Hiccups are unpleasant sounds that occur when the Pit Bull’s diaphragm is disturbed. These are sharp little inhaled breathing in the lungs due to repetitive contraction of breathing muscles and the diaphragm.
It can lead to a short close of glossitis (opening between the vocal cords)and produces a “hic” sound. Pit Bulls get hiccups just like humans and are usually more common in Pit puppies. Additionally, hiccups are less common in adult dogs.
If you are an owner of the Pit Bull for the first time, this condition may be alarming for you. But don’t you worry because they are as normal for your dog as they are for humans.
The hiccups usually last for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, these repetitive contractions may go away without any treatment. In rare cases, you may need to take him to the vet.
Main causes:
Why do Pit Bulls get hiccups? The exact answer to this question is still unknown. But still are different causes of hiccups in dogs. The main cause of hiccups is the involuntary dog’s chest contraction due to diaphragm spasms. It can also disturb the movement of the chest cavity.
In most cases, hiccup causes may be eating and drinking too quickly or inhaling more air. Also, if they eat something that disturbs their stomach can also trigger hiccups in dogs.
Dogs get hiccups during excitement, tiredness, or stress. The involuntary contractions of the diaphragm also occur after inhaling an irritant.
Symptoms of Hiccups:
The only symptoms of a dog’s hiccups are the sound of “Hic” which can produce multiple times in one minute. The sound of hiccups is similar to a hiccup in humans. Hiccups have no other sign or symptom, so if you notice any other symptoms that can be due to any other health problem.
Difference between reverse sneezing and hiccups:
Reverse sneezing can be due to the large intake of air during inhalation in the lungs. In this situation, Pit Bull’s mouth is closed, that’s why some owners think that the Pit Bull is choking. The reverse sneezing is similar to hiccups that confused some people. For that, you may know the exact sound of hiccups.
Do hiccups hurtful for Pit Bulls?
No, hiccups do not hurt the Pit Bulls but they can be irritating for them. Hiccups are surprising for them but do not cause any harm. Pit Bulls remain peaceful during episodic hiccups, no sign of stress, pain, or anxiety can be noticed in them.
Are hiccups common in Pit puppies?
The hiccups are common in small puppies and last for a few minutes. Pit puppies tend to develop hiccups in the womb and become rare after 8 to 12 months of his age.
Normally, puppies get hiccups trigger when they eat or drink quickly, have gas in the stomach, or are stressed. In adult dogs, the hiccups become less frequent.
When Pit puppies are playing and jumping, they start rapid breathing that can trigger hiccups. So, there is a chance of hiccups in energetic and hyperactive puppies than the older dogs.
How to relive hiccups in Pit Bulls?
When the Pit Bull gets hiccups, you do not need to scare him by pulling his tough to stop hiccups. Sometimes, hiccups go away on their own. But if hiccups do not stop, you need to keep in mind a few things that can help to stop dog hiccups.
Gives natural home remedies to Pit Bull:
In severe cases of hiccups, you can give one spoon of honey, maple syrup, or Karo syrup. These sugar syrups stick with the throat of the Pit Bull and soothe any kind of irritation.
Moreover, it distracts your dog, helps to get rid of hiccups, and slows his breathing rate.
Drink slowly:
Drinking water during hiccups can relieve the Pit Bull but it is important your dog drink water slowly and peacefully. So, slow drinking is effective for normal breathing.
Chest massage:
Often, chest massage is also helpful to stop the hiccups in dogs by normalizing the dog’s breathing pattern. You may gently massage the diaphragm of your dog and starling him. Also, you rub their tummy can be helpful to prevent hiccups.
Use a slow feeder bowl:
Another reason for hiccups is eating too fast, so try to give your dog smaller portions of food in a slow feeder bowl to avoid hiccups in dogs.
Avoid solid and sugar-free products:
As hiccups are involuntary actions, so you need to not give solid food to the Pit Bull because if they swallow solid food that can cause choking and aspiration pneumonia.
You have to avoid sugar-free products because sugar fee product contains xylitol that can be dangerous for Pit Bull in this situation.
Low grain products:
It is also important to feed your dog low grain products. The high grain food may trigger hiccups, so try to not give them the high grain food. You should also notice your pit Bull eating behavior that can be helpful for you to figure out the main cause of hiccups in your dog.
When hiccups affect the pit bull’s health:
If hiccups occur more frequently or last for an hour in your Pit Bull, you need to take him to the vet and take some veterinary advice to get rid of hiccup episodes in the dog. The regular long-lasting hiccups with wheezing sound may be due to a breathing issue that needs to treat seriously. The dog’s breathing issues may be due to pneumonia, pericarditis, and asthma.
Sometimes, Pit Bull may be suffered from exercise intolerance and heavy breathing with hiccups. In this case, you should consult the vet to see the underlying cause.
The serious problem is when your dog gets prolonged hiccups with gastrointestinal problems and show sign such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, immediately visit the vet to treat your dog.
Final Words:
Hiccups are a common condition in dogs, just like human hiccups. When someone adopts a Pit Bull first time, hiccups may scare the pet owners. But it is a normal and natural episode that lasts for a few minutes.
If the hiccups last more than an hour, it is an alarming situation. Otherwise, hiccups are harmless and go away on their own. It is the duty of a good owner if you pay attention to their behaviors.
If your Pit Bull gets hiccups more often, you need some veterinary advice. Hiccups in small Pit puppies look cute occurrence and make you happy when you see them growing older.
