Hiccups! Why Does My Puppy or Dog Get Them?
Hiccups are normally harmless and rarely serious. Basically, the source is spasms of the diaphragm. This can be caused by excitement, eating too fast, irritants or stress.
Puppies that hiccup, in general do so first thing in the morning after waking up, after naps, after eating, or after too much excitement. Some puppies may even hiccup while sleeping!
Sources of Hiccups
Hiccups are so common; it is thought by some veterinarians, that they can be a part of the laundry list of “growing pains” some puppies must endure during the process of physically and mentally maturing. In general, the episodes begin to decrease as they get older, and totally disappear by the time the puppy is 8-months to 1-year old.
Other veterinarians claim it’s a vestigial reflex many puppies have from their days in the womb. It was a way they could exercise their lungs, and strengthen esophageal muscles, while …
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