Puppy Hiccups
Facts about Puppy Hiccups
At first it seems just cute, but when the condition reoccurs time and time again, many dog owners become worried about the fact that their puppy hiccups. Although the frequency of the hiccups may seem extreme in some cases, it should be reassuring to know that this condition is completely normal.
Hiccups are somewhat of an anomaly in both human and animal behavior. They are named aptly for the sound made when they occur. In extremely rare cases, continuous hiccups may present a medical problem, but in the majority of situations, they are simply minor inconveniences that pass with time. The origination of the hiccup is in the diaphragm, a muscle that is located near the base of chest. Usually, the diaphragm operates flawlessly in its job of enabling breathing. It contracts when we inhale, causing the thoracic cavity to expand and creating a type of suction that pulls air into the lungs. To expel that air, the diaphragm relaxes; the lungs deflate and the air leaves them as we exhale. In certain circumstances, the diaphragm goes off track, experiencing a spasm of sorts which results in spontaneous contractions. Air is pulled into the lungs in spurts, followed by the vocal cords closing quickly; hence the noise sounding like “hic”.
There are several reasons for the common hiccup, all of which involve some type of irritant to the diaphragm that make the involuntary tightening. In humans, they can be caused by overeating, alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, stress and excitement. Animals will obviously not be drinking alcohol or sodas, but can and often do experience overeating, stress, excitement and eating too quickly. “Exuberant” is the perfect description of a puppy; hiccups are very common for these young dogs in their zeal to eat and play and please their humans.
Although it may cause some consternation with the owner, hiccupping is not any more painful to a puppy than it is to a human. Likely, it is not even an annoyance for them, as they take most of life simply in stride. Even if it seems as though your pup gets the hiccups often, there are generally no medical concerns as long as they remain just hiccups. The time to take notice is if the puppy begins to bring up undigested food along with the hiccups, which may indicate problems with the esophagus as result of some form of birth defect. Whenever frequent episodes of regurgitation occur with either a puppy or an adult dog, this fact should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian as soon as possible. However, normal hiccups regardless of their frequency are generally not any cause for alarm.
Some owners will seek methods of alleviating the hiccups for the puppy, but it is best to just let this condition run its course. There are no true cures for the condition, so any attempts to relieve them are futile and will likely just result in frustrating both the owner and the pet. It should be reassuring for the owner to know that age will usually take care of the problem that is afflicting the puppy; hiccups lessen as the puppy grows into maturity. This fact may bear out a theory held by some that hiccups are leftovers from a respiratory need of amphibians from long ago, well before evolution molded modern day creatures.
Many pet owners regard the hiccups as simply being an extension of their pet’s cuteness, and wisely so. In almost every case of puppy hiccups, they are just a minor interruption of normal respiration and not anything to cause concern or the need to consult a professional. Since they are soon outgrown, it should be considered as just one more thing that makes for an adorable puppy.