PET CARE
If you thought cats were the only pets that got hairballs, think again! It turns out our dogs can get hairballs as well. Unfortunately, a dog hairball can be potentially dangerous, just like a cat hairball. But why do dogs get hairballs, and how can dog owners prevent them?
For pretty much the same reason that cats get hairballs.
Cats get hairballs from grooming themselves. Most cats lick their fur to clean, and this incessant licking often leads to hair being swallowed. Sometimes the hair will form into a ball and the cat will throw it back up. Long-haired cats are especially prone to hairballs.
The dog hairball formation process works the same way — if too much fur is swallowed, it can form into a ball and get stuck in the digestive system.3
For the dogs who do occasionally groom themselves, hairball formation can be dangerous. If the hairball is too big to throw up. In extreme cases, surgery might be needed. Hairballs can also lead to dehydration, as they make your dog unable to properly absorb fluids.
Keep an eye on your dog for hairball warning signs (especially during the winter, when your dog’s skin is dry).
Some indications that your dog may have a hairball can include:
An intestinal blockage due to a hairball might present with:3
You might also notice your dog gagging, but nothing coming up. At that point, talk to your veterinarian about what to do next.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent hairball formation in your pup:
If your dog does end up with an obstruction caused by a hairball, it will need to be removed. There are several ways a veterinarian might want to go about this. Surgery is the most common treatment, but your vet may instead opt for an endoscopy.3 Once the hairball is removed and your dog has recovered, the vet will likely prescribe a special diet and supplements. These procedures can quickly add up, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared. One way to do that is by taking out a dog insurance policy.
A pet insurance policy from MetLife Pet Insurance1 may be able to help cover the costs of treatment related to chronic hairballs.2 In general, dog insurance policies will not cover any conditions, injuries, or illnesses deemed pre-existing, but they may be able to help cover approved expenses. As a pet parent, we know your pets are family. That’s why we work to provide you with the best coverage possible. Learn more about how pet insurance works.
We Can Help You Protect Your Pup
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.
3 ”Trichobezoars (Hairballs) in Dogs,” VCA Animal Hospital
4 ”6 Remedies for Hairballs,” Fetch by WebMD