Hiccups in Puppies

So, what do hiccups mean when we hear that half-cough or gulp accompanied by a squeak from our furry companions? Well, in puppies, as in humans, the diaphragm is the muscle that helps control breathing. Located at the base of the chest, this large, dome-shaped muscle works tirelessly, contracting and relaxing to facilitate airflow into the lungs. Hiccups occur after a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, leading to a quick intake of air interrupted by the closing of the vocal cords, resulting in that characteristic 'hic' sound.

Now, you might be wondering, ‘Can puppies get hiccups, or does that only happen when they’re older?’

The answer is yes, puppies can get hiccups. In fact, it's quite common. Just like human infants, puppies often experience these harmless spasms as they grow and develop. Hiccups in puppies are a natural occurrence and, in most cases, are no cause for concern. They are simply a part of your puppy's journey towards becoming a healthy adult dog.

Many puppy owners wonder why their puppy keeps getting hiccups, especially when their puppy hiccups a lot, causing a great deal of concern.

There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups at night and during the day, including:

• Rapid Eating or Drinking: Excited puppies can eat or drink too quickly, swallowing air with every mouthful, which may cause the diaphragm to spasm, resulting in hiccups.
• Excitement and Playfulness: Puppies are naturally energetic and excitable. During playtime or when they're overexcited, they might breathe more rapidly, which can trigger hiccupping.
• Stress or Anxiety: Just like humans, puppies can get hiccups when stressed or anxious. New environments, loud noises, or separation from their owners can contribute to this breathing response.
• Digestive Disturbances: Young dogs are still developing their digestive systems, so many gastrointestinal disturbances, such as gas or indigestion, can irritate the diaphragm.
• Temperature Changes: Sudden temperature changes, like moving from a warm room to the cold outdoors, can sometimes trigger hiccups in puppies.
• Sleeping Positions: Some owners notice puppies get hiccups at night, which could be due to how they're lying, placing pressure on their diaphragm.
   

While hiccups usually resolve on their own, there are a few things you can do to ease your puppy's discomfort.

Rapid eating can cause your puppy to swallow air, leading to hiccups. If you’re exploring how to stop hiccups for puppies, try:

• Using a slow feeder bowl
• Spreading out their food on a flat surface
• Offering smaller, more frequent meals
   

Encouraging your puppy to drink water can help ease hiccups. Ensure they drink slowly to avoid swallowing more air by offering water in a shallow bowl or using a water dispenser that encourages slow drinking.

Light exercise can help regulate your puppy's breathing and reduce hiccups. If you’re looking at how to get rid of puppy hiccups and also feel like getting active, you can take your pup for a short, gentle walk, or engage in some calm playtime in a relaxed environment.

Reducing stress and excitement can help stop hiccups. Try to:

• Create a calm environment
• Offer a gentle belly rub or patting session
• Use soothing tones to relax your puppy
   

Ensure your puppy is comfortable and not experiencing temperature-related hiccups by providing a warm, cosy bed and avoiding sudden temperature changes. This is particularly important for puppies that get hiccups at night.