Dogs
Hiccups, just like in humans, are common in dogs, especially in puppies. Sometimes, these hiccups come in rapid succession or after long intervals. Any animal that has a diaphragm is bound to get hiccups. It is an involuntary action by the body where the diaphragm contracts, pulling air inside and epiglottis shuts, causing a 'hic' sound. But not all animals make the 'hic' sound when they experience this. Horses make 'thump' sound and for cats it is generally silent. Dogs makes hiccup sounds that are similar to humans.
Causes of Hiccups in Dogs
It is very common for a puppy to get hiccups. Some puppies even get hiccups inside their mother's womb! It is normal for a puppy under 1 year to experience hiccups twice or thrice a day and they often outgrow this habit.
There is no specific action which you need to take to cure your dog's hiccups. They normally go away on their own. But if you feel the need to do something, here are some suggestion that may help.
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Dogs
What Causes Hiccups in Dogs?
Hiccups, just like in humans, are common in dogs, especially in puppies. Sometimes, these hiccups come in rapid succession or after long intervals. Any animal that has a diaphragm is bound to get hiccups. It is an involuntary action by the body where the diaphragm contracts, pulling air inside and epiglottis shuts, causing a 'hic' sound. But not all animals make the 'hic' sound when they experience this. Horses make 'thump' sound and for cats it is generally silent. Dogs makes hiccup sounds that are similar to humans.
Causes of Hiccups in Dogs
It is very common for a puppy to get hiccups. Some puppies even get hiccups inside their mother's womb! It is normal for a puppy under 1 year to experience hiccups twice or thrice a day and they often outgrow this habit.
- Frequent hiccups in puppies can be caused due to eating or drinking something too fast. Sometimes, if the dog is overjoyed with the treat you are giving him, he may gulp down the food very fast, causing hiccups.
- Stomach disorders can also give rise to hiccups. Sometimes, there is a possibility that something your pet dog is eating or drinking is causing hiccups.
- A surprising fact is that hiccups can also be caused due to nervousness, emotional stress and excessive excitement.
- Sometimes, there can be reverse hiccups in dogs, and these can be confused with normal hiccups. If you notice that your pet has a series of rapid, loud and forced inhalations through the nostrils, which last anywhere between 10 seconds to 2 minutes, it can be a case of reverse hiccups. You will notice this, especially when the dog is trying to clear the mucus from its sinuses. The exact cause of reverse hiccups in dogs is not known, but it is generally associated with sinusitis or respiratory disorders.
There is no specific action which you need to take to cure your dog's hiccups. They normally go away on their own. But if you feel the need to do something, here are some suggestion that may help.
- Calm him down. Talk to him in a gentle tone and do not excite him.
- Try to distract him from hiccups with the help of toys. This will at least keep him busy rather than waiting for the hiccups to go.
- You can give your pet some water to drink, so in case of any sort of irritation in the esophagus, you dog will be relieved of the hiccups.
- You may take your dog for a walk or may even make it run. Exercise not only relieves the dog of gases, but also keeps him healthy and fit.
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by Carrie Boyko, CEB Oh dear! Oh my! I was so busy this weekend--making my list and checking it twice--that I completely forgot about Mutt Monday. How dare I? I'll make it up to you; I'll leave it open through Thursday, okay? Here goes: This...
- Dandy Dog Books: Your Dog's Golden Years
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © Jennifer KachnicMy Golden is quite the ham. He's not yet a senior, as you would quickly glean if you saw him at the dog park. I've been asked if he is part Greyhound when folks see him run like the wind. Today I'm...
- Pet Health Questions
Pets like cats and dogs are treated like family members. If they are sick, everybody in the family is upset and worried about their health. These days, veterinarians are bombarded with pet health questions. People search for pet health information...
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What is reverse sneezing in dogs? It is a common, involuntary spasm which gets triggered by an irritation of the soft palate and throat. When your pet dog sneezes regularly, what happens is the air is pushed out through his/her nose. Now in the case...
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My dog would have these funny little hiccups while sleeping. At times she'd have fairly animated dreams, but only occasionally would she snore. My solution to this occasional problem would be to pick her up, and deposit her on the couch in the...