There are 195 different types of breeds of dogs.Hairballs in dogs are very common. Long-haired dogs are very prone to having hairballs, specifically from licking, ingesting or chewing their skin or hair.The domestic dog, also known as a Canis familiaris, is a descendant of the grey wolf. In ancient times, the dog was the first animal that was domesticated by humans. It has a unique tail and other features that are similar to wolves. They have a common arrangement of teeth known as carnassial. These teeth have been modified over the years to accommodate the varying diet of carnivorous animals. During the Victorian era, humans selected the best candidates for breeding. As a result, many breeds were created based on the small number of founders.Domestic dogs have two coats, which are commonly found in dogs from colder climates, or single coats, which is only one coat. As with many canids, the tail is used to communicate their emotions. Some breeds of dogs are prone to various genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cancer and blindness. They can also be affected by other conditions such as pyometra and gastric dilatation-volvulus. The typical lifespan of a dog varies widely among breeds, though for most, it ranges from 10-13 years. For mixed-breed dogs, the median lifespan is about a year longer than that of purebred dogs.A dog’s litter typically consists of about six puppies. Similar to cats, dog species can also form a hairball inside their digestive tract. Long-haired dogs suffer from this problem. The type of dogs that tend to have hairballs are Bolognese, Briard, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Tibetan terrier, Komondor, and the Puli. Hairballs in dogs are more common in these breeds rather than in the short hair dog breeds, which do not face these problems as often. Actions like licking the fur or coughing can be signs of pending hairballs.If you enjoyed this article why not read about why do dogs shake off? Or is tea tree oil safe for dogs? Here at Kidadl!Hairballs in dogsYour long or short haired dog can accumulate and form hairballs if your dog ingests too much of its hair. When hairball formation happens, it can’t pass through the digestive system smoothly. This can lead to major health problems. Warning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite can occur . If a blockage or any of these symptoms occur it is crucial to seek veterinarian advice.So, yes dogs get hairballs too, like cats. Having hairballs is very common in cats due to their self-grooming habits. Similarly, if a dog is impulsively licking or chewing at their skin or fur, it leads to ingesting the hair, which can create a hairball. Long-haired dogs face these problems more often than short-haired dogs. If a blockage occurs and is serious, meaning it cannot be passed through or vomited, then severe gastrointestinal symptoms occur within the dog’s digestive systems. This is an immediate cause for concern, if this happens you should contact a vet immediately. Hairballs can be removed by different methods, but a vet may suggest prevent the hairball formation in the first place. New types of toys are introduced to distract dogs from chewing or licking their skin and hair, that might do it obsessively. This may or may not be related to health conditions, but toys can be a good intervention to entertain your dog, thus preventing the formation of hairballs.What does it sound like when a dog has a hairball?Dogs having a hairball stuck can sound like a goose honking, coughing or gagging. This sound is always heard after a loud cough.You should keep an eye on your dog especially in the winter seasons because like humans, your dog or cats skin can become dry, which can lead to obsessive behaviors where they lick and chew their itchy and dry skin. If long fur is shedding more than usual, the licking habits of your dog may increase to different parts of the body. This can cause hairball formation due to over-grooming, fleas, any kind of skin allergies from food or the environment, boredom and depression, which can eventually lead to a blockage. You can provide them with toys or experiment with different food to distract them. If your dog is obsessively licking, make sure to check for fleas, skin irritations, and food allergies and see veterinarian help, if your dog is bored, use toys or exercise to alleviate obsessive licking and chewing behaviors.What types of dogs are most likely to get hairballs?In general, long haired dogs are very likely to have this problem.For example, dogs like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, American Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Irish Setters, and many others are known to get hairballs. You can seek out information from your vet and ask about symptoms to look for when hairballs are forming. A large hairball can get hard and can easily cause abdominal discomfort to your dog.Your pets will likely tell you if something is wrong with their behavior. For example, if your pet has a hairball or any other health issues, you may here them wheezing, coughing, gagging, not being able to go to the bathroom, or acting differently form their normal self. If you notice any symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, it is important that you note where it occurred to see if there is any change in their feces, and when it occurred. A dog excretes it feces 1-3 time a day and if your dog is not excreting it feces regularly for them or in an irregular manner you should contact your vet. Additionally, loss of appetite and not eating is a sign that need immediate veterinary