My puppy has hiccups. What's safe to give or do to stop them?

Question

Can I give my puppy gripe water to ease hiccups. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 23 days old | 21 lbs

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

I am sorry that Daxon is having hiccups, but rest assured they are very normal for puppies. Their gastrointestinal tracts are immature and still developing. Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. As the muscle contracts repeatedly, the opening between the vocal cords snaps shut to check the inflow of air and makes the hiccup sound. Because these areas are still developing in puppies, they are prone to more frequent hiccups then older dogs. My philosophy is often that less is more. Meaning that, the hiccups are natural, and therefore we shouldn't interfere with unnecessary medications. If the hiccups are slightly frustrating for you to hear, perhaps you could try distracting or redirecting Daxon when they occur. This might "trick his system" into halting the hiccups. Here are a few of my favorite interactive toys; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+3+40+25413&pcatid=25413 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+3+40+26279&pcatid=26279

My puppy has hiccups. What's safe to give or do to stop them?

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