If your dog has been getting hiccups and eating grass at the same time, you’re not alone. Many dog owners observe this behavior and wonder if it’s harmless or a sign of something more serious.
We outline the potential reasons behind dog hiccups and grass eating, what these behaviors mean, and when you should be concerned.
Dog Hiccups and Eating Grass: Normal or Not?
Dog hiccups and eating grass are two behaviors that can be harmless or indicate an underlying problem.
Hiccups in dogs usually occur when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily, while grass eating is a common but puzzling canine habit that may have several explanations.
On their own, both dog hiccups and eating grass can be considered normal. However, when they occur together or persist over time, they could signal gastrointestinal upset, behavioral issues, or even early symptoms of illness. It’s important to pay attention to frequency, duration, and accompanying signs.
What Are Dog Hiccups?
Hiccups in dogs are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle, just like in humans. They are especially common in puppies but can occur in adult dogs too.
Common causes of dog hiccups include:
Eating or drinking too quickly
Excitement or stress
Swallowing air
Gastrointestinal irritation
Most of the time, dog hiccups resolve on their own within a few minutes. However, frequent or prolonged hiccups could indicate something else, such as acid reflux, respiratory issues, or ingestion of something that irritates the stomach or esophagus.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Dogs eating grass is a behavior that puzzles many pet parents. Scientifically known as “pica” (eating non-food items), this behavior has been observed in both wild and domestic dogs.
Common explanations for why dogs eat grass:
To induce vomiting and relieve stomach discomfort
To supplement dietary fiber
Out of boredom or anxiety
Because they like the taste or texture
Due to nutritional deficiencies
If your dog eats grass occasionally and is otherwise healthy, it’s generally not a concern. However, consistent grass-eating—especially followed by vomiting—could be a sign of an underlying digestive issue or discomfort.
Dog Hiccups and Eating Grass: Possible Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Upset or Indigestion
A very common reason for dog hiccups and eating grass is gastrointestinal upset.
If your dog has an irritated stomach or mild indigestion, the diaphragm might spasm, causing hiccups.
In an attempt to relieve the discomfort, dogs often eat grass.
Some dogs instinctively eat grass to make themselves vomit and get rid of whatever is upsetting their stomach.
Signs of GI upset include:
Lip licking
Salivation
Gulping
Swallowing excessively
Mild vomiting
If your dog experiences dog hiccups and eating grass frequently after meals, it could point to acid reflux or mild gastritis.
Related: Dog hiccups and licking (Explained)
2. Eating Too Fast
Dogs that gulp their food often swallow air, which can lead to hiccups.
This rapid eating may also result in mild stomach bloating or discomfort, which encourages grass eating.
This combination is particularly common in puppies or young adult dogs who eat too quickly and experience temporary digestive discomfort afterward.
To prevent this:
Use a slow-feeder bowl
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
Keep your dog calm before and after meals
3. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs, like humans, respond to stress in various ways.
Stress can cause shallow, irregular breathing patterns that lead to hiccups. Anxiety can also result in behavioral responses like eating grass.
Your dog may be using grass-eating as a self-soothing mechanism to cope with stress or boredom.
This is especially likely if you notice dog hiccups and eating grass during car rides, vet visits, or after loud noises.
Other signs of stress include:
Panting
Whining
Trembling
Restlessness
Excessive licking
Managing stress through training, exercise, and a calm environment can reduce these behaviors.
4. Dietary Imbalances or Nutritional Deficiency
A poor or unbalanced diet can be linked to both dog hiccups and eating grass.
Hiccups may result from irritated digestion caused by poor-quality food, while eating grass might be your dog’s attempt to fill in dietary gaps, especially in fiber.
Some dogs may eat grass when their current diet lacks sufficient fiber or roughage. At the same time, irritation from processed or spicy foods may lead to hiccups.
Consider switching to a high-quality, fiber-rich dog food and avoid feeding your dog table scraps.
5. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that affects both humans and dogs. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing discomfort.
A dog experiencing GERD may show signs such as:
Hiccups
Swallowing air
Licking floors
Eating grass to soothe the burning sensation
Dogs with acid reflux may benefit from smaller, low-fat meals and avoiding food right before bedtime.
If your dog often shows hiccups and eats grass after eating, consult your vet about possible GERD.
Related: Dog hiccups and vomiting (Explained)
6. Parasites or Internal Infections
Parasites such as roundworms or hookworms can cause stomach irritation, resulting in hiccups.
Dogs may also eat grass in response to the discomfort these parasites cause.
Infected dogs might also display:
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Poor coat quality
Scooting behavior
If your dog is persistently showing signs like dog hiccups and eating grass, a fecal test at the vet can help rule out parasitic infections.
7. Boredom and Habit
In some cases, both dog hiccups and eating grass are simple and benign behaviors.
Puppies and high-energy dogs often get hiccups during excitement, and grass eating may just be a way to pass the time outdoors.
If no other symptoms are present, your dog may just be engaging in normal behavior. Still, it’s important to monitor for changes and patterns.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Hiccups and Eats Grass Frequently
While occasional hiccups and grass-eating are usually harmless, repeated or persistent occurrences should not be ignored.
You should consider seeing a vet if:
Hiccups last more than 30 minutes
Grass eating results in vomiting
Your dog appears lethargic, in pain, or bloated
You suspect dietary or parasitic issues
Hiccups and grass eating occur daily or after every meal
How to Help a Dog with Hiccups and Grass-Eating Behavior
Here are some tips to help minimize hiccups and grass eating in dogs:
Feed high-quality, easily digestible food
Introduce fiber-rich snacks like pumpkin or green beans
Use puzzle feeders to slow down eating
Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated
Provide regular parasite prevention and check-ups
Avoid letting your dog eat treated or unknown grass outdoors
Monitor your dog’s symptoms and note any changes in behavior
Key Takeaway: Dog Hiccups and Eating Grass
Dog hiccups and eating grass are common behaviors that may occur separately or together.
While they’re often harmless and short-lived, persistent occurrences can point to gastrointestinal upset, stress, poor diet, or even internal parasites.
If your dog is showing hiccups frequently or eating grass obsessively, monitor for other symptoms and consult with your vet for a proper diagnosis.
With the right care, diet, and attention to your dog’s health and environment, you can minimize these behaviors and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.