Dog Hairballs: Symptoms, Causes & How to Help Your Dog
Many dog owners are familiar with hairballs in cats, but certain dogs can also develop hairballs, particularly breeds with long, dense, or thick coats that shed heavily. While practically unheard of in shorthaired dogs like the Staffordshire bull terrier, dogs with coats such as the German Shepherd, Siberian husky, and Golden retriever may be more prone to ingesting loose fur that can accumulate within their stomachs.
How Do Dogs Develop Hairballs?
Dogs groom themselves by licking, and in doing so, swallow loose hair that cannot be digested. This hair can tangle together with food particles, forming mats or hairballs inside the stomach. Unlike cats that typically cough up hairballs, some hairballs in dogs may grow large and irregularly shaped, making it difficult or impossible to pass through the intestines.
When hairballs cannot be expelled naturally, dogs might cough or vomit to bring them up. However, if this fails, hairballs can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, leading to serious health risks requiring urgent veterinary care.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Hairballs?
While any dog can technically develop hairballs, the risk is greater in breeds with long, thick, or double-layered coats that shed heavily. Regular self-grooming or obsessive licking also increases the likelihood of hairballs, even in shorter-haired dogs that groom companion pets. Recognising risk factors in your dog’s breed and behaviour is an important step in prevention.
Symptoms of Hairballs in Dogs
- Coughing or hacking: Dogs may cough as if trying to expel something stuck in their throat or stomach.
- Retching or gagging: Often a sign of attempting to bring up a hairball.
- Vomiting: Sometimes dogs vomit up hairballs or show signs of gastrointestinal irritation.
- Loss of appetite or lethargy: Especially if a hairball causes a blockage.
- Visible hair in stools: Showing hair is passing through the digestive system.
- Abdominal distress: A hard, distended stomach or absence of digestive sounds suggests a serious blockage requiring immediate veterinary attention.
How Can You Help Prevent Hairballs?
- Regular Grooming: Brush your dog frequently, especially during moulting seasons, to remove loose hair and reduce ingestion.
- Address Excessive Grooming: Monitor dogs that obsessively lick themselves or other pets and consult a vet if behaviour seems excessive or linked to skin issues.
- Provide a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet supports healthy skin and reduces shedding. Specific nutrients, like omega fatty acids, promote coat health.
- Enrich Your Dog’s Environment: Give adequate exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom and stress-related licking.
- Consult Your Vet: If hairballs occur repeatedly or symptoms worsen, a vet may recommend treatments like supplements or check for underlying health issues.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If your dog shows persistent retching, vomiting, loss of appetite, or signs of abdominal pain, immediate veterinary assessment is vital. Large hairball blockages can cause severe distress and need prompt treatment to avoid complications.
In conclusion, hairballs in dogs, while less common than in cats, are an important health consideration especially for certain breeds. Responsible grooming, attentive care, and timely veterinary consultation will help keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy.
