Stopping Dog Hiccups
Hiccups in canines are not deadly or dangerous, it’s just as normal as hiccups in humans. Hiccup is a normal reaction in any dog and it doesn’t last longer than a few minutes then subsides. puppy hiccupping is an adorable scene to behold, but if the hiccup becomes frequent or violent, then it’s time to see the vet.
Every mammal that possesses a functioning diaphragm will occasionally get hiccups. In the case of dogs, hiccups can occur after eating or before sleeping. This article will be revealing in detail the causes of hiccups in dogs, how to prevent and cure hiccups in dogs. Read on to find out how to stop dog hiccups
What causes dog hiccups
Hiccups in humans and dogs are part of the body’s involuntary action. Hiccup happens when the diaphragm contracts due to irritation. The diaphragm contracts and move downward during inhalation and then relaxes and moves upward during exhalation, as opposed to a regular pattern of breathing and this happens in a quick Involuntary spasm. Which is also known as a hiccup.
Hiccups commonly occur when dogs eat or drink too fast, swallow too much air or inhale an irritant and even when they are excited. Hiccups are sometimes mistaken for reverse sneezing, but they are different: reverse sneezing happens when your dog inhales hard and short.
Causes of Hiccup in puppies
Hiccup is quite frequent for our cute and cuddly puppies, the reason is quite simple, Puppies are always excited. Most Puppies are bucket-full of excitement especially the hyperactive ones: They eat too fast, drink too fast, play too much, all these will distort the pattern of breathing, which will most likely cause a hiccup for your pup.
There are a few theories surrounding puppy’s hiccup: scientists are not sure why mammals, humans, and dogs hiccup. Analysis was carried out on the fetus and it was recorded that hiccup starts from the fetus. More than 60hrs of observation and recording of fetal heart rate and movement shows that hiccups occurred for 1.2% of the recorded period, at an interval of 3.5min.
Scientists also claim that puppies utilize hiccup as a means to relieve gas and stomach upset. These may be the reason why puppies hiccup more frequently than adult dogs. As your puppy grows, the chances of hiccupping slim almost to none.
Estimated affected population
Hiccups are much more frequent in male puppies than females puppies, and less to almost none in adults. If hiccups in puppies or adults stay longer than 2 minutes or non-stop, then it indicates an illness is present, which means making an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
Symptoms of severe or unusual hiccups
Hiccups are typical biological reaction to excitement during eating, drinking, or playing. little to no attention is paid to it, excluding the adorable scene it Comes with. Hiccups usually occur for no obvious reasons and then stops after a short while. But if hiccups persist, then something is amidst especially if it comes with symptoms like weight loss and exhaustion, which occurs when the hiccup interrupts your dog’s eating and sleeping pattern.
Ways to slow down your speed eating dog
One of the major reason for dog hiccups are eating too fast, and this could be caused by competitive eating as each dog wants to fill his belly first. Dogs’ speed-eating could also be a result of stomach parasite infestations; this can slow or stop nutrients intake by your dog, which will cause your dog to eat more than necessary to balance it.
There are several ways to slow down your dog’s speedy eating without putting yourself in harm’s way.
- Involve your vet: It is your duty as a dog owner to observe your dog’s actions whether normal or abnormal. A vet should be on speed dial in case of emergency, no matter how weird, strange or funny it is. A vet should be the first to know about it ,to minimize damage.
- Introduce a different diet: if your dog isn’t getting enough nutrition in his diet, and it’s leading to speedy or excessive eating. Then you should try using completely raw and quality dog food that is natural, fresh, and nutrient-rich like our recommended non-prescription diabetic dog food.
This non-prescription diabetic food is specially crafted using selected Ingredients from all around the world. The Formula used is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and minerals. These diets contain antioxidants and probiotics that support your dog’s digestive and immune system. It is also densely crafted to satisfy your dog quickly while your dog relishes every bite.
- Use mechanized dog feeder: automatic dog feeder will assist in feeding your dogs in any manner and proportion arranged . This feeders come in different dog appeasing design ,and various levels of settings .you could reduce the output proportion to save your dog from choking or gagging due to excessive consumption. Also you can adjust the setting to feed your dog when you are not around. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about charging everytime,most of these gadget comes with a strong and durable rechargeable battery.
- Use obstructive feeding: put an obstruction in your dog’s feeding bowl like a big ball or toy to obstruct speedy-eating. As a precautionary measure; do not put small objects or items that can be swallowed. Just watch, your dog will enjoy searching and eating in the same bowl.
How do you stop hiccups in dogs
As adorable as dog hiccups are, it is best for dog owners to closely observe any extension in hiccups duration, after all, your dog’s health is your responsibility. Most dog Hiccups are normal and won’t stay longer than a few minutes. But if your dogs hiccups persist, you can help them. how?
- You can give your dog a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to soothe any irritation in your dog’s throat and help pacify their agitation, which will also soothe their rapid breathing process. And in case, you don’t have honey or syrup, clean or distilled water will cover for it.
- You can calmly massage your dog’s chest to relax the perturbed diaphragm, which then regularizes the breathing pattern
- A short stroll or light exercise can also adjust the breathing pattern
- Feeding your dog in smaller proportions of low-grain food helps to avoid choking or hiccup and aid easy digestion.
Note
If after carrying out all necessary measures and instructions and the hiccups persist. The n you will have to visit the veterinarian because it could be mistaken for other illnesses like reverse sneezing. Though some human drugs might stop the hiccups. still, dog therapy is better prescribed by professional veterinarians.
Conclusion
Hiccups are normal for all mammals, even your dog, but sometimes it might be a different case altogether, it may or may not be a normal hiccup. But still, prevention is better than a cure so carrying out your responsibility as a dog owner is crucial to the survival and wellness of your dog.