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why do puppies get hiccups

Puppies get hiccups because their small bodies are still learning to coordinate breathing, eating, and excitement, so their diaphragm (the breathing muscle) gets irritated and spasms, causing those cute little “hic” sounds.

What hiccups are in puppies

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm suddenly contracts and the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords) briefly snaps shut, making the hic sound. It’s the same basic mechanism as in humans and is usually harmless and short- lived.

Main reasons puppies get hiccups

Common everyday triggers include:

  • Eating or drinking too fast, swallowing extra air along with food or water.
  • Getting overexcited or playing hard, which speeds up breathing and makes it more shallow and irregular.
  • Being very tired or just falling asleep, when breathing patterns change.
  • Being a bit cold, especially small or young pups with less stable temperature control.

Why puppies more than adult dogs

Puppies tend to:

  • Be more energetic and excitable, so they pant, zoom, and gulp air more often.
  • Eat and drink quickly, especially in multi-puppy households.
  • Have organs and digestive systems that are still developing, so their diaphragm and stomach are more easily “irritated.”

Some experts also suggest hiccups might be a leftover reflex from the womb that helps developing breathing muscles practice before birth.

When hiccups are normal vs. concerning

Normal puppy hiccups:

  • Last a few minutes to under an hour.
  • Happen after eating, drinking, playing, or while falling asleep.
  • Don’t come with any other worrying signs.

You should contact a vet if:

  • Hiccups last for many hours or keep coming back daily for no clear reason.
  • There is coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or noisy/wheezy breathing (possible respiratory issue).
  • Your puppy seems distressed, lethargic, has trouble breathing, or shows signs of heatstroke (especially in short-nosed breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs).

Simple ways to help a hiccupping puppy

You usually don’t need to “treat” puppy hiccups, but you can gently encourage their body to relax and breathing to smooth out:

  1. Let them calm down: Lower stimulation, cuddle quietly, and let them rest.
  1. Slow their eating and drinking next time: Use a slow-feeder bowl, smaller meals, or a puzzle feeder so they don’t gulp.
  1. Offer a short, gentle walk: Mild movement can help regularize breathing and move any trapped gas.
  1. Keep them warm but not hot: Avoid them getting chilled after baths or on cold floors.

Avoid startling them or doing anything extreme (like holding their nose or pulling their tongue); those human “tricks” aren’t safe or necessary for dogs.

Quick FAQ style recap

  • Why do puppies get hiccups so much?
    Because their diaphragm is easily triggered by fast eating, excitement, temperature changes, and their still-developing bodies.
  • Is it dangerous?
    Usually no; it’s considered a normal part of puppyhood and often looks more dramatic than it is.
  • When should I worry?
    If hiccups are very long-lasting, very frequent, or come with breathing problems, coughing, lethargy, or other illness signs, a vet check is important.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.