Why Does My Dog Have Hiccups When Sleeping? (Is It A Concern)

HICCUPS whilst your pup is sleeping is adorable. But is it normal and should you be concerned?

So let’s find out why your dog has hiccups when sleeping.

Dogs will often get hiccups for no specific reason, but there are some instances where it can be a sign of something more serious. If your dog is having trouble breathing, gasping for air, or seems to be in pain, take him to the vet immediately.

Other potential causes of hiccups in dogs include eating too fast, drinking too much water too quickly, excitement or anxiety, and swallowing air. When your dog has hiccups while sleeping, it’s usually not a cause for concern.

Let’s find out why dogs hiccup in their sleep and whether or not you should see the veterinarian.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups can be caused by a number of factors. Here are some common causes of hiccupping:

– Eating too fast

– Drinking too much water too quickly

– Excitement or anxiety

– Swallowing air

The cause of canine hiccups is the same as in people. The diaphragm muscle experiences involuntary contractions that produce hiccups.

The diaphragm is a bowl-shaped muscle in the skeletal system. This muscular wall separates the chest cavity from the abdominals.

When a dog takes a breath, his or her diaphragm slides down into his or her abdomen, making room for the lungs to inflate. When a dog exhales, the soft palate closes and the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air out of the lungs.

Dog or puppy hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms cause a jolt in the chest cavity that interrupts normal breathing.

This sudden jolt causes an intake of breath followed by a brief pause, which is what we call “hiccupping.”

While your dog may sometimes get hiccups while sleeping, you shouldn’t worry – they’re usually nothing to be concerned about.

However, if your dog is having trouble breathing or seems to be in pain, it’s best to take him to the vet right away.

Do Dogs Hiccup In Their Sleep for Relief?

Some dogs may experience hiccups while sleeping as a form of relief. This is because the repeated contractions help to expel excess air and other substances that can cause discomfort in the stomach or digestive system.

Overall, it’s normal for dogs to get occasional hiccups while they sleep. However, if your dog has chronic episodes of hiccups, or if your dog is having trouble breathing when he or she does experience hiccups, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian for guidance and advice.

What are “Sleeping Hiccups”?

Sleep hiccups are a type of hiccup that occurs when your dog is sleeping. Sometimes dogs can experience this as a form of relief.

Hiccups are more common in puppies, both awake and asleep.

Pups have significantly higher energy levels, which raises the risk of a diaphragmatic spasm caused by rapid bursts of breathing, resulting in dog hiccups.

Your young puppy’s body is still trying to catch up with itself while they sleep, causing delightful little dog hiccups. Older dogs may experience hiccups less often, but it’s not uncommon.

Read Here: Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Tounges Out

Are Hiccups More Likely To Happen in REM Sleep?

Most dogs experience hiccups during non-REM sleep.

REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is a stage of sleep where your dog’s brain is more active and he or she may dream.

This stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, muscle twitches, and irregular breathing. You may notice your dog’s breathing pattern is different in a deeper sleep.

While it’s less common, some dogs may experience hiccups while they are in REM sleep. This is because their diaphragm is still contracting even as they’re unconscious, which can cause hiccups.

Health Concerns When Hiccuping In Sleep

There are a few health concerns that you should be aware of if your dog experiences chronic hiccups or if he or she has difficulty breathing when hiccuping.

Some potential causes of hiccups in dogs include pneumothorax (a collapsed lung), oesophagal cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If your dog is having trouble breathing or seems to be in pain, it’s best to take him or her to the vet as soon as possible.

Chronic hiccupping can also indicate more serious health issues, so you should always consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s hiccups.

When to See the Vet

If your dog has hiccups frequently or for long periods of time, it’s best to see the veterinarian. Additionally, if you notice that your dog is having trouble breathing or seems to be in pain, it’s important to seek help right away.

Reverse Sneezing Vs. Hiccups

Reverse sneezing and hiccups are often confused because they both involve involuntary spasms of the diaphragm.

However, there are some key differences between the two conditions.

Reverse sneezing is more common in small breeds of dogs, such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers. It is often caused by irritation in the throat or nose, which triggers a spasm of the soft palate.

This spasm causes your dog to make an abrupt snorting noise as he or she tries to expel the irritant.

Reverse sneezing episodes are usually short-lived and not harmful to your dog.

Hiccups, on the other hand, are caused by contractions of the diaphragm that disrupt normal breathing. These episodes can last for a few minutes or even hours.

Read here: Best dog beds guide

Conclusion

Hiccups are normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, if your dog has chronic episodes of hiccups, or if your dog is having trouble breathing when he or she does experience hiccups, this could be a cause for concern.

Dogs may experience hiccups while sleeping as a form of relief. This is because the repeated contractions help to expel excess air from the stomach.

Hopefully, our guide has helped to answer the question, “why does my dog have hiccups when sleeping?” If you are ever concerned about your dog’s health or experience any additional symptoms, be sure to reach out to a vet for more information.​