Canine Hiccups
Puppies are cute enough on their own, but a puppy with hiccups is even cuter. What causes hiccups in dogs, and when should you be concerned?
What Causes Dogs to Hiccup?
Your dog's respiratory anatomy is very similar to yours. They, like you, have a diaphragm muscle that separates their chest space from their abdominal space, and this smooth muscle, like you, is what allows your dog to breathe without even thinking about it. When your dog's diaphragm contracts, he inhales, and when it relaxes, he exhales. So, when your dog's diaphragm spasms, it causes the body to quickly intake air, causing your dog to make a 'hic' sound as they breathe in quickly through their mouth.
Sometimes reverse sneezing is confused with hiccups, but these are two entirely different behaviors. Reverse sneezing occurs when your dog sucks air in through its nose quickly and forcefully. The sound produced by this occurs at much faster intervals and has a different sound than the 'hic' sound produced by a dog hiccuping.
Puppies are the most likely to experience hiccups. They are more common in senior dogs and less common in adult dogs.
Whether you believe it or not, the true purpose and cause of hiccups in dogs and humans is unknown. Having said that, there are some theories about what causes hiccups in dogs. Among the alleged causes are:
Excessive water consumption
Eating too quickly
Excitement and energizing play
If your dog drinks or eats too quickly, he or she is likely consuming just as much air as water and food. Some people believe that all of the air in your dog's stomach can put pressure on their diaphragm, causing hiccups.
Rambunctious play, especially in puppies, can cause the dogs to breathe very quickly, which can result in hiccups.
Panting is a coping mechanism for dogs in distress, and it is possible that stress will cause hiccups. It should be noted, however, that other 'oral' stress behaviors, such as lip licking and yawning, are more common than hiccuping.
Treatment
The majority of the time, your dog's hiccups will be brief and self-limiting, meaning they will resolve on their own. There are some things you can do to try to calm your pup's diaphragm if they seem unhappy with their hiccuping.
You could try giving your dog some water to drink. Just make sure they take it slowly and calmly. You could also try massaging their chest area gently. This can help calm your dog, especially if they are completely relaxed on their back, as they are when getting belly rubs. Finally, if your dog gulps their food and water, consider feeding multiple small meals throughout the day rather than just one or two. Slow feed bowls and puzzle feeders can also be used to help slow down your dog during mealtime.
When Should You Worry About Your Dog's Hiccups?
Hiccups in dogs can be harmless if they occur on a regular basis and stop almost as quickly as they begin. However, if your dog starts having regular, prolonged hiccups, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian. Coughing, sneezing, and/or heavy/difficult breathing at rest in conjunction with hiccups may indicate a heart or respiratory problem. If you notice vomiting or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem, such as an intestinal parasite.
Hiccups in your dog can be amusing to watch, and for the most part, they are not a serious medical concern. So, the next time your dog hiccups, try giving them a few pats on the chest to help them get through it.
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