Puppy hiccups can come as a surprise to owners, especially if none of their previous dogs had them. Puppy hiccups are very normal and will usually go away on their own. Older dogs can also get hiccups, but it is much less common. Hiccups are caused by a spasm in the diaphragm, which is the large muscle that helps control breathing. The spasm causes the diaphragm to contract and rapidly pull in air; that air passes between a gap in the vocal cords causing them to snap shut, resulting in the classic ‘hic’ sound.
What causes hiccups?
We don’t fully understand why dogs (or humans) hiccup but there are some things that seem to precede puppy hiccups, such as:
- Excitement
- Stress or overstimulation
- Over-tiredness
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Sudden change in temperature
- Eating too much in one meal
- Throat irritation
- Napping or sleeping
When should I be worried about hiccups?
Hiccups will usually go away on their own after a few minutes and shouldn’t cause your dog any distress or pain, although they might look a little confused or uncertain. You should contact your vet if you notice the following:
- Hiccups last more than a few hours or are happening several times a day
- Your dog seems in pain or distressed
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, sneezing or discharge from the nose
How can I prevent hiccups?
You may not be able to prevent hiccups entirely but you can reduce the chance of them happening. Spreading your puppy’s food over several smaller meals will help stop them from gorging too quickly. You can also try food dispensers or slow feeding bowls which will make meal time last longer and stop them swallowing so much air when they eat. You can do the same with their water intake by switching to a shallower bowl or drinking fountain. Give your pup time to digest after eating and keep exercise to at least an hour after meal time.
Generally hiccups are a normal part of puppy life and will resolve on their own.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you are worried about your puppy.
