A new experience is either exciting, terrifying, or both. When you are a first-timer at something, the lack of familiarity and knowledge can trigger fear and anxiety. Fortunately, constant practice and repetition can help build a particular understanding of a specific experience.
It is no surprise that canines feel the same way when encountering something unfamiliar to them, such as their first visit to the vet or encounter with another dog. Here is the story of a puppy who had a funny reaction to a first-time experience.
Buck, an eight-week-old Heeler, had his first hiccups and didn’t know how to deal with them. It all happened while he was inside his family’s car. The first hiccup startled him, not knowing what caused it. Another hiccup came, and Buck grew increasingly anxious and annoyed.
The hiccups continued for a while until it came to the point when Buck couldn’t take it anymore. Still not knowing where the hiccups came from, he tried to fight it off by barking and growling at the invisible ‘enemy’ while looking at his dad, Matthew Kennelly, who was taking his video, for assurance.
Kennelly uploaded the footage on Facebook. Soon after, it went viral and circulated across social media platforms. People commented and thought that Buck’s confused and angry reaction was funny and adorable at the same time.
But what are hiccups, exactly? These are short but sharp intakes of breath caused by repetitive contractions of the diaphragm, a muscle located under the lungs. Like in humans, hiccups can be uncomfortable and startling to dogs but are usually harmless.
There are different factors why dogs get hiccups. One is through eating and drinking too fast. Another factor could be fatigue or the cold. Perhaps Buck was tired from all the playing and felt exhausted when he had them.
Getting hiccups is just one of the many things Buck has to discover. He still has yet to experience many things as he grows up. But with his family by his side, he need not worry about unfamiliar experiences because he has someone to guide and assure him as he navigates through life!
Watch Buck’s adorable reaction by watching the video below:
Source: ABC News via YouTube and Matthew W. Kennelly via Facebook