Dogs get hiccups due to involuntary contractions or spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle that helps with breathing. This causes a sudden intake of air which is abruptly stopped by the closure of the glottis (voice box), resulting in the "hic" sound typical of hiccups. Several factors can trigger these spasms, such as eating or drinking too quickly, swallowing air, stress, overexcitement, stomach gas, or irritation from spicy or very hot/cold foods. Puppies tend to get hiccups more often because their bodies and muscular control are still developing. Usually, dog hiccups are harmless and go away on their own, but persistent hiccups might sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.
