Hey Ollie blog readers! We’re offering you an exclusive 60% OFF your starter box! Try now!
Hiccups are uncomfortable for humans — but what about our pup friends? What happens when your dog gets the hiccups? Is it serious? What can you do to help your dog stop the hiccups and how can you prevent them from getting the hiccups in the first place?
In both dogs and humans, hiccups are the spasm of the diaphragm, a muscle that sits just below our lungs. Hiccups happen when the diaphragm—the muscle under the lungs that helps with breathing—suddenly contracts. This quick contraction causes your dog to take in a sharp breath, and the glottis (the part of the throat that controls airflow to the lungs) snaps shut, making that classic hic sound. It’s a normal body reflex that can happen in both humans and dogs.
In dogs, hiccups usually show up as small, rhythmic jerks in the chest or belly. They might be followed by soft hiccup sounds or light twitches. Some dogs don’t make any noise at all, but you’ll still see the little spasms in their body. Puppies tend to get hiccups more often than adult dogs, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. Just like in people, hiccups often go away on their own within a few minutes.
In both dogs and humans, hiccups are the spasm of the diaphragm, a muscle that sits just below our lungs. The spasm results in the glottis (the space between the vocal cords) opening and closing quickly — what makes the signature sound of the hiccup.
Yes, dogs can get hiccups—and they do! In fact, it’s pretty common, especially in puppies. Dogs experience hiccups for many of the same reasons humans do. Eating too quickly, drinking water in big gulps, feeling excited or stressed, or even just breathing in cold air too fast can trigger hiccups in your pup.
While dog hiccups might look strange or sound funny, they’re usually harmless. Most of the time, they only last a few minutes and don’t cause any pain or discomfort. If your dog gets hiccups every now and then, there’s no need to panic. It’s part of how their body works, and it’s not a sign of anything serious.
However, if your dog’s hiccups last longer than an hour, happen frequently, or come with other symptoms like coughing, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet. These could be signs of something more than just regular hiccups.In short—yes, dogs can get hiccups, and most of the time, it’s totally normal.
Puppies are more prone to hiccups then adult dogs, this is because of their high energy levels. They may eat or drink more quickly and vigorous play can impact their breathing causing them to hiccup more often then adult dogs. You may also see your puppy hiccup upon waking from a nap. The internet goes crazy for puppy hiccup videos. You’ll find over 491,000 video results when you do a quick Google search!
Your dog’s hiccups should be short-lived, but some of the same “cures” that work for humans might also work for your pup as well:
Generally speaking, hiccups are not serious or a cause for concern. However, if your dog is getting the hiccups frequently or the hiccups last several hours or are accompanied by wheezing, you want to make sure you consult your vet as it could be a symptom of something more serious.
Gastric issues or respiratory issues can present with hiccups so if you notice your pet’s hiccups are not going away or are accompanied by other symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea or trouble breathing you’ll want to contact your vet right away to figure out what is going on.
Yes, dogs can get hiccups just like humans. It happens when their diaphragm spasms, usually after eating or drinking too fast, getting excited, or swallowing air.
Yes, hiccups are a normal body reflex in dogs, especially puppies. Most of the time, they are harmless and go away on their own within a few minutes.
Most dog hiccups last only a few minutes. If they go on for more than an hour or seem to happen often, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
Puppies breathe faster, have more energy, and are still developing their bodies. All of this makes them more likely to get hiccups, especially after eating, drinking, or playing.
Usually, hiccups are not serious. But if your dog also shows signs like coughing, vomiting, or trouble breathing, it could be a sign of something else. In those cases, it’s best to get your vet’s advice.
You can try calming your dog down, gently rubbing their belly, or offering a small amount of water. Slowing down how fast they eat can also help prevent future hiccups.
Occasional hiccups are fine, but if your dog gets them daily or they last a long time, it might be worth asking your vet to rule out any underlying issues.
The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.
Tagged As:
The nutrition your dog needs,
the food they want.
Enjoying our articles? Subscribe our Newsletters and get new articles directly to your inbox
3 April 2025
8 MINS READ
Noticing your dog drinking more water than usual? Excessive thirst in dogs can be concerning and may indicate underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind increased w…
3 April 2025
7 MINS READ
If your dog hasn’t pooped in a while, you might be wondering if they’re constipated—and what to do about it. Understanding the causes of dog constipation and knowing how to help can keep your…
by Evan Woods
3 April 2025
7 MINS READ
Dogs can experience pain from injuries, aging, or health conditions, but finding the right relief is important. Whether you’re looking for vet-approved medications or natural options, here’s wh…