Trichobezoar is a medical term used to describe a hairball. The word “trich” means hair, while a bezoar is any foreign material that obstructs the stomach or intestines. Therefore, a trichobezoar is a gastrointestinal obstruction caused by hair.
While hairballs are typically attributed to cats, they can also cause problems in dogs. Any dog or cat that grooms themselves, or eats the hair of others, is at risk of developing a trichobezoar.
Dogs can ingest hair when they groom themselves or when they eat hair they find in their environment. This hair cannot be digested due to the presence of keratin (a fibrous, structural protein), so it usually passes through the intestines and leaves the body in the feces.
However, in some situations, hair may become tangled on itself or another object in the stomach or intestines. This tangled mass of hair may become too large to pass in the feces, resulting in a hairball, or trichobezoar.
Once a hairball forms, there are two possible outcomes. Many dogs simply vomit up the hairball, leaving you to discover it on your floor, and continue with their normal lives. In some cases, however, this hairball may become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to an obstruction.
Trichobezoars can occur in any dog, but they are more common in dogs with skin conditions. These dogs tend to lick their skin more often and ingest larger amounts of hair. Over-grooming and ingestion of hair may also be caused by underlying stress or pain.
Hairballs might seem like a cat-only problem, but guess what? Our canine friends can suffer from these uncomfortable fur clumps too! As a dog owner, I’ve had my fair share of panic moments when my furry buddy started gagging and coughing like something was stuck. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced something similar or want to be prepared.
In this guide, I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about hairballs in dogs – from recognizing the symptoms to prevention and treatment options. Let’s dive in and help your pup stay hairball-free!
What Are Hairballs in Dogs?
Hairballs (also called trichobezoars or furballs by vets) are small collections of fur that form in your dog’s stomach when they ingest hair. Unlike cats who are known for their meticulous self-grooming, dogs typically don’t groom themselves as extensively. However, under certain conditions, they might ingest enough hair to form these troublesome clumps.
When a dog swallows hair, it should normally pass through their digestive system and come out in their poop. But sometimes, the hair accumulates in the stomach, forming a hairball that can cause discomfort and various health issues.
Common Causes of Hairballs in Dogs
Dogs can develop hairballs for several reasons:
- Excessive grooming due to skin irritation, allergies, or parasites
- Itchy skin conditions that prompt chewing and licking
- Fleas or ticks causing irritation
- Stress or anxiety leading to compulsive grooming
- Pain in their tummy or joints causing them to lick affected areas
- Gastrointestinal problems that slow down or prevent hair passage
- Eating prey animals whole (like rabbits)
- Puppies ingesting mom’s hair while nursing
Symptoms of Hairballs in Dogs
How do you know if your dog has a hairball problem? Look out for these signs:
Physical Symptoms
- Gagging and retching – Your dog may make hacking sounds like something is stuck
- Dry coughing that sounds like they have something in their throat
- Vomiting – They might bring up the hairball along with liquid or undigested food
- Loss of appetite – They may eat less than usual or refuse food completely
- Constipation or diarrhea – Digestive issues can occur if hairballs are causing blockages
Behavioral Signs
- Excessive licking – This is often how the problem starts
- Lethargy – Your dog might seem unusually tired
- Signs of discomfort – Such as restlessness or difficulty finding a comfortable position
If your dog is showing multiple symptoms especially vomiting, lack of appetite or signs of pain, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as hairballs can sometimes cause serious blockages.
How to Get Rid of Hairballs in Dogs: Home Remedies
The good news is that many cases of hairballs can be managed at home. Here are some effective remedies
1. Petroleum Jelly-Based Products
Products like Laxatone or PetroMalt contain petroleum jelly, which helps lubricate your dog’s digestive tract and ease the passage of hairballs.
How to use:
- Give about half a tablespoon 2-3 times per week
- You can place a small amount on your dog’s nose or paws to encourage them to lick it off
- Some dogs will eat it directly from a spoon
2. Canned Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a natural remedy rich in fiber that can help move hairballs through the digestive system.
How to use:
- Add 1-4 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) to your dog’s food
- Start with small amounts to avoid giving too much fiber
- Make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices, salt, or sugar
3. Plenty of Water
Water is essential for preventing hairballs from hardening and causing blockages.
How to encourage water intake:
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Consider a pet fountain if your dog prefers running water
- Add a bit of low-sodium chicken broth to water to encourage drinking
4. Laxatives (with Veterinary Guidance)
Laxatives can help move hairballs through the digestive tract, but should ONLY be used under veterinary direction.
Warning: Never give human laxatives to your dog without consulting your vet first, as they can cause painful cramping and uncomfortable diarrhea.
When to See a Vet for Dog Hairballs
While many hairball cases can be managed at home, some situations require professional veterinary care:
- Your dog is continuously vomiting
- They have stopped eating for more than 24-48 hours
- Your dog appears bloated or in pain
- They are lethargic or unusually tired
- You notice straining to defecate with little or no result
- Your dog has persistent coughing or gagging without producing a hairball
In severe cases where a hairball causes a blockage in the digestive tract, surgery may be necessary. This is why prevention is so important!
