Why Does My Puppy Get Hiccups?

If you have recently brought home a new puppy, there is a good chance you have noticed them hiccupping - sometimes for several minutes at a time. It can look alarming if you have not seen it before, but puppy hiccups are almost always completely normal and harmless.

Why do puppies get hiccups?

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm - the large muscle that sits below the lungs and controls breathing - contracts suddenly and involuntarily. This causes a rapid intake of air, followed by the characteristic "hic" sound as the vocal cords close briefly.

Puppies get hiccups more often than adult dogs for a few reasons:

• They eat and drink quickly. Puppies tend to wolf down their food with enthusiasm, swallowing air in the process. This is one of the most common triggers.
• Their nervous systems are still developing. The diaphragm is controlled by the phrenic nerve, and in young puppies this system is still maturing. Minor hiccup episodes are part of normal development.
• They get excited. Play, excitement, and even mild stress can trigger the diaphragm to spasm temporarily.
• They sleep hiccup. Some puppies hiccup during or just after sleep, which can look alarming but is typically harmless.

How long do puppy hiccups last?

Most hiccup episodes last between one and five minutes. As puppies grow and their nervous systems mature - usually by 12 to 16 weeks of age - hiccupping tends to become less frequent.

Can I do anything to help?

In most cases you do not need to do anything. The hiccups will pass on their own. A few things that may help if your puppy seems uncomfortable:

• Offer a small amount of water - gentle swallowing can help reset the diaphragm
• Encourage calm, slow breathing by gently stroking them and speaking quietly
• A gentle belly rub sometimes helps relax the diaphragm

Slowing down mealtimes can reduce hiccups triggered by eating. A slow feeder bowl or scatter feeding (spreading kibble across a mat or the floor) encourages puppies to eat more slowly and swallow less air.

When should I be concerned?

Puppy hiccups are almost always harmless, but it is worth checking with your vet if you notice:

• Hiccups that last more than 30 minutes
• Hiccups accompanied by wheezing, laboured breathing, or a bluish tinge to the gums
• Hiccups combined with vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy
• Persistent hiccupping in a puppy older than six months
• Hiccups that seem to cause your puppy visible distress

In rare cases, persistent hiccupping can indicate gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, respiratory irritation, or a neurological issue. These conditions are uncommon in otherwise healthy puppies and are typically accompanied by other symptoms.

A note on reverse sneezing

Puppy owners sometimes confuse hiccups with reverse sneezing - a condition where the dog makes a rapid, repetitive snorting or honking sound while extending their neck. Reverse sneezing is also generally harmless and is triggered by irritation of the soft palate. It looks and sounds different to hiccupping but can be equally alarming the first time you see it.

If you are unsure whether what you are seeing is hiccups, reverse sneezing, or something else, a short video on your phone shown to your vet is the easiest way to get clarity.

New puppy questions?

Our team at Eltham Veterinary Practice is here to help you navigate all the questions that come with a new puppy. Visit our new puppy advice hub or book a new puppy consultation. We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.