What Causes Pug Puppies to Have Hiccups?

Hiccups in pug puppies are normal occurrences caused by a variety of things. According to Pet Pug Dog, a site that specializes in pug care, these dogs are notorious for breathing issues due to their flattened noses. Hiccups can sound like grunts, but most noticeably your puppy will twitch every few seconds, which indicates it has the hiccups. Learning what might be causing your pug puppy's hiccups can help teach you how to prevent them in the future.

  1. Diaphragm Issues

    • According to PetSide.com, the most common cause of hiccups in pug puppies is the same as it is for humans, and occurs when the diaphragm muscle spasms. This causes air to whoosh in and leads to a hiccup. While it isn't known exactly why this spasm happens, it is harmless and usually will stop on its own.

    Drinking Quickly

    • Your pup may be drinking too fast and getting too much air in its stomach, similar to babies who drink too much air from a bottle. As your pug gets older, it'll learn to slow down its drinking and properly drink without gulping down air at the same time.

    Eating Fast

    • Puppies are just learning to eat on their own, so they may be overly enthusiastic when you set out their dinner, and ingest food too fast. This can cause hiccups, as well as vomiting in some cases.

    Heat

    • Heat can cause a pug to have hiccups, as well as other breathing issues, as these dogs already face respiratory problems. If your puppy hiccups in extreme heat, temperature may be the cause; get your pug to a cool place with some water. You should not leave your puppy in hot temperatures.

    Mistaken Hiccups

    • Thanks to its flat nose, a pug can make many weird noises, such as snorts or gasping, that you may mistake for hiccups. While this isn't necessarily a cause of hiccups, you may mistake the everyday snorts of an active pug with the hiccups. These noises are normal.

    Activity

    • Strenuous, exciting activity can cause your pug pup to get a case of the hiccups. The faster breathing allows air to get trapped in the respiratory system; it is released through hiccups. If your pug puppy has been running around and suddenly begins hiccuping, the running may be the cause. Pet Side suggests holding your pug and petting it gently to calm it to alleviate hiccups.

    Esophagus Problems

    • Esophageal issues are a more serious cause of hiccups in your pug, and are usually genetically inherited. If your pug hiccups constantly, such as every day for a period of two to three days, or vomits after a simple hiccup, take it to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can help decide if the hiccups are the sign of a more serious problem.