Severe Hiccups in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can get hiccups in much the same way. The dog diaphragm works in the same way a human's does and can spasm for many of the same reasons. Dog hiccups are more common during the puppy stages, but can happen at any time. In some cases, these hiccups may be severe and persistent.

  1. Common Causes

    • Most of the causes of hiccups, including severe ones, in a dog are minor and are not a cause for concern. For instance, if your dog eats its food too quickly or you sneak your dog some of your spicy food, he may develop the hiccups. Other common causes of dog hiccups include getting too excited, inhaling a contaminant such as smoke, or stress. However, if your dog gets persistent, severe hiccups frequently, it is important to have it evaluated by a vet to rule out other causes.

    Serious Causes

    • If your dog gets severe hiccups frequently during the puppy stages, a trip to the vet can rule out a more serious issue. Frequent hiccups in young puppies can indicate a birth defect in the breathing passage or lungs. While older dogs can also develop the hiccups occasionally, frequent, severe hiccups in older dogs can also indicate a health problem. Your vet will want to check for problems such as pneumonia, asthma, respiratory problems and heart conditions.

    Treatment

    • For the most part, the hiccups your dog encounters will be mild and go away on their own. Even in more severe cases, the condition is only likely to last a few minutes and dispel on its own. However, you may be able to use some home remedies as well. If you can get your dog to drink some water, the hiccups should stop. You can also try adding honey or maple syrup to the water. Other methods that may work with your dog are to distract it with a favorite toy or massage its chest.

    Vet Intervention

    • If your vet discovers that your dog has an underlying health condition that causes severe hiccups, treating that condition can eliminate hiccup episodes. In most cases, treating the underlying health condition is all that is necessary. However, when no medical cause is found, the vet may prescribe a medication to relax the diaphragm muscles, thereby reducing the hiccup episodes. When medication does not work, surgery may be required. Surgery is rarely used, though, because hiccups are not typically life threatening.