up
Hiccups in your puppy aren’t a very serious issue. In fact, it primarily happens because of their drinking and eating habits. It resolves on its own. Our article has provided you with all the ways and solutions how to get rid of dog hiccups.
Also Read: