Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Common Causes and Tips to Help

Hiccups can be a familiar occurrence for humans, caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. But if you’ve ever noticed your dog making similar jerky sounds or movements, you might have wondered: Can dogs get hiccups, too?

Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you tell the difference between a harmless episode and a sign that something more serious might be going on with your four-legged family member.

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that helps control breathing. These spasms cause a quick intake of air that’s abruptly stopped by the closing of the vocal cords, creating the characteristic “hic” sound.¹

Can Dogs Get the Hiccups?

Yes, dogs can get hiccups, just like humans! The exact reason dogs and other mammals hiccup isn’t fully understood.²

Some scientists believe hiccups help relieve gas or stomach discomfort, while others think they’re a leftover reflex from fetal development that helps strengthen breathing muscles. This could explain why hiccups are more common in puppies than in adult dogs.²

If your puppy hiccups from time to time, they will likely grow out of it as they get older.

Common Reasons Dogs Get the Hiccups

There are a few common reasons why puppies or dogs may get the hiccups:¹

• Eating or drinking too quickly or gulping air. When dogs eat too quickly, they often swallow a lot of air, which can irritate the diaphragm and lead to spasms. If you have a puppy, they may love meal times and can eat and drink very enthusiastically, which may lead to this accidental air gulping.
• Excitement or play. A change in your puppy’s breathing pattern from an exciting play session or even stress can disrupt the diaphragm.
• Environmental irritants. Irritants like smoke, strong scents or household chemicals can irritate a dog’s respiratory system and trigger the diaphragm spasms that cause hiccups.³
• Gastrointestinal upset. An upset or gassy stomach can lead to hiccups.
• Temperature changes. A sudden change in body temperature can cause hiccups, but these episodes are typically short-lived. For example, your puppy might get hiccups from being outside playing in the snow and coming into a warm house.
• Underlying conditions. Sometimes hiccups may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as pneumonia, bronchitis, pericarditis, respiratory defect, esophageal tumor, asthma or heatstroke.⁴

Signs Your Dog May Have the Hiccups

The main giveaway that your puppy or dog may have a case of the hiccups is similar to humans: that classic, rhythmic “hic” sound. You may also notice a small body or chest jerk.³

Hiccups vs. reverse sneezes

A hiccup is different from reverse sneezing. Officially called “paroxysmal respiration,” reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly pulls air in through their nose, unlike a regular sneeze when they push air out of their nose (hence the “reverse”). This is typically triggered by irritation to the nose, sinuses or back of the throat.⁵

Hiccups vs. coughing

A hiccup is also different from a cough, in that coughs can be caused by an irritant, allergies, illness or foreign body.⁶

Can the Hiccups Be Harmful for Dogs?

Most dog hiccups are harmless and may go away on their own after a short time. If hiccups last longer than an hour, occur frequently or are accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, coughing or trouble breathing, your pup may have a more serious issue, and it’s worth consulting your veterinarian.¹

Possible underlying issues may include:⁴

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Digestive issues¹
• Esophageal tumor
• Heatstroke
• Parasitic infection¹
• Pericarditis
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory defect

Tips to Help Your Dog Stop Hiccupping

If your dog gets the hiccups, there’s usually no need to worry, but it’s natural to want to help them feel more comfortable. To help ease the spasms and even prevent future episodes, try these tips:¹

• Encouraging rest after mealtime. Don’t have playtime right after mealtime. Give your dog’s digestive system some time to work properly.
• Helping them calm down. A tummy or chest rub can help your pup relax and breathe easier, which can stop the hiccuping.⁴
• Monitoring their diet. If you suspect that hiccups might be the result of a sensitive tummy, ensure your pup has a balanced and consistent diet.
• Slowing down mealtime. Get a slow-feeder bowl or space out mealtimes to feed your pup more frequently and reduce the amount of air they might inhale.

When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Hiccups

If your dog has prolonged (over an hour) hiccups, frequent hiccups, or if they are also vomiting, coughing, wheezing or having trouble breathing, call your veterinarian, as this could indicate a more serious issue.¹

Understanding Hiccups in Dogs

Dogs can get hiccups just like humans, and in most cases, they’re completely harmless and short-lived.

Still, keeping an eye on your dog’s overall health and behavior ensures that a simple case of hiccups doesn’t go unnoticed if something more serious is going on.

If hiccups last over an hour, happen often or are paired with other concerning symptoms, it may be best to check in with your veterinarian for some peace of mind.

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Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.