You’re just settling into your evening. Maybe it’s after dinner, your dog is curled up on the rug, and all’s well. Then you hear that familiar hacking sound.
Uh-oh. You glance over, and sure enough, your dog is heaving like they just swallowed a sock. Out comes something that looks like a soggy, furry mess.
A hairball. From a dog.
You probably blinked twice the first time it happened. Aren’t hairballs a cat thing? What’s your dog doing coughing one up like they’re auditioning for a feline drama?
Let’s talk about it, because while it’s not super common, it’s also not as weird as it sounds.
So… Do Dogs Actually Get Hairballs?
Yep, they can. Not in the same way cats do, but it happens. Dogs groom themselves with their tongues, just not obsessively like cats.
But for long-haired breeds or heavy shedders, think Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or even German Shepherds, it’s possible for hair to build up in their digestive system if they’re constantly licking themselves.
Sometimes, all that swallowed fur doesn’t quite make its way out the normal route. Instead, it piles up, irritates the stomach, and gets chucked back up in a neat little tube of fur. Gross? For sure. Uncommon? Sort of. Alarming? Depends.
Hairball or Something Else?
Hairballs in dogs aren’t typically routine. Unlike cats, dogs don’t usually throw them up often. So when they do, it’s worth paying attention.
If it’s a one-time thing and your pup seems totally fine afterward, eating, playing, wagging, that might just be their body doing some spring cleaning.
But if it’s happening more than once a month, or your dog looks uncomfortable, you’ll want to dig a bit deeper.
Maybe it’s not just a grooming habit. Maybe there’s itchy skin involved, allergies, or some boredom-fueled overgrooming going on.
Ever see a dog start licking like they’re trying to clean through to their bones? That might be what’s leading to all that swallowed fur.
What Causes Hairballs in Dogs Anyway?
Let’s list the usual suspects:
- Overgrooming. Some dogs lick themselves more than necessary. Stress, anxiety, or even just a quirky habit can lead to lots of swallowed hair.
- Allergies or skin irritation. Dogs with dry, itchy skin or allergies might lick constantly to soothe themselves. More licking equals more fur gulped down.
- Heavy shedding. When your dog is blowing their coat, hello, spring and autumn, it’s almost impossible for them not to ingest some of that loose hair.
- Lack of grooming. If you’re not brushing your dog regularly, especially long-haired breeds, they might take matters into their own paws.
Preventing Hairballs (As Best You Can)
The good news? There are a bunch of simple ways to help keep hairballs from turning into a regular feature in your home.
- Brush your dog. Often. This one’s easy. A good brushing session a few times a week helps pull out that loose fur before your dog does. Bonus: less fur on your couch too.
- Use deshedding tools like grooming gloves or undercoat rakes, especially during those big seasonal sheds.
- Add Omega-3s or skin-healthy supplements (ask your vet first). These can help keep skin healthy and reduce itching or licking.
- Toss in a puzzle toy or lick mat if your dog’s grooming habits seem boredom-related. Distract them with something fun, tasty, and less hairy.
- Check their food. Some dogs do better on diets made to support skin and coat health. It might be worth exploring if licking is a constant theme.
When You Should Worry
Hairballs are gross, but sometimes they’re also a sign that something’s off.
If your dog is throwing up regularly, even if it’s just hair, it’s time to chat with your vet. Other signs to look for:
- Lethargy or low energy
- Not eating like normal
- Dry heaving without anything coming up
- Diarrhea or constipation
- A distended or tight belly
These might be signs of a blockage or a more serious digestive issue. Better to be safe and check in.
Other Stuff That Looks Like a Hairball
Sometimes what looks like a hairball isn’t one. Dogs are notorious for swallowing things they shouldn’t. String, stuffing, plastic bits from a chewed toy, it can all end up being vomited up in a mystery lump.
If you’re ever unsure what your dog threw up, keep it (yeah, really) and take a photo for your vet. Better weird than sorry.
Final Thoughts
Dogs throwing up hairballs isn’t something that happens to every pup, but when it does, it’s definitely a head-tilt moment.
Most of the time, it’s not cause for panic. Just a nudge to start brushing a bit more often or check for any skin trouble.
But trust your gut. If something feels off or it’s happening often, let your vet take a look. Better a quick visit now than a big problem later.
And hey, if nothing else, at least you now know dogs can get hairballs. The more you know, right?
So next time your dog makes that gagging sound from the hallway, will you be ready?