Your dog is sitting there, minding their own business, when suddenly their whole body starts to jerk. Hic. Then another. Hic. It looks like they’re being poked by an invisible finger every four seconds. If you’re searching for how to get rid of my dogs hiccups, you’re probably a little worried, but honestly? It’s usually just a weird glitch in their diaphragm.
Hiccups in dogs are almost identical to the ones we get. It’s an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle. When that muscle irritates, the glottis—that’s the opening between the vocal cords—snaps shut. That’s what makes the "hic" sound. It’s annoying. It's cute. It’s mostly harmless.
But let’s get into the weeds of why this happens and how to actually stop it without doing something silly like scaring them (please don't jump out from behind a couch at your Golden Retriever).
Why Dogs Get These Spasms Anyway
Most of the time, it’s about air. Dogs are notorious for eating like they haven’t seen food in a decade. When they inhale their kibble, they inhale massive gulps of air. This distends the stomach, which sits right underneath the diaphragm. The stomach pushes up, the diaphragm gets grumpy, and suddenly you’ve got a dog with the hiccups.
Excitement is another big one. Have you ever noticed your dog starts hiccupping right when you get home or right before a walk? High-energy breathing—that fast, shallow panting—can trigger the reflex. It’s basically just their respiratory system losing its rhythm for a second. Puppies are the kings of this. Their internal systems are still "wiring" themselves, and their muscles are more prone to these little glitches. According to many veterinary experts, including those at VCA Animal Hospitals, puppies often outgrow this phase as their nervous and digestive systems mature.
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Sometimes it’s a temperature thing. Drinking ice-cold water on a hot day or eating something particularly spicy (though they shouldn't be eating spicy food anyway!) can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
How to Get Rid of My Dogs Hiccups Right Now
If your dog is currently hiccupping and looking at you with those "help me" eyes, you can try a few things.
First, try to change their breathing pattern. This is the most effective way to reset the diaphragm. You can do this by getting them to drink a little bit of water. Don't force it, obviously. Just offer a fresh bowl. The rhythmic swallowing helps the diaphragm relax.
Low-intensity movement is another trick. I’m not talking about a game of fetch. Just a slow, calm walk around the living room or the backyard. This helps shift their focus and evens out their heart rate.
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You could also try a light chest massage. Use the palm of your hand to gently rub their chest and stomach area. Think of it like burping a baby, but way more horizontal. The goal is to help them expel any trapped gas and soothe the muscle spasms.
A spoonful of something sweet can sometimes work, though it’s controversial among some owners. A tiny bit of honey or maple syrup—and I mean a tiny bit, like half a teaspoon—can coat the throat and change the sensory input to the vagus nerve. Just make sure it does not contain Xylitol (birch sugar), which is incredibly toxic to dogs. Honestly, though, water is safer.
When It's Not Just a Simple Hiccup
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sometimes a "hiccup" isn't a hiccup. If your dog has been hiccupping for more than a few hours, or if it’s happening every single day for long periods, it’s time to call the vet.
Persistent hiccups can be a sign of respiratory issues like pneumonia or asthma. In rarer, scarier cases, it could point toward pericarditis (inflammation around the heart) or even a diaphragmatic hernia. If the hiccups are accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or a sudden lack of interest in exercise, don't DIY it. Get a professional opinion.
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Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, notes that while hiccups are common, owners should watch for "reverse sneezing." This sounds like a violent snort or a choking sound. It’s often mistaken for hiccups, but it’s actually caused by an irritation in the soft palate. It looks terrifying—like your dog is inhaling their own face—but it’s usually just as harmless as a hiccup. You can usually stop a reverse sneeze by gently covering your dog’s nostrils for a second to force them to swallow.
Preventive Measures for the "Gulping" Dog
If you’re tired of searching for how to get rid of my dogs hiccups every Tuesday night, you might need to change how they eat.
- Slow Feeder Bowls: These are those plastic mazes that make it impossible for a dog to take huge mouthfuls. It forces them to use their tongue to get individual pieces of kibble. It's annoying for them, but great for their diaphragm.
- Smaller, Frequent Meals: Instead of one giant mountain of food at 5 PM, try splitting it into three smaller portions. This keeps the stomach from expanding too quickly.
- Elevated Feeding (With Caution): There’s a lot of debate about this. Some vets suggest it helps with digestion, while others worry it might increase the risk of bloat (GDV) in certain breeds. Talk to your vet specifically about your dog's breed—Great Danes and Deep-chested dogs have different rules than Pugs.
The Psychological Component
Dogs are smart. Sometimes, they realize that when they hiccup, you give them a ton of attention, pets, and maybe a treat to "help them feel better." While the physical spasm is involuntary, some dogs learn to lean into the behavior or get extra excited because they know a "cure" is coming.
Keep your "hiccup treatment" calm. Don't turn it into a party. If you’re massaging them, do it quietly. If you’re giving them water, do it without fanfare. You want their heart rate to go down, not up.
Actionable Steps for Owners
- Check the clock: If the hiccups last longer than 60 minutes, keep a close eye on them. If they hit the 3-hour mark, call the vet.
- Audit their diet: Are they getting into something they shouldn't? Grain-free diets or foods with high fiber can sometimes cause more gas, leading to more hiccups.
- Watch the breathing: Learn the difference between a hiccup and a cough. A cough usually involves the neck extending and a "hacking" sound at the end.
- Puppy owners: Just breathe. They’ll likely stop doing this by the time they hit their first birthday.
Hiccups are a part of dog ownership. They're a weird, jerky, slightly loud part of life with a furry roommate. Most of the time, the best "cure" is just a little bit of time and a quiet place to nap.
To manage this long-term, transition your dog to a slow-feeding routine and monitor their behavior during high-excitement events. If the spasms occur alongside any respiratory distress or vomiting, seek veterinary care immediately to rule out underlying gastrointestinal or neurological issues.