If your dog suddenly starts making a small “hic” sound, it’s normal to feel a little worried. Many dog owners wonder, can dogs get hiccups, and whether those sounds mean something is wrong. In this guide, we’ll break down why dogs get hiccups, what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek veterinary advice.
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Yes, dogs can get hiccups, and it happens more often than many people think. Hiccups in dogs occur when the diaphragm—a muscle that plays a crucial role in breathing—contracts suddenly. This quick movement can briefly affect the dog’s breathing pattern and cause the familiar hiccup sound when air passes the vocal cords.
Both adult dogs and puppies can experience hiccups, but most cases are short and not painful. If your dog acts normal—eating, breathing, and moving comfortably—hiccups are usually a normal part of life. Problems arise only when hiccups become persistent hiccups, happen very often, or come with other signs that suggest an underlying issue affecting your dog’s health.
Why Puppies Get Hiccups More Often
If you have a puppy, you may notice that puppies get hiccups more than adult dogs. This is completely normal. Puppies tend to hiccup because their nervous system and breathing control are still developing. Their diaphragm can contract more easily, leading to hiccups that may occur frequently during early life.
Hiccups are especially common after eating, drinking water, or intense play. Puppies often eat fast, swallow air, and then suddenly rest—an easy setup for hiccups. Many puppies even hiccup while sleeping, which can surprise new owners. The UK-based Dogs Trust explains that hiccups are a normal part of puppy development and usually fade as dogs mature.
Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?
There isn’t just one reason hiccups in dogs happen. In most cases, hiccups are triggered by everyday behaviors that affect a dog’s stomach, breathing, or diaphragm. Below are the most common reasons dog hiccups occur, explained in a simple, practical way:
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Eating or drinking too fast: When dogs eat quickly, they often swallow air along with food or water. This excess air can irritate the diaphragm and cause it to spasm, leading to hiccups. This is one of the most common triggers, especially in puppies and high-energy dogs.
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Excitement or stress: Intense play, training sessions, or emotional excitement can change a dog’s breathing patterns, making hiccups more likely. Rapid breathing can trigger brief diaphragm spasms.
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Upset stomach or mild digestive irritation: A sensitive stomach, rich treats, or certain foods may irritate the digestive system. While dogs should never eat spicy foods, even fatty snacks can sometimes contribute to hiccups.
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Temperature changes: Drinking cold water or lying down after exercise can affect how the diaphragm contracts, causing hiccups to occur.
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Developing nervous system (common in puppies): Puppies tend to get hiccups more often because their breathing control is still maturing. This is considered a normal part of growth.
Is It Hiccups or Something Else?
Not every strange sound is a hiccup. When a dog starts hiccupping, owners often confuse it with coughing, choking, or reverse sneezing. Knowing the difference helps you respond the right way.
Dog hiccups are rhythmic, soft, and usually stop on their own. Reverse sneezing, on the other hand, sounds louder and more dramatic, with dogs pulling air in rapidly. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, reverse sneezing is common and usually harmless.
Coughing is different again—it’s often harsher and may signal infection or airway irritation. Choking or labored breathing is an emergency, especially if paired with blue gums or collapse.
A major red flag is repeated gagging with no vomit, which can look like hiccups but may signal bloat (GDV), a life-threatening condition.
If you notice difficulty breathing, weakness, or other signs beyond simple hiccups, a vet visit is the safest choice.
Do Certain Dog Breeds Get Hiccups More Than Others?
There’s no strong scientific evidence showing that specific dog breeds are more likely to get hiccups than others. In general, dogs get hiccups because of how they eat, breathe, or react to excitement—not simply because of their breed. That said, some traits seen in certain breeds may make hiccups seem more common.
For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers have unique airway shapes. Their dog’s breathing pattern can be noisier or less efficient, which sometimes makes normal sounds—like hiccups—more noticeable or confused with other issues such as reverse sneezing or coughing.
High-energy breeds that get very excited around food may also be more prone to hiccups because they eat fast, drink quickly, and swallow air, leading to excess air in the stomach. This can trigger hiccups regardless of breed.
How to Get Rid of Dog Hiccups
When your dog has hiccups, the goal is to help the body relax and regulate breathing. In most cases, hiccups stop on their own within a few minutes. Still, there are gentle, safe ways to stop hiccups and make your dog more comfortable.
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Creating a calm environment. Excitement can change a dog’s breathing pattern and keep hiccups going. Sit with your dog, speak softly, and encourage them to lie down. Dog owner can adding a little honey to your dog's water bowl can soothe their throat, encourage them to drink smaller amounts, and help expel excess gas from their stomach.
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Light movement can also help. A slow leashed walk allows the diaphragm muscle to relax and reset normal breathing patterns. Avoid intense play or startling your dog—these can make things worse.
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Distract your pup with a dog toy. A gentle play session can help relieve dog and puppy hiccups by shifting their focus and encouraging deeper breathing.
How Can You Prevent Dog Hiccups?
Prevention focuses on reducing the common triggers that cause hiccups in the first place. One of the biggest steps is slowing down meals. Dogs that eat fast tend to swallow air, which can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups. Feeding smaller portions and spacing meals out can help. Many vets recommend a slow feeder bowl for dogs that gulp food, as it reduces air intake and improves digestion.
Avoid hard exercise right after meals. Let your dog rest for 20–30 minutes so the stomach can settle. Managing excitement also matters. Training calm behaviors, providing a suit dog bed and quiet breaks can help keep your dog calm and breathing steady.
Be mindful of certain foods. Rich treats or table scraps can cause an upset stomach, which may trigger hiccups. Dogs should never have spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach lining.
When Should I Take a Trip to the Vet?
While occasional hiccups are normal, some situations call for professional help. You should seek veterinary advice if hiccups become persistent or frequent hiccups, lasting hours or occurring many times a day. Hiccups paired with other symptoms—like vomiting, coughing, weakness, or difficulty breathing—should never be ignored.
A key warning sign is labored breathing or repeated gagging with no vomit. These are not typical hiccups and may point to serious health issues such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate care.
If your dog experiences recurrent hiccups along with changes in appetite or energy, a vet visit can help rule out an underlying health issue.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog is hiccuping?
Dog hiccups are rhythmic, soft sounds that happen when the diaphragm muscle contracts suddenly. You may see a small body jerk, but your dog will usually act normal before and after.
What can be mistaken for hiccups in dogs?
Reverse sneezing, coughing, or choking are often confused with hiccups. Reverse sneezing sounds louder and involves fast air intake. Coughing is harsher and may signal illness. Choking or gagging with distress is an emergency.
Are hiccups painful for dogs?
No. Hiccups in dogs are usually not painful. They may feel odd or annoying but are generally harmless unless linked to other symptoms.
Why does my dog have hiccups like spasms?
Those spasms are diaphragm spasms, similar to human hiccups. They often happen after eating fast, excitement, or swallowing air.
Conclusion
So, can dogs get hiccups? Absolutely—and in most cases, they’re a normal, harmless part of life. Puppies and adult dogs alike can experience hiccups, often due to eating habits, excitement, or minor stomach irritation. Understanding why dog hiccups occur helps you stay calm and respond with confidence.
