When a French bulldog has hiccups, it can be quite distressing to see our beloved pet suffering. Frenchies are prone to getting hiccups and some can get hiccups quite often. But why is my French bulldog suffering from hiccups? French Bulldogs are known to suffer from hiccups more than other breeds. This is because of their body makeup and their habits. Hiccups in French bulldogs can be quite worrying, especially if your dog suffers from them now and then. However, most of the time, dogs that suffer from hiccups aren’t actually in any pain. This blog will help you understand what hiccups are, why your French bulldog suffering from hiccups, and what you should do about them.
What are hiccups in French bulldogs?
Hiccups are sudden spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The diaphragm is a muscle that helps breathe. In hiccups, the diaphragm suddenly contracts and relaxes again. There are many causes of hiccups and we will discuss each in detail here.
Causes of Hiccups in French Bulldogs
Face Structure
A Frenchie’s short, round head is one of its most iconic features. It makes them so adorable! However, it’s also the reason why they are so prone to hiccups. Because of the unique structure of their face, the Frenchie’s tongue and throat get a little bit of hiccup-inducing air stuck. While this is extremely adorable to watch, it can be pretty scary for the dog. It may seem silly, but hiccups in dogs can be very serious and even life-threatening in extreme cases. While not all Frenchie owners have experienced this problem, it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case!
Fast Eating
One of the causes of hiccups in French Bulldogs is eating too fast and gulping a lot of air. This problem occurs because of the structure of their face and their love for the food. When they eat the food fast it results in a hiccup.
Stress or excitement
If a French bulldog experiences stressful or enjoyable experiences, it can potentially get hiccups. This can be caused by a number of different things but is usually something minor or temporary. For example, if there is a large amount of excitement for the dog, regardless of what kind of dog it is, it could lead to hiccups. Something small, like going for a walk, could be considered exciting for the dog.
Intense playing
When French Bulldogs are playing and panting, it can usually mean that your dog is too hot or is exercising too hard. It can happen during exercise or when playing with your Frenchie. The occurrence is more frequent in puppies of French bulldogs because they have greater energy levels.
Over Heating
One of the main reasons for hiccups in Frenchies is overheating. When French bulldogs spend a lot of time in the sun they get overheated and to cool themselves they gulp a lot of air vigorously to cool their bodies but instead, they start suffering from hiccups.
How to treat Hiccups in French bulldogs?
Hiccups usually last for a few minutes, but they can last for hours if they’re persistent. If hiccups are accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat, they may be a sign of a more serious problem. If you’re concerned about your dog’s hiccups, see a vet.
Do Rhythmic Exercise
The most common way to stop hiccups is by exercising. This will help your pet’s body to calm down and stop the spasms. Exercise can also help to increase respiration, which can help to clear the airways. When you do a tummy rub, you’re providing gentle pressure to the abdomen, and this can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for controlling the hiccups.
Don’t Let Your Frenchie Overeat
One way to help your Frenchie maintain a healthy weight is to make sure that he is not overeating. Overloading his stomach will cause him to develop digestive problems, which can lead to obesityin the long run. You can help your Frenchie by cutting his regular food into reduced portions. This way, he will not eat too much and will improve your pet’s digestion.
Don’t Feed Food Which Cause Hiccups
Grains can cause problems for dogs if they are fed in large quantities or if they are fed regularly. This is because grains are high in calories and they can cause weight gain. They can also lead to problems in a dog’s digestive system. Grains can cause problems in a dog’s digestive system because they are high in fiber. This fiber can become lodged in a dog’s intestines, leading to digestive problems, hiccups, and pains.
Use Slow Feeder Bowl
If you have a Frenchie who eats quickly and you’re struggling to get them to eat slowly, then you might want to get a slow feeder bowl. These bowls slow down the process of eating so that your dog can savor the food and get the nutrition that they need.
Slow feeder bowls are a healthy way of helping your Frenchie to eat slowly. By using this bowl your dog will start eating in his natural way. It very quickly decreases the chances of hiccups and other GIT issues.
Give Massage
Massaging your dog can help improve his breathing and chest muscles. The chest muscles are responsible for breathing, so when they’re relaxed, your dog’s breathing is better. The massage also helps to release tension, so your French bulldog can get rid of hiccups.
Conclusion
Hiccups can be annoying! And that’s why it’s important to know when and how you can treat them. But why do French bulldogs suffer from hiccups in the first place? There are many reasons behind it and helping your Frenchie in this condition will help in overcoming this issue.
