If your dog is hiccuping and licking the floor, you might be wondering whether this behavior is normal or a sign of something more serious.
We outline the potential causes of dog hiccups and licking the floor, what these behaviors might indicate, and when it’s time to seek veterinary help.
Dog Hiccups and Licking Floor
Dog hiccups are a result of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, much like hiccups in humans. They are generally harmless and often occur in puppies or young dogs due to their developing bodies.
However, if hiccups persist or are accompanied by other strange behaviors—such as licking the floor—they may indicate a more concerning underlying issue.
Licking the floor in dogs, on the other hand, can be a behavioral issue, a sign of anxiety, or even a symptom of nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or neurological problems.
While occasional floor licking may be benign, when it’s paired with frequent hiccups, it could signal something more serious.
Here’s Why Dog Hiccups and Licking Lips Happens
Dog hiccups and floor licking—might seem unrelated, but they often occur together because they can be symptoms of the same underlying problems such as nausea, digestive irritation, or stress.
Common reasons for dog hiccups and licking the floor
1. Gastrointestinal upset
One of the most common causes of both dog hiccups and licking the floor is gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.
Dogs experiencing nausea or an upset stomach may start licking the floor compulsively as a way to soothe their discomfort.
At the same time, hiccups can occur when the stomach is irritated or bloated, affecting the diaphragm.
Why this happens: When your dog eats too quickly or ingests something that doesn’t agree with their stomach, the resulting gas or inflammation can trigger diaphragm spasms (hiccups) and nausea, which prompts floor licking.
What to look for:
Burping
Lip licking
Excessive swallowing
Drooling
Vomiting or diarrhea
Restlessness
If your dog continues hiccuping and licking the floor for more than a few hours, it’s a good idea to monitor their eating habits and consult your vet if symptoms persist.
2. Eating too fast
Dogs that eat or drink too quickly may hiccup due to gulping air along with their food.
This can lead to minor spasms in the diaphragm. Afterward, they may start licking the floor as a self-soothing behavior, especially if they feel bloated or gassy.
What you can do:
Use a slow feeder bowl
Feed smaller meals more frequently
Discourage vigorous activity right after eating
If your dog’s hiccups and floor licking seem to follow meals, it may be worth reviewing their feeding routine.
Related: Dog hiccups nd vomiting (Explained)
3. Nausea or acid reflux
Nausea and acid reflux are top causes of dog licking floor and hiccuping at the same time.
Dogs experiencing acid reflux may feel an uncomfortable burning in the esophagus, which leads to both licking behavior (as a coping mechanism) and hiccups (from the irritated diaphragm).
Additional symptoms:
Gurgling stomach sounds
Reluctance to eat
Lip smacking
Vomiting foam or bile
Pawing at the mouth
What to do: If your dog frequently exhibits these symptoms, especially after meals, they may have a digestive condition like gastritis or reflux. A vet may recommend dietary changes or medications.
4. Stress and anxiety
Just like people, dogs can exhibit stress-induced behaviors. Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as hiccups—due to shallow breathing or muscle tension—and licking the floor, which is a common calming behavior in stressed dogs.
Signs of anxiety in dogs:
Pacing
Trembling
Excessive panting
Whining
Avoidance behavior
Stress triggers may include:
Separation anxiety
Loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms)
New environments or changes in routine
Introduction of new pets or people
If your dog’s hiccups and licking the floor seem to follow a stressful event, consider calming techniques or speak with your vet about anxiety management options.
5. Foreign body ingestion
If your dog ingests something they shouldn’t—like small toys, pieces of fabric, or spoiled food—they may experience discomfort in their GI tract, causing them to hiccup and lick the floor obsessively.
Dogs sometimes lick the floor as an attempt to relieve nausea or stimulate vomiting.
Warning signs:
Retching
Constipation or straining
Abdominal bloating
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
In such cases, it’s critical to get veterinary attention immediately, as a foreign object can lead to dangerous blockages.
Related: Dog hiccups and licking (Explained)
6. Neurological issues
In rare cases, excessive floor licking and hiccup-like spasms may be signs of a neurological issue or seizure activity.
While uncommon, conditions like focal seizures or other neurological disorders may cause unusual behaviors including rhythmic movements (like hiccups) and compulsive licking.
Symptoms to monitor:
Twitching or muscle tremors
Staring spells
Uncoordinated movements
Sudden changes in behavior
If these symptoms appear alongside hiccups and floor licking, schedule a neurological examination for your dog.
7. Parasites
Internal parasites like roundworms or hookworms can irritate a dog’s stomach and intestines, causing hiccups and licking of the floor due to nausea and discomfort.
Puppies are especially susceptible to parasites and often display a combination of gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms.
Other symptoms of parasite infection:
Pot-bellied appearance
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss
Dull coat
Routine deworming and regular vet checkups can help prevent and treat parasite-related issues.
8. Nutritional deficiencies or pica
Dogs that have pica, a condition where they compulsively eat non-food items, may lick the floor or other inedible surfaces frequently.
Nutritional deficiencies or mineral imbalances can also trigger similar behaviors. This can irritate the GI tract, leading to hiccups as a secondary symptom.
Causes:
Poor diet
Underlying metabolic issues
Boredom or behavioral issues
Your vet may suggest bloodwork and dietary adjustments to address the root cause.
What to do when your dog has hiccups and licks the floor
While occasional hiccups or floor licking can be harmless, repeated episodes of dog hiccups and licking the floor should not be ignored. Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor for patterns
Pay attention to when the symptoms occur (after eating, during stress, etc.) and how long they last. Keep track of frequency and intensity.
2. Review their diet
Evaluate whether your dog’s food could be causing digestive upset. Switching to a high-quality, easily digestible dog food might help reduce hiccups and licking behavior.
3. Reduce stress
Create a calm environment, especially during loud events or transitions. Use anxiety aids like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or anxiety wraps if needed.
4. Rule out medical causes
Schedule a veterinary exam if your dog’s hiccups and licking floor behavior persists for more than 24 hours, or if they exhibit additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
5. Keep unsafe objects out of reach
Prevent access to toxic substances, human medications, and small objects that could be swallowed.
When to see a vet for dog hiccups and licking the floor
Seek veterinary care if your dog is:
Hiccuping frequently for over a day
Obsessively licking the floor or other surfaces
Showing signs of nausea, vomiting, or lethargy
Eating less or refusing food
Exhibiting signs of distress or discomfort
A veterinarian can help determine whether your dog’s symptoms are caused by a minor issue or something that requires medical intervention.
Key takeaway
Dog hiccups and licking the floor are behaviors that may appear harmless but can point to a variety of underlying causes—from gastrointestinal upset and stress to more serious medical issues. Occasional occurrences are usually not a cause for concern, but persistent or intense episodes should be evaluated by a vet.
By identifying the root cause, making dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can help your dog feel better and avoid potential complications.