Can dogs get hiccups? Yes, they can. Hiccupping in dogs is usually triggered by something that causes irritation to their diaphragm muscles. Dogs with hiccups may also have other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and refusing food.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about how a dog gets hiccups and what you can do to stop it from happening again.
Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?
We all get hiccups but why do dogs get hiccups? Our furry friends may experience hiccupping for a variety of reasons. Hiccups in dogs are usually caused by something that irritates their diaphragm muscles, which control breathing movement.
Sometimes it can be due to an upset stomach or even too much excitement! Dogs with hiccups might also display other symptoms, which we’ll touch on later in this article.
How do you know if your dog has hiccups?
Dogs that are experiencing hiccups usually have a repetitive, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm that lasts a few minutes or more. Canines that suffer from hiccups may also experience increased saliva production and vomiting after each one.
They can be very vocal when they get them since it’s hard to control their breathing during this time.
Are dog hiccups common?
The strange thing with hiccups in dogs is that they’re very common but not well documented. Your furry friend may have hiccups occasionally for no reason at all.
Hiccupping in dogs can also be a sign of something more serious, such as stomach irritation or even Canine Megaesophagus if they experience them on a regular basis.
Although it’s not known why or how often dogs get the hiccups, we do know that in most cases it is harmless. That being said, it’s still important to monitor your dog if they experience them often in order to rule out any serious causes for concern.
Dog Hiccups Symptoms
We’ve compiled a short list of symptoms that may indicate your dog is hiccupping:
- Repetitive, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm
- Increased saliva production
- Vomiting (in extreme cases)
- Dogs can be quite vocal since it’s hard to control the reflex response.
How long do dog hiccups last?
When a dog hiccups, it’s usually a very quick and involuntary reaction. Dogs tend to hiccup for a few minutes at a time, although they may experience multiple hiccup episodes throughout the day.
The duration of your dog’s hiccups will depend on whether or not you’re able to identify their trigger! If your canine is experiencing frequent hiccups, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Is it Normal For Dogs to Have Hiccups?
It can be worrying if you see your dog getting hiccups since it’s a strange phenomenon. Dogs can get hiccups just like humans do, although they usually don’t last for very long.
Your dog may experience the odd bout of hiccupping now and then but if you see them regularly with other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea it’s best to go to your local veterinarian immediately.
What does it mean when your dog is hiccuping?
When your dog hiccups it means that they’re experiencing some kind of irritation with their diaphragm, which controls breathing movements. It can also mean that they’re experiencing an upset stomach or too much excitement. Hiccupping can be a sign that there could be something more serious going on with your dog and you need to get them checked out by a professional.
Should I be worried if my dog has hiccups?
Hiccups are harmless in most cases but if your dog is suffering them on a regular basis it may be worth looking into Canine Megaesophagus.
Dogs with this condition have trouble moving food from their mouth to the stomach which can cause swelling in the esophagus and lead to hiccupping due to irritation of the diaphragm muscles.
Tumor growth in the throat or esophagus can also lead to Canine Megaesophagus if left untreated.
If you notice other symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy alongside the hiccups, it’s definitely worth taking your dog to a Veterinarian. Canine Megaesophagus is not something to be taken lightly and it can have serious consequences if left untreated!
Can dog hiccups cause vomiting?
Hiccupping is a natural reflex that’s hard to control so vomiting might happen regardless of your dog being sick or not. If you notice them throwing up frequently alongside regular rounds of hiccupping it may be worth paying a visit to the Veterinarian.
Why is my dog hiccuping in his sleep?
The reason dogs get hiccups in their sleep is still not fully understood. It could be because of irregular breathing patterns during the night which causes hiccups to occur more often than usual.
Medications for Dog Hiccups
If you’re looking for medication to treat hiccups in dogs, there are no medications that have been specifically designed for this purpose.
