Hairballs in dogs

Hairballs in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Reviewed by Dr. Deborah Brown
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

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Hairballs in dogs

Hairballs in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Reviewed by Dr. Deborah Brown
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Hairballs can be a problem in dogs, although less frequent than in cats. They happen if dogs swallow too much hair. Hairballs can cause obstructions in the intestine if left untreated. But mild cases are resolved with common laxative pastes.

Hairballs or trichobezoars result from overgrooming. Symptoms include gagging, retching and vomiting. Mild cases resolve easily with laxatives. Hairballs can also cause obstructions in the intestine and may need surgery to be removed.

Causes of hairballs in dogs >Causes of hairballs in dogs [Overview

Symptoms of hairballs in dogs >Symptoms of hairballs in dogs [Symptoms

Dogs at higher risk of having problems with hairballs >Dogs at higher risk of having problems with hairballs [Risk

Diagnosing hairballs in dogs >Diagnosing hairballs in dogs [Diagnosis

Vet treatment for hairballs in dogs >Vet treatment for hairballs in dogs [Vet treatment

How to treat hairballs in dogs at home >How to treat hairballs in dogs at home [Home treatment

How to prevent hairballs in dogs >How to prevent hairballs in dogs [Prevention

When you should be worried about your dog and hairballs >When you should be worried about your dog and hairballs [When to worry

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