If you live with a dog, you’ve probably heard his sound at least once hiccup. This involuntary phenomenon, which can become quite annoying if it lasts for a long time, does not only affect humans, but also many animals, including wolves. In this regard, an adorable video of a puppy has gone viral 8 week old wolf named Nikaiin the throes of sobbing.
The NY Wolf Conservation Center shared it a few years ago on YouTube, explaining: “Wolves can emit a variety of vocalizations. They growl, whine, whine, bark, snort, howl… Although the howl of the wolf has been a source of inspiration for films, essays, poems, etc. we think there is another sound that excites: the sob of a wolf cub!”
The images of the cub are very sweet:
The causes of hiccups
Hiccups represent a physiological response that all mammals have in common diaphragm, muscle essential for breathing that contracts involuntarily. When a spasm occurs, this causes a sudden inhalation which is abruptly interrupted by the closing of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.
The causes of hiccups can be different:
Each animal manifests hiccups in a particular way. In the horses, for example, a thump is felt in the chest area, while i cats they often have episodes of silent hiccups during play.
In dogs, however, hiccups are particularly common, especially in puppies. This happens because their organism is still developing and they are naturally more excitable than adults. Although in most cases hiccups resolve spontaneously, persistent episodes could indicate problems such as gastrointestinal or respiratory disorders. In the latter cases you should contact a veterinarian.