care, and you should contact your vet as soon as possible.Do dogs hack up hairballs?Yes, although it is not that common in canines to hack up hairballs.Dog hairballs can be caused due to many of these reasons. Similarly, cats can have hairballs for any of these reasons. If your pet is vomiting, has loss of appetite, is gagging and coughing, chewing the fur, and not going to the bathroom, these can be common symptoms of hairballs or other concerning health issues going on in your dog. Dogs may lick their hair more often, chew the coat of their fur or cough when dogs are trying to exert the hair stuck inside them. Your vet will be able to determine the best course of action if your dog is prone to hairballs. The vet may suggest feeding pumpkin with fiber, applying vaseline or petroleum jelly, and even a moisturizing shampoo that can prevent hairballs in dogs. Also, give try giving your dog some new treats or toys that can divert its mind from chewing its fur. A dog can have a hairball for many reasons. This could include a nursing mother who is shedding hair around its teats or a dog which is extremely fascinated and obsessed with self-grooming, all of which can face the situation of hairballs forming inside the stomach. Like we mentioned earlier, your dog could be chewing, biting and licking due to some skin irritation or parasites, which continuously bite the dog’s skin and suck blood causing discomfort.Preventing Hairballs In DogsThe first option should be to prevent the hairballs, obviously, there are many remedies but if we can prevent the formation of hairballs it would be an easier, cheaper and less stressful option for you and your furry friend. Some of the general tips below are tips that are suggested by vets.You should be brushing your dog’s fur on a regular basis. It can reduce hairball consumption. You should try to groom your dog once a month, depending on the type of your dog, their skin sensitivity and if you are able to. Dogs with long hair should have daily or weekly brushings in their grooming session as they are more prone to get hairballs. Dogs like Lhasa Apsos, Bearded Collies etc. There are some short hair dogs like Labradors, Beagles, and gray hounds etc., that don’t require brushing in such quantity, their grooming can be done easily by using a rubber brush or gloves. You should use a soft brush once a week to nourish the dog’s skin oils. Some of the dog breeds like Malamute, Samoyed etc., have an undercoat that specifically needs stripping by brushing. If you have ever seen these dogs they are gorgeous and big balls of fur! Grooming and brushing can help prevent the formation of hairballs in your dog.Check your dogs skin on a regular basis for fleas and ticks, and obtain flea and tick medication from your vet. If your dog’s itching increases suddenly or it starts licking or rubbing its body against the furniture or the floor. It can cause excessive consequent grooming where the hair gets inside their body when licking occurs. There are few products that are used for preventing fleas and ticks, these are topical drops, collars, monthly tablets, and shampoos, etc.You can also give your dog fish oil or fatty acids, this helps naturally to pass the hairballs from the digestive system of your dog.You can feed them pumpkin with fiber, or speak with your vet about dietary aids to prevent hairballs. Adding in potential digestive aids in their diet, can help clear the digestive tract and hairballs can naturally be excreted.Always make sure your dog has clean and fresh water at all times. This is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent hairballs. Keep your dogs well hydrated so that whatever is stuck inside their stomach or the digestive tract of the dog will hopefully be excreted.Hairball Remedies For DogsLastly, we’ll discuss remedies for dogs who are prone to hairballs in their digestive tract.Firstly, you can apply vaseline or petroleum jelly to the skin, which is a waterproof ointment, which is used to form a distinctive barrier on the dog’s dry skin. These lubricants or ointments help to trap the natural moisture of the dog’s dry skin. Vaseline is very popularly used to heal dry skin and cracked paws, and also for treating nasal hyperkeratosis. This remedy is very safe and non-toxic if the dogs ingest it. If you choose to use this, you should use the normal vaseline not the flavored one. Flavored Vaseline contains excessive chemicals like menthol, which can affect the health of your pet. If your dog has any other skin conditions, it is best to seek advice from a veterinary professional. Veterinarians have also suggested ointments like laxatone and petromalt. These help in the treatment of hairball prevention for loose hair in long haired dogs. Because dog’s taste varies and they seem to lick whatever you put on them, you can try mixing white petroleum jelly with light mineral oil, which they may reject and choose not to lick as it tastes bad.Secondly, you can add pumpkin to your dog’s food, pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can clarify the hairballs in the dog’s digestive tract. Pumpkin is found canned all year round and is rich in fiber. This eases the digestive system in many ways and can be a delicious, nutritious and interesting treat for your pet!Finally, if any of these issues persist or you notice abnormal behavior in your dog, it is best to seek the advice and treatment of a veterinary professional.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for do dogs get hairballs? 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There are 195 different types of breeds of dogs.
