You’re sitting on the couch, maybe watching a movie, and suddenly your puppy starts making this rhythmic, jerky little bouncing motion. It looks like they’re glitching. Honestly, the first time I saw my golden retriever do this, I thought he was having some kind of weird mini-seizure. It’s scary if you don’t know what it is. But then you hear it—that soft hic.
Dogs get the hiccups just like we do. It’s basically just an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. That’s the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. When it gets irritated, it snaps shut, and the vocal cords close up for a split second. Result? The hiccup. While it’s usually adorable in puppies, it can be a bit more concerning in older dogs. If you’re wondering how to get rid of dogs hiccups, the good news is that most of the time, you don't actually have to do much of anything. They usually just go away on their own.
But let’s be real. Nobody likes seeing their pet uncomfortable.
The Science Behind the Spasm
Puppies are the world champions of hiccupping. Veterinary experts, like those at VCA Animal Hospitals, point out that puppies are much more prone to this than adult dogs because their internal systems are still maturing. Their digestive and nervous systems are basically "under construction." When they get overexcited or eat their kibble like it’s a race against time, they swallow a massive amount of air. This air pocket irritates the diaphragm, and suddenly, you’ve got a bouncing puppy.
It isn't just about air, though. Sometimes it’s about temperature. Or stress. If your dog drinks ice-cold water too fast after a run, that sudden temperature shift in the esophagus (which sits right next to the diaphragm) can trigger a spasm.
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Is it really hiccups?
Sometimes people mistake "reverse sneezing" for hiccups. They aren't the same. Reverse sneezing sounds more like a violent snort or a honk—kinda like your dog is trying to inhale a goose. Hiccups are much more rhythmic and localized in the chest and belly.
How to Get Rid of Dogs Hiccups Fast
If your dog has been hiccupping for more than ten minutes and they look annoyed, you can try a few things. Don’t go startling them. The old "scare the hiccups out of them" trick is a bad idea for dogs. You’ll just end up with a confused, stressed-out pet who still has the hiccups and now doesn't trust you.
Change the breathing pattern. This is the goal. You want to interrupt the rhythm. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get them to drink something. A small bowl of water can help, but don’t force it. If they aren't thirsty, try adding a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more enticing. The act of swallowing helps reset the diaphragm’s movement.
Give them something sweet. I know, it sounds like an old wives' tale. But a tiny bit of honey, maple syrup, or even a little bit of Karo syrup can help. The texture and the sugar hit can distract the vagus nerve. Just a teaspoon is plenty. Avoid anything with Xylitol (birch sugar) at all costs, as that’s toxic to dogs. Honestly, just check the label twice.
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Low-impact movement. Take them for a very slow, calm walk. Don't go playing fetch. We’re talking a "sniff-around-the-yard" pace. This helps change their breathing rate naturally. Sometimes just moving the body is enough to get that diaphragm back into its normal groove.
Chest massages. This is probably the most relaxing way to handle it. Lay your dog on their side and gently rub their chest and belly. You’re trying to help that diaphragm muscle relax. Plus, it’s just good bonding time. Most dogs will lean into this, and the physical relaxation often stops the spasms within a few minutes.
When You Should Actually Worry
Most of the time, dog hiccups are a "set it and forget it" problem. They last five, maybe ten minutes, and then life goes on. However, there are times when it’s not just a cute little twitch. If your dog has hiccups that last for hours, or if they are accompanied by heavy wheezing, coughing, or clear signs of physical pain, it’s time to call the vet.
Persistent hiccups can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. We’re talking about things like respiratory infections, asthma, or even a hiatal hernia. In very rare cases, chronic hiccups are linked to neurological issues or tumors. Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, notes that if the hiccups are interfering with sleep or eating, that’s your cue to seek professional help.
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Watch for the "Wet" Hiccup
If the hiccup sounds "wet" or is followed by vomiting or regurgitation, it might not be a simple diaphragm spasm. It could be Acid Reflux. Dogs get GERD too. If your dog is constantly "gulping" or licking the air after a hiccup session, they might have too much stomach acid. Switching to smaller, more frequent meals can usually fix this, but you’ll want a vet to confirm the plan.
Preventing the Bounce
If your dog is a "chronic hiccupper," the best strategy is prevention.
- Slow down the feeding. Get a slow-feeder bowl. These are those plastic bowls with the mazes inside. It forces the dog to use their tongue to get the kibble out, preventing them from inhaling air along with their dinner.
- Calm the chaos. If hiccups always happen during playtime, try to keep the energy levels a bit more regulated. Extreme excitement leads to panting, and panting leads to—you guessed it—air in the stomach.
- Check the diet. Sometimes high-grain diets cause more gas and bloating, which puts pressure on the diaphragm. If the hiccups are a daily occurrence, it might be worth looking into a limited-ingredient or grain-free diet, though you should always chat with your vet before making a massive nutritional pivot.
Actionable Steps for Pet Parents
Next time your dog starts "glitching" with a case of the hiccups, follow this sequence:
- Observe for 5 minutes. Don't rush in. Most cases resolve before you can even find the honey jar.
- Offer a "calm-down" snack. A tiny spoonful of peanut butter (Xylitol-free!) or honey can coat the throat and change the swallowing rhythm.
- Apply gentle pressure. Rub the chest area just below the ribcage in a circular motion.
- Check the clock. If the hiccups persist beyond 30 to 60 minutes, or if the dog seems distressed, call your vet clinic.
- Review the meal plan. If this happens after every meal, invest in a slow-feeder bowl immediately. It’s the single most effective tool for preventing air-induced hiccups.
Hiccups are a normal part of being a mammal. While they look a bit weird, they are almost always a harmless quirk of your dog’s anatomy. Stay calm, give them a little belly rub, and let the diaphragm do its thing.