Are Puppy Hiccups Normal?

Home » Why Does My Pitbull Have Hiccups » Are Puppy Hiccups Normal?

Maybe your like

Amazon Gifts for the Tricky and Picky: Shop Unique Finds Starting at $15

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.Skip to ContentToday Logo
  • Shop
  • Parents
  • Life
Sign up / Sign inHi Search
  • Share this —
DashboardMy SavedNewslettersProfileSearch TodaySearch

Sections

  • Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness
  • ParentingParenting
  • FoodFood
  • ShopShop
  • Pop CulturePop Culture
  • NewsNews
  • LifeLife
  • StyleStyle

Shows

  • TODAYTODAY
  • 3rd Hour of TODAY3rd Hour of TODAY
  • TODAY with Jenna & FriendsTODAY with Jenna & Friends
  • Saturday TODAYSaturday TODAY
  • Sunday TODAY with Willie GeistSunday TODAY with Willie Geist
  • Watch Full Episodes

More

  • News
  • Life
  • Books
  • Trending
  • Recipes
  • Read With Jenna
  • Astrology
  • Inspirational
  • Holidays
  • Relationships
  • TODAY Recipes
  • Help
  • Newsletters
  • Start TODAY
  • Jokes
  • Shop TODAY Awards
  • Citi Concert Series
  • Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

NBC News Logo
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • SMS
  • Blue Sky
  • Print
  • Whatsapp
  • Reddit
  • Flipboard
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • On the Show
  • Shop
  • Health
  • Start TODAY
  • Parents
  • Food
  • Life
Pooped; Shutterstock ID 95102623; PO: TODAY.com
Shutterstock / Icarus66

Nothing's as peaceful as watching a sleeping puppy’s rhythmic breathing and soft sighs — until the hiccups start. If you’re a first-time pet owner, seeing your pup’s tiny body jerk with every hiccup can be a little alarming. But relax, they are as normal for your puppy as they are for you. 

Pooped; Shutterstock ID 95102623; PO: TODAY.com
Today

Hiccups are simply uncontrollable spasms that contract the diaphragm muscle causing your pup to begin to breathe in. Suddenly, the glottis (a part of your dog's voice box) closes, stopping the intake of air. And out comes a hiccup (or two or three). 

Dogs generally get them from the air they swallow when they eat or drink too fast, but stress, fatigue and excitement can also bring on a bout. Some experts believe the harmless spasms can actually help your puppy relieve stomach gas or irritation. 

By the same token, reverse hiccups — or when your dog takes a series of loud, involuntary breaths — could be his or her way of clearing out their sinuses. 

Bottom line? Hiccuping is harmless, maybe even helpful. They will come and go for a while, but eventually, your puppy will outgrow them.

More Tips

Courtesy Dr. Mike Milobsky

Pediatrician Reveals the Biggest Factor That Shapes Your Child’s Future— And It's Not Your Parenting

Family

 / Updated Oct. 1, 2025Aleksandar Nakic / Getty Images

Baby oatmeal bath 101: How, why and when to make the perfect oatmeal bath for your baby

Babies

 / Updated Sept. 29, 2025Getty Images

How To Know When Girls Will Stop Growing: All About Height

Parents

 / Updated Sept. 26, 2025Kateryna Soroka / Getty Images

All About the Ferber Method And Sleep Training

Babies

 / Updated Sept. 26, 2025@birds__bees via Instagram

The No. 1 Mistake Parents Make When Teaching Kids About Sex

Family

 / Updated Sept. 15, 2025martin-dm / Getty Images

Kids Are Watching Deadly Violence on Social Media. What Parents Can Do

Teens

 / Updated Sept. 11, 2025Antonio M. Rosario / Getty Images

Helicopter Parenting: What It Is, And How To Tell If You're Doing It

Family

 / Updated Sept. 9, 2025Annie Otzen / Getty Images

Know your Halloween Etiquette: What Time Does Trick-or-Treating Start and End?

Halloween

 / Updated Sept. 3, 2025Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Getty Images

All About Snowplow Parenting: What It Is, and How To Stop Doing It

Tips

 / Updated Aug. 29, 2025Getty Images

Gentle Parenting: What It Is and How To Do It

Family

 / Updated Aug. 28, 2025See More

Tag » Why Does My Pitbull Have Hiccups