hiccups in puppies

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Is it common for 8 to 13 week old puppies to have hiccups?  The hiccups don't last long.  Is this an indication of something wrong in the diaphragm to cause this involuntary contraction? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's very common for puppies to have hiccups, and it usually becomes less frequent as they get older. It's caused by gulping air, and can be triggered by eating too fast, or by nervousness or excitement. If he seems otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry.

You may want to try one of the "slow feeder" type dishes to slow down his eating. 

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin had frequent hiccups until the age of one.  So frequent in fact that I asked the vet about it.  Nothing to worry about he said and at four he rarely hiccups now.

[Julie Taylor]

Shaka has hiccups as well. He is 13 weeks old. Thank you for asking the question, i was pretty sure it wasn't anything to worry about, though wasn't really sure.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Karen, Thank you for seeing my question and giving me solid reasons why puppies get hiccups.  Looks like it is the 'excitement' that is causing the hiccups because I have noticed it when the puppies are competing for attention.

BG and Julie, Thank you for letting me know I'm not the only one with hiccuping puppies.  I will continue to calmly give them belly rubs