Can dogs get hiccups?

Updated 11/09/2023

Can dogs get hiccups? The short answer is yes, that cute little “hic” happens to our furry friends as well as us! Dog hiccups aren’t usually something to worry about, but here we take a look at the causes, treatments, and when to see a vet if those pesky hiccups persist!

Causes of hiccups in dogs

Just like humans, hiccuping in dogs is caused by involuntary diaphragm spasms which make the space between the two vocal cords, the glottis, close. That explains the cute hic sound that usually accompanies hiccups, but while the answer to “can dogs get hiccups?” is clear, we are left with another, more challenging question - why do dogs get hiccups? 

If your dog has hiccups, it’s most likely related to feeding time. Fido’s who gobble up their food too quickly or slurp their water with enthusiasm are prone to gulping in mouthfuls of air along with it, resulting in dog hiccups. Hiccups can also be a sign your pooch has an upset tummy, so check out our guide to things your dog shouldn’t eat if you’re worried your dog’s diet is causing hiccups.

Our four-legged friends can get a little *over* excited at times, and this can also cause dog hiccuping. We don’t want to be party poopers, but if your pup’s getting a bit carried away with the zoomies, it may be a good idea to take a breather and let the hiccups subside. 

Age is also important to consider when answering the question “why does my dog get hiccups?”. Hiccups are most common in puppies up to eight months old - but is this because grown-up pups don’t get as excited, or is it just an age thing? Let’s take a look!

Puppy hiccups

Puppies are more prone to a bout of hiccups than adult dogs. Your pup might have little “hics” because they are still learning to eat properly or they just can’t contain their excitement! Puppies can be more energetic and hyper than their older furry friends, but there might be another logical explanation. Scientific studies show human babies and mammals hiccuping in the womb, so the theory is that hiccups are a way of testing out the little one’s breathing muscles. This would explain why puppies (and human babies) hiccup more than their adult counterparts. 

We never thought we’d have so many questions, but it seems that everyone’s a little bit clueless about the mysterious reason for hiccups - maybe they were just made to make pups look cute!

Are hiccups dangerous for dogs?

If you’re dog sitting or new to dog ownership and you’ve never seen a dog hiccuping, it can be pretty worrying. But the good news is, just like human hiccups, they are completely normal and will usually go away on their own. 

Sometimes mistaken for hiccuping, reverse sneezing is also generally harmless. This is when a dog sucks air through its nose creating a snorting noise and is often caused by overexcitement or allergies. 

More serious symptoms that may be mistaken for hiccuping include retching, tremors or seizures. Retching or dry heaving may be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue such as an upset tummy, or less commonly something stuck in the throat, and furry friends should be taken to the vet if they are having a seizure or any tremor-like activity. Seizure or tremors that can look like hiccups are particularly seen in female dogs who have recently given birth, and is related to a condition known as hypocalcemia.

Treatment for dog hiccups 

If you’re sure your dog’s got bog-standard hiccups, you might want to know how to get rid of dog hiccups. We definitely don’t recommend old wives’ tales like jumping out on your pup to scare the hiccups away, and it’s difficult for us to teach our four-legged friends to hold their breath or drink water backwards. Really, hiccups are a waiting game and should go away within ten to fifteen minutes.

If pet owners do want to intervene, speak to your pooch in a soothing voice or get them to lay on their back so you can rub their tummy. If your pup’s excited or anxious, slowing down their breathing will help them to relax. The American Kennel Club also recommends helping them to drink water in small sips, although we know this one’s easier said than done!

If your pup wolfs down its food a little too enthusiastically, try feeding them their food portions in a little and often pattern to prevent hiccups. Slow-feeder dog bowls have nozzles between the food for your pooch to navigate between which stops them from eating or drinking too quickly, and makes mealtimes much more fun!

When to see the vet

While hiccups aren’t usually cause for concern, if they last longer than a few hours you should call your vet. If your four-legged friend is having trouble breathing, or their hiccups are combined with other symptoms such as fever, lethargy or loss of appetite, you should take them to the vet right away.

So now you know the answer to “can dogs get hiccups?”, why not find out why your dog’s always sneezing?

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Useful resources

• Your dog’s runny nose: causes and treatment
• Dog eye discharge: causes, treatments and when to call the vet
• My dog is sneezing a lot: causes, treatment and prevention