Dog Hiccups: What You Need to Know

A series of hiccups in dogs is very similar to humans – just a few minutes of hiccups and then away they go!  However, we must determine if hiccups reach a point of concern.  Is there a reason why your dog is consistently doing it?  We have created this article to explain the causes and solutions that come along with canine hiccups.

What causes dog hiccups?  As in humans, in dogs, a hiccup occurs when the diaphragm is irritated. It contracts and then relaxes in a short, involuntary spasm, as opposed to the normal, smooth inhale/exhale breathing pattern.  The most common cause of hiccups with puppies and dogs is drinking water or eating food too fast, which causes the puppy or dog to ingest air along with their food or water.  General excitement and even stress can also cause a bout of the hiccups in dogs. That’s true of any age dog, though it’s a less common stress reaction than lip licking or yawning.

What can you do to help?  Most of the time, hiccups are no cause for concern in dogs.  In fact, it can be cute at times (LOL).  Anyway, there are some ways in which pet owners can help their dog get over hiccups.  Among the most common natural home remedies for a bad case of the hiccups in dogs is giving a small spoonful of honey, karo syrup, or maple syrup.  These syrups do a great job of coating the dog’s throat and soothing away any irritation, as well as help to distract them and slow down the breathing process.  You can also massage the dog’s chest or go on a relaxing walk to keep them occupied.

When does it become a concern?  In rare cases, frequently occurring bouts of hiccups in adult dogs, especially if they last more than 60 minutes and are seen with other symptoms, could be a sign that something isn’t quite right, and a veterinarian should be consulted.