Can Dogs Actually Get Hiccups?

Can dogs get hiccups? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that it's much more common in puppies, but adult dogs can get hiccups from time to time as well. Dog hiccups are perfectly normal, and they're usually no cause for concern. But if you're wondering how to get rid of dog hiccups so that your beloved pooch can get some relief, keep reading.

What Causes Hiccups?

In both dogs and humans, hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle located underneath the lungs, begins to spasm, as noted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The sound of a hiccup occurs when the space between the vocal cords, called the glottis, abruptly closes during a spasm.

While scientists aren't sure why hiccups occur, they offer up a couple of possibilities. One is that they're a holdover from fetal development. Based on the fact that fetal hiccups occur in several mammalian species, the theory is that hiccuping while in utero serves as a test of developing breathing muscles. Another likely possibility is simply that hiccups are a way to relieve gas. Whatever the cause, K9 of Mine points out that hiccups are typically triggered by one of three things:

1. Age: Dog hiccups occur most often in puppies up to the age of 8 months or so. Can dogs get hiccups after reaching adulthood? They can, but it's much rarer. Scientists suspect hiccups are more common in puppies because they serve the purpose of strengthening their growing lungs.
2. Stress: Hiccups can also be a stress response to overstimulation. Another reason they occur more often in puppies is because puppies are more prone to overstimulation than adult dogs who are better at remaining calm, generally speaking.
3. Wolfing food or gulping water: The same thing that tends to trigger hiccups in humans — eating or drinking too quickly and taking in too much air in the process — can also cause hiccups in your dog.