Of course, those dog hiccups can be cute and comic, but if it goes beyond what is expected and accepted – you should perhaps take action by analyzing the reason behind the frequent hiccups in your dog.
Dog hiccups can be a concern for dog owners. First of all, we will check if dogs get hiccups and if yes, what causes the dogs to get hiccups. Hiccups can be caused due to several reasons that may be more serious.
Do dogs get hiccups?
Yes, like us humans and all other mammals, dogs too get hiccups. Speaking, a hiccup is caused by the contraction and spasm created in the diaphragm. If you are not aware, a diaphragm is dome shaped sheet of muscle located between the abdomen and chest.
Under normal conditions, the diaphragm moves smoothly as you inhale and exhale. However, there may be a few reasons that may make this movement go out of sync at times. This makes the glottis or the opening of the airway open which produces a hic sound. That is exactly why this phenomenon is called a hiccup.
Coming back to the question of whether dogs get hiccups, yes, dogs can have hiccups. If your dog has the habit of eating or drinking too fast, it can experience hiccups. This is because the dog would be swallowing air when eating or drinking quickly.
Why do dogs get hiccups?
Sadly enough, there is no research available to determine why dogs get hiccups. Scientists do not know what exactly results in hiccups even in humans and other mammals.
A few theories have been put forward which try to explain the phenomenon of hiccups. Some experts consider it a remnant of the fetal stage of our life, that has continued into infancy, and then into adulthood. Another theory states that hiccups are a means or mechanism developed by the body to drive out the air from the digestive tract. Some sort of anxiety or faster breathing can also be a cause for the hiccups in dogs.
Why do puppies get hiccups?
Puppies are more prone to hiccups than adult dogs. You would typically find all puppies right from the infant stage to 6-month-old ones to get hiccups.
Though there are no exact reasons that specify what makes the puppies (or even adult dogs) get hiccups, some of the reasons that can cause more chances of hiccups in puppies include
- Puppies tend to be more energetic and excited. These rapid bursts of action result in faster breathing and thus result in hiccups.
- Puppies also tend to eat or drink faster.
- Puppies have a still-developing set of organs. This can make them get frequent hiccups.
Should you be worried if your dog gets a hiccup?
No, you need not worry about the hiccups in your dogs. Getting hiccups is perfectly normal in dogs, humans, and all other mammals. As long as they are experiencing hiccups quite occasionally, there is nothing you need to worry about.
However, frequent hiccups can be a concern. In those circumstances, you may need to check the exact causes of the excessive hiccup and consult your vet. There is a possibility that you may mistake reverse sneezing for hiccups. Your vet should be able to provide you with the right tips on addressing the excessive hiccups in your dogs.
How to stop hiccups in dogs?
If the hiccups are observed to be too heavy and frequent, you can employ a few simple tips that can help you address the hiccups.
Some of the options that can be handy include
- Water breaks – Giving your dog or puppy a small bowl of water can help them get relieved from hiccups. It can help break the pattern of hiccups.
- Distraction and playing –Another excellent option to stop hiccups in dogs is to distract them and let them engage in a short play. You can also encourage it to have a short walk. This can help reset the diaphragm and reduce the hiccups.
- Change the environment – A change in the environment can help break the hiccups. Take your dog from outdoors to indoors, or take them outdoors if they are indoors. This can help reduce or stop the hiccups.
- Give gentle massages – Giving a gentle massage around the neck or back can help give the dogs a good relief and prevent hiccups. However, do note that some dogs may not like the neck massages and that can further aggravate them.
When should you be worried about your dog’s hiccups?
In most of the cases, hiccups do not typically need any sort of intervention. However, if they extend for more than an hour or so, or are accompanied by other signs, we recommend you visit a veterinarian.
The serious concerns of hiccups that need to be addressed would include
- Respiratory issues – If the hiccups are accompanied by respiratory issues such as difficulty in breathing, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. They may be a sign of other health conditions which include asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
- Heatstrokes – If you live in an area that experiences a lot of heat, your dog may be experiencing heat stroke. It can be a very serious concern, especially in the breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs.
Gastric issues – Another possible issue that can trigger hiccups can include gastric problems. You may notice additional symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools along with hiccups.
In Conclusion
In many of the cases, hiccups in dogs are nothing to be worried about. They should go away on their own in just under 10 minutes or so. If you witness other symptoms along with hiccups such as vomiting or difficulty breathing,
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