Hiccups

Question
My 8 week old puppy has been having a lot of hiccups. Should I be worried?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Yes, 8 week old puppies hiccup a lot.

It could be that he is gulping down his food because he is growing so fast. Or that he is not being fed often enough.

If he is a deep chested breed (or even if he isn't) avoid food preserved with citric acid-there has only been one study that says that foods preserved in citric acid can contribute to bloat. But that is enough for me, given all the better alternative food options that don't.

Hiccuping in an older dog would worry me a bit, if it was regular. Feel free to ask your vet if it persists.

If he is gulping food, try hand feeding a high quality puppy food a few times a day rather than one big meal and if he is a giant breed dog more like 5 small meals a day!

More than likely-it's normal.