Preventing Hairballs in Dogs: Best Practices
As with many health issues, prevention is better than cure. Here are effective ways to prevent hairballs from forming:
1. Regular Grooming
Brushing your dog regularly removes loose hair before they can ingest it.
Grooming frequency by coat type:
- Long-haired breeds (Bearded Collies, Yorkies, etc.): Daily to weekly brushing
- Short-haired breeds (Labs, Greyhounds): Once a week
- Double-coated breeds (Pomeranians, Samoyeds): Special attention to undercoat
2. Flea and Tick Prevention
Parasites cause itching that leads to excessive grooming and hair ingestion.
Effective options include:
- Topical treatments like Frontline Plus
- Flea collars like Seresto
- Oral medications like Capstar
- Regular use of flea combs and shampoos
3. Skin Care
Keeping your dog’s skin healthy prevents itchiness and reduces over-grooming.
Tips for healthy skin:
- Bathe with gentle, balanced shampoos (but don’t over-bathe!)
- Consider a humidifier in dry climates
- Talk to your vet about supplements for skin health like omega fatty acids
4. Coat Trimming
For long-haired dogs, occasional trimming can prevent matting and reduce the risk of hairball formation.
5. Mental Stimulation
Boredom can lead to excessive grooming, so keep your dog mentally engaged.
Ways to prevent boredom:
- Daily walks and exercise
- Rotate toys to maintain interest
- Interactive play sessions
- Puzzle toys and mental challenges
Specialized Foods for Hairball Prevention
Some dog foods are specifically designed to help with hairball control. These typically contain:
- Higher fiber content to move hair through the digestive tract
- Ingredients that support skin and coat health
- Balanced nutrition to reduce excessive shedding
Talk to your vet about whether a specialized diet might be beneficial for your dog, especially if they’re prone to hairballs.
FAQs About Hairballs in Dogs
How common are hairballs in dogs?
Hairballs are less common in dogs than in cats, but they do occur, especially in dogs who groom excessively or have certain health conditions.
What does a dog hairball look like?
Despite the name “hairball,” they’re usually cylindrical rather than round. They’re composed of tightly packed wads of hair and may contain other undigested material. The color depends on your dog’s fur color.
Can hairballs be dangerous for dogs?
Yes, in severe cases, hairballs can cause intestinal blockages which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Do certain dog breeds get hairballs more often?
Long-haired breeds or those that shed excessively are more prone to hairballs. Dogs with skin allergies or conditions that cause itchiness are also at higher risk.
How can I tell if my dog has a hairball versus another health issue?
It can be difficult to distinguish hairballs from other health problems without veterinary help. If you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms, it’s best to consult with your vet for proper diagnosis.
My Experience with Dog Hairballs
I remember when my Golden Retriever, Max, started coughing and gagging repeatedly one morning. As a first-time dog owner, I was super worried! After a vet visit, we discovered he had developed a hairball during shedding season.
The vet recommended regular brushing and a bit of canned pumpkin in his food. I was amazed at how well the simple solution worked! Now I make sure to brush him thoroughly twice a week, and we haven’t had a hairball issue since.
Conclusion
Hairballs in dogs might not be as common as in cats, but they can cause significant discomfort and health issues when they do occur. With regular grooming, proper skin care, and some preventative measures, you can usually keep your furry friend hairball-free.
Remember that while many hairball cases can be managed at home, persistent symptoms warrant a visit to the vet. Your dog’s health and comfort are worth the extra attention!
Do you have any experience dealing with hairballs in your dog? What worked best for you? Feel free to share your stories and tips with other pet parents who might be facing similar challenges.
How are trichobezoars diagnosed?
If your dog is vomiting hairballs, the diagnosis is straightforward. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics to search for underlying causes of your dog’s hairballs, such as a thorough skin examination, blood tests, and possible gastrointestinal testing.
If there is an obstruction caused by a trichobezoar, further testing will be needed. Your veterinarian will begin with a thorough physical examination, assessing your dog’s overall health while also palpating (feeling) the abdomen for any evidence of intestinal disease or obstruction.
Next, your veterinarian will likely recommend imaging, to look for evidence of an obstruction. In most cases, radiographs (X-rays) are the first step in assessing for the presence of an obstruction. Depending on the appearance of your dog’s X-rays, your veterinarian may recommend other imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a contrast study (which examines the flow of a radiopaque material through the intestines).
Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests, to assess your dog’s organ function and overall health.
What are the signs of a trichobezoar?
In many cases, the only sign that your pet has a trichobezoar is a vomited hairball. A dog’s trichobezoar typically has the same cylindrical shape that you may associate with a cat hairball, due to forces that compress the mass of hair as it travels up the esophagus. However, trichobezoars that cause an obstruction are not as easily identified.
If a trichobezoar is causing an obstruction, you may not see hair in your pet’s vomit. Signs of an obstruction my include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lack of bowel movements. If your dog cannot keep down food or water, veterinary treatment is needed.