Commonly associated with cats, hairballs can seem like a fairly innocuous complaint. However, left long enough, a hairball can become a serious medical ailment. One that affects both cats and dogs alike. 

Whether licking toys or their own fur, dogs can easily end up in a situation where a hairball is imminent. Dry retching and coughing ensues until the pup gets themselves sorted again. From there, regular programming resumes and your dog is back up running, playing and eating. 

For some dogs however, bringing up a hairball may not be as easy. Retching and coughing may occur for prolonged periods with no result. It’s at this point that the hairball could be causing painful damage. 

While this happens in severe cases, it highlights the importance of understanding this condition. Armed with the information behind why hairballs occur, what the symptoms look like and how to help, owners are better equipped to look after their dogs. All of which helps to ensure a level of peace and calm amongst human and animal members of the family alike. 

What is a hairball

Known medically as trichobezoar, hairballs can occur in both cats and dogs, no matter their breed or age. While known as a ball, when expelled a hairball will take the form of an elongated and cylindrical substance. 

Originating in the digestive tract for a variety of reasons from self grooming to toy destruction, the clumps of hair follicles settle in the dog’s intestines. As these follicles cannot move through the gut to pass through stool, they remain in the intestines. 

Over time, these follicles will merge to form one solid mass. This will often result in a partial or complete blockage of the intestines. When this happens, dogs will naturally try to help themselves by retching to stimulate vomiting. 

If this doesn’t work, the hairball will continue to grow in size, causing a range of different problems from diarrhoea to constipation. On the more severe end of the scale, the hairball might result in a complete obstruction in the gut requiring medical attention. 

The causes

When it comes to the causes of hairballs, there are a lot of reasons for owners to look out for. The major one is licking. However, it’s important to note that dogs may lick for a variety of different reasons.

In some instances, dogs could be excessively overgrooming because they are suffering from depression, anxiety or boredom. They may also be licking because of food allergies, fleas or dermatitis. 

If a dog is suffering from dry, itchy or even irritated skin, they will attempt to self soothe by licking. However, this can lead to excessive licking, in most cases hair loss and ultimately, hairballs. 

Another cause of hairballs is poor nutrition. It is normal for dogs to lick every now and again. Normally, the digestive tract will be able to process this with ease. When dogs do not have enough nutrients to strengthen fur, hair is more easily lost. 

When hair is more easily lost, the dog’s digestive tract is being forced to cope with an excessive amount of fur. More often than not, this will result in hairballs of varying degrees of severity. 

It is also common for nursing puppies to experience hairballs. This is because they may be ingesting their mother’s hair during feeding time. Additionally, animals that like to destroy and eat toy fragments and prey will also suffer from hairballs. 

Symptoms of a hairball 

When a dog is dealing with a hairball they will often exhibit common symptoms. The first of which is gagging and coughing. This is because the stomach will attempt to rid any blockages. As such, some gagging and coughing is normal.

However, if these activities become excessive and are accompanied by nasal discharge, lethargy or heavy panting and drooling, your pet is showing signs of extreme stress and needs help. 

It’s also important to note that other conditions such as kennel cough and heart disease can cause excessive coughing and gagging. With this in mind, never assume that your pet simply has a hairball. 

A loss of appetite can also signal that your dog is dealing with a hairball. While a temporary loss of appetite isn’t an immediate cause for concern, prolonged periods of not eating is worrisome. 

Another sign to look for is constipation. A healthy dog will need to use their bowels anywhere between one and five times a day. When your dog is trying to go to the toilet but is unable to pass anything, a hairball could be causing an obstruction. 

Diagnosing a hairball

When it comes to diagnosing a hairball, a vet will move through a variety of different exercises. The first port of call will be to examine the abdomen for any evidence of intestinal problems such as an obstruction. 

From there, ultrasound or contrast study techniques may need to be employed to determine the location or the severity of the obstruction caused by the hairball. At this point, it’s good to be informed. As such, the average cost of treating a dog is around $400. 

Treatment options

In terms of managing a hairball, there are a range of different treatment options to consider. However, it’s important to note that the more serious the blockage is, the more serious treatment will be.

As such, a complete intestinal obstruction will require surgery. However, minimal to partial obstruction can be resolved with a few different techniques. For one, laxatives. This medication will soften stool, helping it pass more easily through the dog’s stomach. 

Laxatives are also used in conjunction with diet changes. These changes encompass feeding dogs fish oil, olive oil or canned pumpkin. These foods and oils work together to lubricate the gut and the hairball, making it easier to pass. 

In some cases, it may even be advised to aid the vomiting process. This can be done by encouraging your pooch to nibble on some grass. This is because grass actually works to irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. This is why dogs nibble grass when feeling unwell. 

Taking hairballs seriously 

Often seen as a hurdle for cats to climb, it’s important that pet owners realise that dogs too can suffer from hairballs. While, in most cases, dogs can self soothe and problem-solve, there are times when owner intervention is needed.

By being aware of how hairballs start and the dramatic turn they may take, owners are better placed to help their dogs. Employing both prevention and treatment steps will ensure that your dog is properly looked after in both the good and bad times.