If you’ve ever been cuddling your Cavapoo puppy and suddenly heard a tiny “hic!” you probably laughed out loud. Puppies are full of surprises, but hiccups are one of the quirkiest things they do. They often look confused, maybe even a little startled, and you can’t help but wonder: Why do puppies get hiccups?

Don’t worry, hiccups are perfectly normal and, in most cases, nothing to be concerned about. In fact, they’re a sign that your puppy’s body is learning and growing. Let’s dive into the reasons behind puppy hiccups, whether they’re ever a problem, and what you can do to help.

What Exactly Are Hiccups?

A hiccup happens when the diaphragm, the muscle just under the lungs that helps control breathing, suddenly contracts involuntarily. That contraction is followed by your puppy’s vocal cords snapping shut, which creates that funny “hic!” sound we all recognize.

Both people and dogs can get hiccups, but puppies get them more often than older dogs. If your Cavapoo pup is still young, chances are you’ve already seen (and heard) this in action.

Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups More Than Adults?

Puppies tend to hiccup more frequently than adult dogs, and there are a few reasons for that.

Fast Eating and Drinking

Cavapoos and other puppies can act like little vacuum cleaners when mealtime rolls around. Eating or drinking too quickly makes them swallow a lot of air along with their food, which can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.

High Energy Levels

Puppies are known for their zoomies, right? They go from bouncing off the walls to collapsing into a nap in record time. All that excitement and erratic breathing can cause their diaphragm to spasm.

Developing Bodies

Puppies’ organs are still maturing, and their diaphragm is no exception. A younger, less coordinated diaphragm is more prone to hiccups than a fully developed one.

At Jones Farm Puppies, we’ve seen plenty of our Cavapoo litters break out into a chorus of hiccups during playtime. It’s always funny to see them pause mid-bounce to let out a squeaky “hic!” before going right back to playing.

Are Puppy Hiccups Normal?

Yes, absolutely. Most of the time, puppy hiccups are harmless and temporary. They’re just one of those silly quirks of puppyhood, like tripping over their own paws or falling asleep mid-play.

In fact, hiccups can even happen before birth. Some researchers believe puppies hiccup while still in the womb as a way to strengthen their diaphragm and practice breathing. Pretty impressive, right?

Should I Be Concerned About Puppy Hiccups?

While the occasional hiccup session is nothing to worry about, there are a few rare times when you might want to keep an eye out. If your puppy’s hiccups last more than an hour, happen constantly, or come with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, then it could be something else going on. In those cases, a quick call to your vet is always a good idea.

But for 99% of hiccup episodes? Totally normal, totally safe, and usually over before you’ve even finished laughing.

How Can I Help My Puppy When They Get Hiccups?

Most hiccups go away on their own, but if you’d like to help your puppy get more comfortable, here are a few gentle tricks:

• Slow Down Mealtime: Use a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder (also great for mental stimulation) to prevent your puppy from eating too quickly. This not only helps with hiccups but also prevents bloating.
• Encourage Calm: If your pup is hiccupping after a round of zoomies, a quiet cuddle session may help regulate their breathing.
• Offer Water: A few sips of fresh water can help relax the diaphragm.
• Gentle Belly Rubs: A light tummy massage may help your puppy’s diaphragm settle down.

What you shouldn’t do is try human hiccup remedies, like startling them or holding their breath. Puppies don’t need tricks like that, and hiccups aren’t harmful in the first place.

Growing Out of Hiccups

Here’s the good news: puppies tend to hiccup less as they get older. As their bodies mature, their diaphragm becomes stronger and more coordinated. By adulthood, hiccups usually become a rare occurrence rather than a regular event.

So if you’re askin, “why do puppies get hiccups so often,” the answer is really just because they’re young. In time, they’ll grow out of it, just like they grow into their big dog paws.

A Funny Side of Puppyhood

Let’s be honest, while hiccups might be mildly annoying for your puppy, they’re downright adorable to watch. A tiny Cavapoo with wide eyes, looking confused by the noises coming out of its own mouth, is the stuff of puppy parent memories. At Jones Farm Puppies, we love seeing our families share photos and stories of their pups’ silly hiccup moments.

It’s a reminder that puppies are full of quirks, and every stage of their growth is worth cherishing, even the ones that come with little “hic!” noises.

Final Thoughts

So, why do puppies get hiccups? It mostly comes down to fast eating, excitement, and the fact that their little bodies are still developing. Hiccups are almost always harmless; they don’t cause pain, and they typically fade as your pup grows up.

The best thing you can do is enjoy the cuteness, help them slow down at mealtime, and know that those funny noises are just another part of puppyhood.

At Jones Farm Puppies, we’ve raised plenty of Cavapoo litters, and hiccups are one of those universal puppy experiences. They’re a small part of the journey toward a happy, healthy adult dog who will bring years of joy to your family.

FAQ

Do puppy hiccups hurt?
No, hiccups don’t hurt. Most puppies barely notice them.

Can stress cause hiccups in puppies?
Yes, both stress and excitement can trigger hiccups, as they can affect breathing patterns.

How long do puppy hiccups usually last?
Just a few minutes in most cases. They almost always resolve on their own.

Should I take my puppy to the vet for hiccups?
Not usually. However, if hiccups are persistent, last over an hour, or accompany coughing or breathing issues, a vet check is advisable.

Do adult dogs get hiccups, too?
Yes, but far less often than puppies. It usually becomes an occasional quirk rather than a daily event.