Hiccups

[Sue J]

Jett gets hiccups almost every night around 9-10 p.m. She has her dinner at 5:00 p.m. and we feed Purina Puppy Chow Large Breed with some Pedigree Wet, which is the best we can get locally. She doesn't gobble her food, just eats steadily until it's gone. I've never had a dog get hiccups that often. Since bloat can be an issue with dobes I wondered. From what I've read so far though hiccups isn't mentioned as a bloat sx. Any ideas about the hiccups?

[Rhiannon]

I googled dogs and hiccups and found the following information on several websites. It seems that it is fairly common and nothing to worry about unless it lasts all day long and then in that case it would be wise to see your vet. :)

Hiccups are normal in animals just like humans. It is usually a harmless repeating spasm of the laryngeal cartilage. You can try giving your dog a little water at that time, which usually cures the problem. Otherwise Hiccups get cured on their own in a few minutes time. But if the Hiccups persist for a few days or weeks, it can be a sign of a serious problem. The best thing in such a case, is to take the dog to a vet.

Any canine owner will probably at some stage have heard dog hiccups. It is quite common, particularly puppies, for dog hiccups to occur, they get them just like people. A spasm in the diaphragm pulls air abruptly into the lungs. The sudden rush of air can move the vocal cords creating the familiar sound. Dog hiccups can come in rapid succession or have long delays in between. They can last for a few minutes or even longer. In general, dog hiccups are minor and usually go away on their own.

The hiccups can be caused by what your dog ate or drank, some minor stomach disorder or stress. If your dog hiccups all day, then it would be wise to contact the local veterinarian. Dog hiccups can be exhausting for the animal and, in rare cases, could be a symptom of a more serious disorder. It has been suggested that hiccups in dogs - and humans for that matter - represent a primitive reflex similar to that of the opening and closing of gills in some lower vertebrate animals.

[Sue J]

Jett only gets them for a short period of time. I think I'd better see what snack my hubby is giving her to see if they're related. I guess I was more worried about bloat and didn't google hiccups. Should have. Thanks for your reply!!

[jelly8bean]

I don't think getting hiccups this regularly is quite right. It may be an indicator of something up in the intestinal track, or perhaps the food is not quite agreeing (some minor allergy or something?). Could you try her on some blander diet, ie chicken and rice type, and see if you get the same reaction?

[Sue J]

Thanks for the idea jelly, which I will try if they come back. Last night no hiccups, no bites of dry bread from the peanut butter sandwich she and my hubby have been sharing each night. He just gave her the p'nut butter on the end of his finger. She was a hoot eating it, especially when she got some on her nose!!!