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Should I worry about my puppy's frequent hiccups and sleep twitching?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 23 days old | 14.5 lbs

I have 13 week old american bull dog puppy she is eating playing. She has hiccups frequently is this something to be concerned about.? Also once she is completely asleep she twintches and makes noises which shes sleeping

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2019

No need to worry! Hiccups are common in puppies. The twitching and making noises is normal too. Puppies and dogs dream, so these movements and sounds can be in response to dreams they are having. I have a dog who barks in her sleep sometimes, and her legs move. I like to think she is chasing something :-)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on July 6th, 2018
What you are describing may very well be hiccups. Hiccups are very common in puppies and tend to become less frequent as they mature. If what you are noticing is a sharp inhalation (like you would see with a hiccup) that does not seem to bother Bently at all, then I would suspect that you are seeing hiccups. If there is any other abnormal movement or twitching or Bently does not seem to be able to be woken up during these episodes, then I would be worried that his blood sugar is getting too low. I am attaching a handout with more information about that below.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952329
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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