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Similar to humans, dogs can get hiccups, too. They are generally pretty harmless, but if they seem to be bothering your pup, follow these steps.

How To Recognize Dog Hiccups

Dogs hiccups sound and look a lot like human hiccups. Look for these telltale signs:

Rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm (a chest muscle that helps us, and our dogs, inhale and exhale air) or spasms in the dog’s chest or abdominal area accompanied by a slight, repetitive “hic” sound.

Lasting only a few seconds to a couple of hours typically

Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?

Hearing a dog hiccuping is not something you may experience often, but rest assured, it is normal.

Hiccups are caused by spasms in the diaphragm. The following might result in dog hiccups:

Eating or drinking too fast

Getting overly excited or stressed out

Minor gastrointestinal irritation or issues

Drinking water too quickly

Feeling chilly

In some rare cases, dog hiccups may be linked to more severe issues, like heat stroke. If they last for a long time (more than a few hours) or are accompanied by other signs of illness, such as drooling, vomiting or wheezing, contact your veterinarian.

Is It Hiccups or Something Else?

Sometimes, pet parents may mistake something else for hiccups and vice versa.

Hiccups vs. Respiratory Issues

It’s important to remember that hiccups are generally restricted to the diaphragmatic region, whereas respiratory issues may be more conspicuous. Signs that could indicate a respiratory complication include:

Your dog’s hiccup-like sound progresses to a wheezing sound

Any irregularity or difficulty in their breathing pattern

In these cases, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Hiccups vs. Reverse Sneezing

Sometimes, pet owners mistake reverse sneezing for hiccups. Reverse sneezing can kind of sound like a hiccup or cough. It is your dog’s soft palate’s reaction to irritants, while hiccups are all about the diaphragm spasms.

Do Certain Dog Breeds Get Hiccups More Than Others?

Yes, specific dog breeds may get hiccups more often than others. Particularly, brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are more susceptible.

Do Puppies Get Hiccups?

Just like adult dogs, puppies can get a case of the hiccups, too. In fact, they tend to be more prone to hiccups than adult dogs.

While the exact reasons aren’t backed by definitive scientific evidence, there are a few theories. One postulates that hiccups in puppies might either be a carryover from their time in utero or a mechanism to aid in digestion and alleviate gas.

How Can You Get Rid of Dog Hiccups?

Thankfully, there are some simple expert-recommended ways to help get rid of dog hiccups:

Adding a splash of maple syrup or honey to room-temperature water

Waiting it out—most cases of hiccups in dogs go away on their own without intervention.

Distracting your dog with a toy or non-vigorous play

Giving your pup a gentle tummy rub

Offering your furry friend a small amount of room temperature water in their water bowl as it can potentially soothe the throat and remove any irritation that might be causing the hiccups

Taking your dog on a mellow walk

How Can You Prevent Dog Hiccups?

Eating and drinking too fast is a common way dogs get hiccups. You can do the following expert-recommended things during mealtime to help prevent your dog from getting them:

Introduce puzzle feeders or slow feeder dog bowls into their feeding routine

Offer smaller portions of dog food at a time

What if Dog Hiccups Don’t Go Away

In general, dog hiccups shouldn’t be a big deal and often resolve on their own. However, if any of the below occurs, bring your dog to the vet to get checked because they may be linked to an underlying medical issue.

Hiccups persist for an extended period, such as longer than several hours

Hiccups become more frequent or severe

Your dog shows signs of distress or discomfort