my dog always sounds like he has a hairball

If your dog persistently coughs as if they have a hairball, it’s time to consider other causes for their cough. When your dog makes a hairball sound, they should expel the hairball in question shortly after. If in doubt about your pup’s health, always talk to your vet for advice. It’s important to rule out these conditions to be on the safe side! Your dog may catch kennel cough when they inhale the bacteria into their respiratory tract My Dog Sounds Like He Has a Hairball – FAQsĪre you still concerned by the fact that your dog makes a hairball sound? Feel free to check out our FAQ for more details. Other causes of coughing in dogs include:īe sure to take your pooch to the vet if they display other symptoms alongside their coughing. However, serious ongoing infections can lead to pneumonia, so it’s important to talk to your vet if your pooch shows signs of kennel cough. Most dogs with kennel cough will recover within three weeks. The cough may sound like a goose honk and is distinct from the cough-like sound from reverse sneezing. The hallmark symptom of kennel cough in dogs is a forceful and persistent cough.

See also The animals that can live forever - Curious Such factors include exposure to poorly ventilated areas like kennels, cold temperatures, exposure to dust and cigarette smoke, and travel-induced stress. The respiratory tract is usually protected by a coating of mucus, but a number of things can weaken this protective covering, making dogs more prone to kennel cough. Your dog may catch kennel cough when they inhale the bacteria into their respiratory tract. This is why you may also hear kennel cough being called Bordetella. However, the most common culprit is the bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. Just as human colds come from many different viruses, kennel cough in dogs can have multiple causes. If your dog keeps coughing and hacking away as if choking or trying to get rid of a hairball, it could also be a case of kennel cough. This may lead to more hairballs, as well as issues with skin irritation and hair loss. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise for their breed may groom themselves more out of boredom. Lastly, regular exercise is a must for any dog. Water consumption also helps to soften the stool, thereby preventing constipation. A dog who is hydrated will have healthier bowel movements and will be less likely to get hairballs after ingesting hair. Next, you can prevent hairballs by keeping your pooch well-hydrated. Check-in with your local professional dog groomer for advice about your dog’s grooming schedule if you are unsure about your breed’s grooming requirements. By brushing your dog well, you reduce the amount of hair that they will consume when they groom themselves.

The best start for this is regularly grooming your dog. However, prevention is always the best policy, and as a pet parent, you must be sure to prevent any and all illnesses in your furry friend. Most dogs will go through their lives without ever suffering from hairballs. See also What Is Your State&039s Flea-and-Tick Season? - American Kennel Club How to Address Hairballs in Dogsįortunately, dog hairballs are far less common than cat hairballs. A blockage in the GI tract can be fatal for dogs, as well as extremely painful and uncomfortable! If your dog shows these symptoms it’s vital to get to your vet as soon as possible. Not only this, but large, hardened hairballs can cause abdominal discomfort and nausea, further adding to the lack of appetite. If the hairball blocks part of the digestive system, your dog might become constipated and lose their appetite. When a dog hairball causes a blockage, however, you may find that your dog’s symptoms swing the opposite way. This may cause your dog to drink more than usual to make up for the loss of water in the body. As your dog’s body attempts to expel the hairball, they may suffer from bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. When your dog grooms themselves, they inadvertently ingest large amounts of hair Effects of Dog Hairballsĭog hairballs can cause digestive issues when they become too large. Always talk to your vet if you find anything abnormal in your search. If your dog is grooming themselves more than usual, be sure to check them over for signs of skin irritation, parasites, or unusual hair loss. If your dog is a heavy shedder or has a condition that causes excessive hair loss, they’re much more likely to struggle with hairballs when they groom themselves. Loose debris that does not pass through the gastrointestinal tract can then get stuck. As your dog licks their body, their tongue catches dust, dirt, dead skin, dead hair, and other irritants that end up in the digestive tract. When your dog grooms themselves, they inadvertently ingest large amounts of hair. See also How to Transition Your Cat to an Indoor/Outdoor Lifestyle - HSHV Causes of Hairballs

My dog always sounds like he has a hairball