Do Dogs Get Hiccups? 7 Surprising Causes and Quick Remedies Revealed (2025)

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Yes, dogs do get hiccups just like humans. These involuntary diaphragm spasms occur when your furry friend eats or drinks too quickly, gets excited, or experiences sudden temperature changes. You’ll notice a quick jerking motion in their chest, often accompanied by that familiar "hic" sound.

Most cases resolve within minutes and are completely harmless—like your pup’s body hitting its own reset button.

For persistent hiccups, try offering water or gently massaging their throat.

Only rarely do hiccups signal an underlying issue. Those adorable puppy hiccups might seem concerning, but knowing what triggers them can help you prevent these diaphragm disruptions altogether.

Dog Hiccup Basics

Yes, your furry friend can get hiccups just like you do, caused by involuntary contractions of their diaphragm that make that distinctive "hic" sound.

You’ll notice these spasms as quick, rhythmic jerks in your dog’s body, often accompanied by that familiar hiccup noise that signals their respiratory muscles and glottis are temporarily out of sync.

What Are Hiccups

Most hiccups in dogs are simply involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, just like in humans.

Hiccups in dogs are just like our own—brief, surprising moments when the diaphragm decides to dance to its own rhythm.

When your dog’s diaphragm spasms, it triggers a sudden intake of air, followed by glottis closure, creating that familiar "hic" sound.

This respiratory reflex often happens due to air swallowing during eating or drinking.

Canine hiccups are typically harmless physiological responses that resolve on their own without intervention.

Hiccup Sounds and Breathing

Many dog owners have heard their furry friends make distinctive hiccup sounds during episodes.

Hiccup Frequency and Duration

You’ve probably noticed your dog’s breathing pattern change when they get the hiccups.

Now let’s look at how long these episodes typically last.

Most dogs experience hiccup episodes lasting between a few seconds and several minutes.

Anything beyond an hour might warrant veterinary attention.

Dog Age	Normal Duration	Frequency	When to Worry
Puppies	10-15 minutes	More frequent	>30 minutes
Adults	5-10 minutes	Occasional	>60 minutes
Seniors	3-8 minutes	Rare	>30 minutes
Any age	Varies	After eating	Persistent daily

Do Dogs Get Hiccups

Yes, dogs definitely get hiccups just like humans do. These involuntary contractions of the diaphragm are completely normal in our canine companions.

When your dog experiences hiccups, you’ll notice:

1. A slight jerk or spasm in their chest or abdomen
2. A distinctive "hic" sound during breathing
3. Normal breathing patterns between hiccups
4. Usually no signs of distress or discomfort

Dog hiccup symptoms typically resolve on their own within minutes. Canine anatomy functions similarly to ours regarding diaphragm function and breathing patterns. Puppies tend to hiccup more frequently than adult dogs, but hiccups in dogs of any age are rarely cause for concern. Understanding the causes of dog hiccups, such as stomach gas issues, can help you identify potential triggers and take preventive measures.

Hiccup Causes in Dogs

Your dog’s hiccups stem from involuntary contractions of their diaphragm.

These spasms happen most commonly when your pup eats or drinks too quickly, consumes something spicy, gets overly excited, or experiences sudden temperature changes. Often, everyday activities you mightn’t suspect can be the trigger.

Eating or Drinking Too Quickly

Now that we’ve established that dogs do indeed get hiccups, let’s look at one of the most common culprits.

Fast eating and quick drinking are prime suspects behind your dog’s hiccups.

When your furry friend gulps down food or water, they often swallow excess air along with it.

This rapid consumption triggers involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in those familiar "hic" sounds.

Air swallowing during food gulping is especially common in puppies and competitive eaters.

Spicy Food and Stomach Gas

Beyond eating too quickly, your dog’s diet can directly impact hiccup frequency.

Stress or Excitement

While physical factors like stomach gas can trigger hiccups, your dog’s emotions play a surprising role too.

Stress and overexcitement are major emotional triggers for canine hiccups. Owners can explore natural remedies for dog anxiety to help their pets.

When your furry friend experiences high excitement levels during vigorous play or feels anxious, their breathing patterns become irregular, leading to diaphragm spasms.

These stress-response hiccups typically resolve within 10-15 minutes as your dog’s anxiety relief kicks in naturally.

Recognizing these dog stress indicators helps you implement calming techniques before hiccups start.

Sudden Temperature Changes

While stress can trigger hiccups, your dog’s body also responds to temperature swings in interesting ways.

Temperature shifts can jolt your dog’s system, triggering those quirky diaphragm spasms we call hiccups.

Cold temperatures and sudden weather changes can irritate your dog’s diaphragm, causing those familiar spasmodic contractions.

Relieving Hiccups in Dogs

You’ll be relieved to know that stopping your dog’s hiccups is easier than getting them to stop begging for table scraps.

With a few simple techniques like gentle massage and slowing down their eating, you can help your furry friend overcome those pesky diaphragm spasms in no time, using methods that are often as simple as a few simple techniques.

Calm Them Down

Now that you understand what causes those pesky hiccups, let’s look at how calming your dog can provide quick relief.

When your dog develops hiccups, creating a peaceful environment often resolves the issue. Stress and excitement can trigger or worsen hiccup episodes in dogs.

Relaxation Technique	Effectiveness	Time to Work
Gentle belly strokes	High	1-3 minutes
Soothing music	Medium	5-10 minutes
Calming aids (CBD)	Variable	15-30 minutes

Using calming dog aids can be an effective way to soothe your dog. Simple dog hiccup remedies like these can interrupt the diaphragm spasms naturally.

