How to Stop Doggie Hiccups

The smacking sounds caught my attention. I looked up from my reading to see Pony, my British mongrel, flat on her side, dreaming. I had a good idea what she was dreaming about because she was suckling an invisible teat. Although this behavior is incredibly cute, it inevitably leads to a bout of dog hiccups.

Hiccups are normal in dogs, especially puppies of larger breeds that wolf down their food. Pony, for example, is about 65 pounds while my other dog, a Chinese crested named Hugo, is only 15 pounds. To date, Hugo rarely gets hiccups while Pony gets them at least twice a month.

Relax and Breathe Deeply

Most hiccups will go away on their own after a few hours, notes Race Foster, DVM. Many dogs and puppies ignore hiccups, but after a few minutes Pony becomes upset by them. It's time to get her to relax and breathe deeply. This also helps many people with hiccups.

I talk to Pony quietly and begin a series of long sighs. Sometimes, she follows my example and sighs. Another way to get her to breathe deeply is to get her to yawn. I begin yawning until Pony follows suit. Vet Info.com notes that gently massaging a puppy's or dog's chest helps the dog to relax.

Hiccups After Eating

Pony also hiccups after she's gulped down food. "Big Dog Breeds" notes that dogs that bolt their food and then get hiccups need to slow down when eating. Dog owners of speed eaters can purchase special feed bowls that promote slower eating. Another trick is to place one clean, sterilized rock about the size of a softball inside of the bowl. Objects in the food bowl force even a chow hound to slow down.

If this doesn't help, the dog needs to eat even slower. This is done by buying a Buster Cube or equivalent toy. These interactive toys are filled with dry food and then closed so that only a few pieces of food drop out at a time. But the dog has to play with the cube in order to shake the food out.

When to Call the Vet

Call the vet immediately if a hiccup bout lasts longer than two hours, sooner if accompanied by other symptoms such as a persistent cough. If your puppy or dog is on muscle relaxant medication, hiccups are a normal side effect. But still call your vet if your canine becomes distressed or appears to be in pain.

In adult dogs, long hiccup bouts can be symptoms of severe pet health problems such as pneumonia, an allergic reaction or heart problems.

References

"Big Dog Breeds." Dan Rice. Barron's Educational Series; 2001.
Vet Info. "Do Dog Hiccups Require Treatment?" http://www.vetinfo.com/do-dog-hiccups-require-treatment.html
Pet Education. "Hiccups, Hiccoughs and More Hic-cups in Puppies." Race Foster, DVM. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=858