However, if your dog is constantly hiccuping over a prolonged period, and you feel concerned that they may be a symptom of something more serious. It may be advisable to take your furry friend to the vet to get the condition checked by a professional.
If your vet finds an underlying condition that is causing your dog to hiccup, they may prescribe medication to treat that condition. Hopefully, this will have the effect of also stopping your dog’s hiccups.
How to Prevent Dog Hiccups
Some of the best ways to prevent hiccups in dogs are:
- Peanut butter is known to sometimes help with hiccups in dogs. The theory is that it makes them swallow more often which will help the hiccups stop.
- Canine Hiccups are most often caused by an irritation of the diaphragm. You can massage your dog’s abdomen in a circular motion to calm down the muscles and stop them from contracting suddenly. He’s a great video from AnimalvitalityPlus that illustrates an effective technique.
- Make sure your dog isn’t eating too quickly, as this may also trigger hiccups. Slow them down by feeding them smaller portions and/or dividing their meal into multiple feedings throughout the day so they aren’t gorging themselves
- Keep your dog hydrated by providing him with enough fresh water throughout the day. If your dog is not getting enough water, it can cause the muscles in his body to spasm, and that includes those in his stomach. Dogs who get dehydrated may also start panting excessively, which causes hiccups as well.
- Avoiding situations that result in anxiety. Anxieties can cause the stomach muscles to contract, which can result in hiccups.
- If your dog is taking medication for an illness, don’t stop giving it unless a veterinarian instructs you. Dogs who are treated with medications may have side effects, including hiccups.
- If you’re taking your dog on a road trip, make sure he’s comfortable by providing him with enough fresh water and allowing for enough rest stops. Road trips can be stressful to dogs and can result in hiccups.
FAQ’s
Here are a few FAQs on Canine Hiccups:
Why is my dog hiccuping and licking?
This is because dogs hiccup mostly when they’re feeling anxious. He may be over-excited or nervous, and this can result in him licking his lips excessively, which is a symptom of anxiety as well.
Why is my dog hiccuping and gagging?
This is because dogs hiccup when the muscles in their stomach contract. This can cause a gag reflex.
Why is my dog hiccuping and throwing up?
Again, dogs hiccup when the muscles in the stomach contract. If this happens while your dog is vomiting, it can result in him throwing up everything he’s eaten since his last meal.
Why is my dog hiccuping and eating grass?
Your dog is hiccuping and eating grass because he’s not feeling well. If he has an upset stomach and needs to vomit, eating grass will help him do so (i.e., induce vomiting).
Is it normal for my dog to hiccup for hours?
If your dog has been having a constant attack of the hiccups throughout the day, you should take him to see a vet because it may indicate he’s suffering from an underlying condition.
My dog is hiccupping really fast, what should I do?
You should take him to see a vet. It’s quite possible that your dog has an underlying condition that needs medical treatment.
Conclusion
Do dogs get hiccups? Yes, it is possible for dogs to get hiccups, and there are a number of reasons why they get them. Hiccups are something that happens naturally and are mostly harmless.
A number of factors can cause hiccups. These range from eating too fast or swallowing air while drinking water. Other more serious issues include a tumor in the lungs or a blockage of the digestive tract.
Mostly hiccups aren’t a serious issue and can be managed by feeding your dog a few thimbles full of peanut butter or by massaging their stomach to make the muscles relax.
By knowing what causes hiccups in dogs, you can take steps towards reducing or eliminating them if they become a nuisance.
If the hiccups persist for a long time, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing it.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian's advice.
Jen is the founder of anxiouscanine.com, a leading resource for managing and treating anxiety in dogs. With over a decade of experience in working with rescue dogs, Jen holds diplomas in Understanding Canine Anxiety, Canine Holistic Health & Therapy, CBD Oil for Animals, and Zoopharmacognosy. Her expert insights help dog owners navigate the challenges of anxiety with compassionate, innovative solutions. Follow Jen’s guidance at Anxious Canine for a calmer, happier dog.