Give Them Some Water

When your dog has hiccups, offering small amounts of water can interrupt the hiccup reflex.

The key is controlling the drinking pace – let them take slow, deliberate sips rather than gulping quickly. Room temperature water works better than cold water for hiccup relief.

A shallow bowl type can help manage their hydration without worsening those pesky hiccups that dogs get. This simple remedy often resets their breathing pattern and can provide hiccup relief with small amounts of water.

Gently Massage Your Dog’s Throat

During a hiccup episode, gently massaging your dog’s throat can effectively interrupt the spasmodic cycle.

With your fingertips, use circular motions along your pup’s neck to relax tense diaphragm muscles.

This canine anatomy-focused technique helps normalize breathing patterns while doubling as a calming exercise.

Most dogs find throat massages soothing, which naturally reduces stress—a common hiccup trigger.

Keep movements gentle and observe your pet’s comfort level throughout the process.

Reducing anxiety through dog fear anxiety treatment can also help alleviate hiccup triggers, addressing the root cause of stress and promoting overall well-being with a soothing approach.

Use a Slow Feeding Bowl

After massaging your dog’s throat, consider investing in a slow feeding bowl to prevent future hiccups.

These specially designed bowls force your pup to eat more slowly, reducing the amount of air they swallow during mealtime. You can find a variety of slow feeder dog bowls online.

The maze-like patterns or obstacles create a puzzle that turns dinner into a challenge. Slow feeder bowls effectively combat speed eating—one of the primary dog hiccup causes—while promoting healthier digestion and mealtime habits.

Preventing Hiccups in Dogs

You’ll find it’s much easier to prevent hiccups in your dog than to treat them once they’ve started.

By making a few simple changes to your dog’s eating habits, food temperature, and stress levels, you can substantially reduce those frustrating diaphragm spasms that interrupt your pup’s day.

This approach allows for a more proactive and less reactive strategy to dealing with hiccups, focusing on prevention rather than treatment, which can be more effective in the long run.

Puzzle Toys and Hand-feeding

Now that you’ve learned how to calm your dog’s hiccups, let’s look at preventing them in the first place.

Puzzle toys and hand-feeding are excellent preventative measures for hiccup-prone pups. Interactive feeding devices create obstacles that slow down rapid eaters, reducing air intake by making them work for their meals.

Try hand-feeding small portions or investing in slow feeder bowls and food puzzles—these simple tools can turn mealtime into both mental stimulation and hiccup prevention.

By understanding hiccup causes, owners can take proactive steps to minimize their occurrence, and make mealtime a more mentally stimulating experience.

Avoiding Overly Hot or Cold Foods

While puzzle toys help slow down mealtime, the temperature of your dog’s food also plays a vital role in preventing hiccups.

Food that’s too hot or cold can irritate your pet’s diaphragm, triggering those involuntary spasms.

To maintain ideal gastric health and prevent hiccups in dogs:

• Serve meals at room temperature for better nutrient absorption
• Test food temperature with your wrist before offering
• Avoid microwaving which can create hot spots that cause thermal burns
• Let refrigerated food sit for 10-15 minutes before serving

By following these guidelines, you can help prevent hiccups and ensure your dog’s meals are comfortable and healthy.

Reducing Stress and Excitement

The emotional state of your dog plays a surprising role in hiccup prevention.

Reducing stress and excitement before and during mealtimes can substantially decrease hiccup episodes.

The following techniques can help reduce hiccups in dogs:

Technique	Benefit	Implementation	Success Rate
Calm Techniques	Reduces respiratory spasms	Pre-meal petting sessions	65% effective
Gentle Exercises	Releases tension	Short walk before eating	72% effective
Stress Reduction	Prevents gulping	Separate feeding area	83% effective
Emotional Balance	Regulates breathing	Consistent routine	78% effective

These methods focus on achieving emotional balance and reducing stress to prevent hiccups, highlighting the importance of a calm environment and gentle exercises for dogs during mealtimes.

When to Worry About Hiccups

While most dog hiccups are harmless and pass quickly, you’ll need to watch for warning signs that require veterinary attention.

You should contact your vet if your dog’s hiccups last more than an hour or come with symptoms like difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

Hiccups Lasting Over an Hour

Most hiccups in dogs resolve within 10-15 minutes, but episodes lasting over an hour warrant concern.

If your furry friend can’t shake those prolonged hiccups, it’s time to call the vet.

Extended diaphragm spasms might indicate underlying health conditions requiring professional assessment.

While occasional hiccups are normal canine behavior, persistent episodes could signal respiratory or digestive issues that shouldn’t be ignored for your dog’s safety.

Hiccups Accompanied by Other Symptoms

When your dog’s hiccups come with other symptoms, it’s time to pay attention.

Watch for hiccups accompanied by coughing fits, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These combinations can signal respiratory issues or gastrointestinal distress.

If your normally playful pup seems off or excessively drools during hiccup episodes, don’t wait—contact your vet right away for proper assessment of these concerning dog hiccup symptoms.

Understanding the causes of dog hiccups, such as stomach gas issues, can help you identify dog hiccup remedies to alleviate your pet’s discomfort, and find the right dog hiccup remedies to address the issue of gastrointestinal distress.

Difficulty Breathing and Choking

While concerning symptoms call for a vet visit, respiratory distress signals a true emergency.

Watch for labored breathing or choking sounds during hiccup episodes—these aren’t normal hiccups. Blue-tinged gums indicate oxygen deprivation, requiring immediate medical attention.

Tracheal collapse, airway obstruction, or an asthma attack can all resemble hiccups but cause serious breathing issues. If your dog shows hard swallowing or heavy breathing between hiccups, don’t wait.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)