Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Dog hiccups almost always pass on their own within a few minutes.
Yes, dogs get hiccups, and puppies get them especially often. Just like ours, dog hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, usually brought on by eating or drinking too fast, excitement or being cold. They almost always pass on their own within a few minutes and are rarely anything to worry about. Like other odd but harmless quirks, such as the twitchy sleep behind doggy nightmares, hiccups look strange yet almost never signal a problem.
What Causes Hiccups
Common triggers
- Eating or drinking too fast and swallowing air
- Excitement, play or a burst of energy
- Stress or a sudden change
- Being cold or breathing rapidly
How to Help Them Pass
- Slow the eating. A slow-feeder bowl stops your dog gulping food and air.
- Offer calm water. A few sips of water can settle the diaphragm.
- Encourage gentle activity. A slow walk or light play can change the breathing rhythm, but keep it gentle, since getting a dog overstimulated can bring the hiccups back.
- Help your dog relax. Calm petting and a quiet space often do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog get hiccups?
Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, usually set off by eating or drinking too fast, swallowing air, excitement, stress or being cold. Puppies get them more often than adult dogs, likely because they are more excitable and their bodies are still developing.
How can I stop my dog's hiccups?
Most hiccups stop on their own within a few minutes. You can help by slowing your dog's eating and drinking, offering a little calm water, encouraging gentle activity to change the breathing rhythm, and helping your dog relax. Never use human hiccup tricks like scaring your dog.
Are hiccups normal in puppies?
Yes, very. Puppy hiccups are common and usually nothing to worry about. They tend to happen after fast eating, play or excitement and settle quickly. Most puppies get them less often as they grow.
When should I worry about my dog's hiccups?
See your vet if hiccups last for hours, happen very frequently, or come with coughing, wheezing, drooling, vomiting or trouble breathing. Persistent hiccup-like spasms can occasionally point to a respiratory, digestive or other health issue that needs checking.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
