Have you ever heard why does my puppy have hiccups? It’s a cute sound, but you might wonder why it happens. Don’t worry too much! Puppies get hiccups just like people do, and it’s usually okay.
Puppies can hiccup for lots of simple reasons. Maybe they gobbled up their food too fast, got excited about playing, or felt chilly. These are all normal things that can make your puppy hiccup.
Let’s dive in and learn about 19 reasons your puppy might get those funny hiccups. We’ll talk about it in a way that’s easy to understand, so you’ll know all about your puppy’s hiccups in no time. Get ready for some fun learning!
19 Easy Reasons Why Does My Puppy Have Hiccups
Here are 19 reasons why your furry friend is experiencing these funny little hiccups.
1. Eating Too Quickly
Puppies are often super excited at meal times and might gobble up their food really fast. When they eat too fast, they swallow a lot of air along with their food.
This extra air in their belly needs to get out, and hiccups are one way their bodies do this. It’s like their body is saying, “Hey, slow down a bit!”
2. Feeling Stressed
Puppies feel stress too, just like people. New places, lots of noise, or even being alone can make them feel stressed.
Stress can make their body react in funny ways, like causing hiccups. It’s their way of handling the big feelings they’re experiencing.
3. Breathing Troubles
Sometimes, puppies can have problems with their breathing. Maybe the air is too dusty, or they’re a bit under the weather.
If their breathing isn’t smooth, it can bother their diaphragm (a muscle that helps them breathe), and that can lead to hiccups.
4. Gastrointestinal Problems
Just like us, puppies can have stomach issues. Eating something that doesn’t agree with them, or even gas, can upset their tummy.
Their digestive system tries to fix these problems, but sometimes, this process can cause hiccups as their body tries to get comfortable again.
5. Too Much Gas
It’s really common for puppies to have gas, especially if they’re eating quickly or trying new foods.
When there’s too much gas in their stomach, it can lead to a case of the hiccups. It’s their body’s way of trying to get rid of the extra gas.
6. Swallowing Too Much Air
Sometimes, when puppies are super excited about their food or drink, they gulp it down fast. And when they play or run around a lot, they might breathe in quickly and swallow air. This can fill their tummies with too much air and cause those funny hiccups.
7. Asthma
Just like some people, puppies can have asthma. This means their airways get a bit narrow sometimes, making it harder to breathe. When they try harder to breathe in, it can mess with their diaphragm (a muscle under their lungs) and cause hiccups.
8. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is when the airways in the lungs get inflamed and sore. It can make puppies cough and sometimes hiccup too. This happens because their breathing isn’t smooth, and it irritates their diaphragm.
9. Excitement
Puppies get excited for lots of reasons – maybe you just got home, or it’s time to play. When they’re super excited, they breathe differently, which can trigger hiccups. It’s like their body is saying, “Wow, this is exciting!”
10. Heatstroke
Hot weather can be tough on puppies. If they get too hot, they might get heatstroke. This is serious and can make them feel really sick. Hiccups can be one sign of heatstroke, but they might also be very tired, pant a lot, or not want to move. Always make sure your puppy has a shady spot to cool down and plenty of water to drink.
11. Breathing in Something Bad
Imagine your puppy sniffing around and suddenly they breathe in smoke from the kitchen or a strong perfume. This can make them start hiccupping because their body is trying to get rid of that bad air.
12. Eating Food That Bugs Them
Just like us, puppies can find some foods just not right for their tummy. If your puppy eats something and then starts hiccupping, it might mean that food didn’t agree with them. It’s like their belly is saying, “Nope, didn’t like that!”
13. Too Much Playtime
Puppies love to play, and sometimes, they get super excited! When they play a lot or run around more than usual, they might get little hiccups. It’s their body’s way of saying, “Let’s take a tiny break!”
14. Feeling Nervous
New places or meeting new people can make puppies feel nervous or anxious. Just like when we feel butterflies in our stomach, puppies might get hiccups when they’re feeling unsure or scared.
15. How Long Hiccups Last
If your puppy’s hiccups go away quickly, it’s usually no big deal. But if they keep hiccupping for a long time, it might mean something from this list is bothering them more. It’s like their body is trying to tell you, “Hey, something’s up!”
16. Esophageal Tumor
While it’s quite rare, there’s a chance that persistent hiccups in your puppy could be caused by an esophageal tumor. This type of tumor affects the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. If your puppy’s hiccups just won’t go away and are happening all the time, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Catching problems early can make a big difference.
17. Medications
Puppies can experience side effects from medications, and one of these side effects might be hiccups. If your puppy starts hiccupping after beginning a new medication, or if you notice hiccups happening more often when they’re taking certain drugs, talk to your vet. There might be an alternative medication without this side effect.
18. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a fancy word for when the lining around your puppy’s heart gets inflamed. It’s a rare condition but one that can cause hiccups among other symptoms. If your puppy seems uncomfortable, is hiccupping a lot, or shows other signs of being unwell, a vet visit is necessary. They can check your puppy’s heart and make sure everything is okay.
19. Temperature Changes
Moving from a very warm place to a chilly one, or vice versa, might shock their system a bit, leading to hiccups. Try to keep your puppy’s environment as stable as possible when it comes to temperature, and watch how they react to changes. If hiccups seem to follow a big temperature shift, it helps to slowly acclimate them to new environments.
What Are Puppy Hiccups?
In puppies, hiccups are even more common than in adult dogs and are generally harmless and cute.
Puppy hiccups happen when the big muscle under their ribs, called the diaphragm, moves in a funny way. This muscle helps them breathe. Sometimes, it twitches and makes them take in air really fast. When the air goes in, it makes their vocal cords close quickly, and we hear the “hic” sound. That’s a hiccup!
Helping Your Puppy with Hiccups
When your puppy gets hiccups, it’s usually nothing to worry about! Hiccups happen to puppies a lot and are mostly harmless. Sometimes, though, they might feel a little uncomfortable. Here are some easy ways to help your puppy when they have hiccups:
1. Be Calm
Your puppy looks at you to see how to act. If you stay calm, your puppy will feel calm, too, during their hiccups.
2. Eat Slowly
If your puppy eats fast, give them some food at a time or use a special slow bowl. This can help them not swallow air and reduce hiccups.
3. Drink Water
Giving your puppy some water gently can stop the hiccups. Water helps their tummy muscles relax.
4. Soft Exercise
A short, easy walk can help get rid of hiccups. Moving around makes them forget about hiccups and relaxes their tummy muscles.
5. Quiet Place
A peaceful place helps lower excitement and stress, which can cause hiccups. Make a cozy spot for your puppy to chill.
6. Belly Rubs
Rubbing your puppy’s belly softly can calm their tummy muscles and help stop the hiccups.
7. Right Temperature
Make sure your puppy is warm enough and cool. Being comfy helps prevent hiccups from happening because of the cold or heat.
8. Stay Away from Smelly Stuff
Keep your puppy away from strong odours or smoke. These can bother their nose and throat and start hiccups.
9. Watch Their Health
See a vet if your puppy has hiccups for a long time, or if they cough, have a hard time breathing, or have other worrying signs. A vet can check if there’s a bigger health problem.
10. Patience is Key
Remember, be patient. Hiccups usually go away by themselves without needing to do anything.
Hiccups in puppies are normal and part of growing up. With these tips, you can help your puppy feel better and stop the hiccups quicker. Talking to a vet is a good idea if you ever get worried about your puppy’s hiccups. They can make sure everything is okay.
When to Visit the Vet for Puppy Hiccups
When dealing with puppy hiccups, most of the time, it’s a normal part of their development and not a cause for concern.
Sometimes, your puppy might get hiccups. It’s usually okay and part of growing up. But, there are times when you might need to take them to the vet. Here’s an easy guide to know when it’s vet time!
Hiccups That Don’t Stop
- If your puppy keeps hiccupping for a long time, like many hours or days, you should see the vet. This could mean something isn’t right inside, like with their belly or breathing.
Hiccups With Other Sick Signs
- Throwing Up or Gagging: This could mean tummy troubles.
- Very Tired: If your puppy is more sleepy than usual, it’s a good idea to check with the vet.
- Coughing: Coughing a lot with hiccups might mean a problem with their lungs.
- Hard to Breathe: If your puppy looks like they can’t catch their breath, this is urgent.
- Not Eating or Drinking: If they don’t want to eat or drink, something might be wrong.
Feeling Unhappy or Hurt
- If hiccups seem to make your puppy sad, in pain, or very uncomfortable, it’s important to take them to the vet. Look for signs like whining, not wanting to play, or hiding.
Already Sick
- If your puppy was already dealing with health stuff, like asthma or allergies, and then gets hiccups a lot, the vet can help figure out why.
New Medicine
- If your puppy started new medicine and then began getting hiccups or acting weird, tell your vet. Some medicines can make hiccups happen.
Final Advice
- It’s always best to be safe and check with the vet if you’re worried about your puppy’s hiccups. The vet is there to help keep your puppy happy and healthy. They can make sure those hiccups are just a normal puppy thing and nothing to worry about.
Remember, taking care of a puppy is a big job, but you’re not alone. The vet is like a helper for making sure your puppy grows up strong and happy!
Final Thoughts
Puppy hiccups are usually no cause for alarm. They’re a normal part of your furry friend’s development. Just like with kids, these little quirks are part of what makes them so lovable. Keep these 19 reasons in mind next time your puppy starts hiccupping, and you’ll be better prepared to understand what’s going on with your beloved pet.
