{"id":11490,"date":"2022-09-19T14:01:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T13:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11490"},"modified":"2023-02-10T16:07:04","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:07:04","slug":"my-dog-sounds-like-he-has-a-hairball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/my-dog-sounds-like-he-has-a-hairball\/","title":{"rendered":"My Dog Sounds Like He Has a Hairball? Here\u2019s How to Help It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">my dog sounds like he has a hairball<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stuck down his throat\u2014what can I do to help him?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hairballs are common with dogs, especially those who groom themselves frequently. This blog post will discuss what hairballs are, their symptoms, and how you can help your dog get rid of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='my-dog-sounds-like-it-has-something-stuck-in-its-throat%e2%80%94why-does-this-happen'><strong>My Dog Sounds Like It Has Something Stuck in Its Throat\u2014Why Does This Happen<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216;s<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> coughing and gagging<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptom<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of many issues, including having a hairball or common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viruses<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bacteria<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Like any other animal, puppies cough to remove something disturbing their throat. Usually, it goes away quickly, but permanent cough cases do exist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturally, a pet owner will become worried when noticing their dog making hacking sounds and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">retching<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re dealing with a similar situation, we\u2019re here to show you a few reasons why this might have occurred:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hairball<\/b><b>\u2014<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When grooming, puppies can\u2019t digest the fur they are eating, leading to coughing, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">retching<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, vomiting, lack of appetite, and gastrointestinal distress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kennel cough<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014This highly contagious <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">respiratory infection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> inflames the puppy\u2019s throat and causes excruciating pain. You can treat it with antibiotics and cough suppressants or search for effective <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies for kennel cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as cinnamon, honey, and coconut oil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic bronchitis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014If your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dry cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it might suffer from chronic bronchitis. Pups with this disease experience severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">windpipe<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and airway <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that produces mucus and narrows the passageways in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">respiratory tract<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Collapsing trachea<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014A chronic cough or honking sound could signify a collapsing trachea. This condition is common in small dogs and can be caused by many things, including obesity, activity, and heat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cancer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Depending on the severity of the disease, coughing can go from mild to extreme. Sadly, lung cancer is not easily treatable and will likely show a bad prognosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heart issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014If your pup coughs when resting, lying down, or sleeping, it can signify a deteriorating health due to heart disease. Other symptoms to watch out for include a blue-tinged tongue, decreased appetite, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lethargy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, weakness, poorer endurance, fast or depressed pulse, and trouble breathing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reverse sneezing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Small dogs happen to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-to-stop-reverse-sneezing-in-dogs\/?swcfpc=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reverse sneeze<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by inhaling air quickly and loudly through the nose. This can cause cough-like sounds, generally because of excitement, postnasal discharge, or a collar that\u2019s too tight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Parasite infection in the intestine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014If the larvae parasites shift to the lungs and air sacs, your dog will experience constant gagging and likely have worms in their feces or vomit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pneumonia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Untreated bacterial diseases can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms like fatigue, difficulties with eating or breathing, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fever<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and excessive panting tell you it\u2019s time to visit the vet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Allergies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Allergic pups sneeze, cough, have a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">runny nose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and sometimes even <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">watery eyes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, they don\u2019t show any signs of lethargy or fever.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A simple cold<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parainfluenza virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lowers <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune systems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and causes symptoms similar to the ones humans experience when catching a cold: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sneezing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, coughing, runny nose, lethargy, and fever.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next time you notice that your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog clears <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> throat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, don\u2019t overthink it and give it some time to go away on its own. If it doesn\u2019t, give your pup proper medical care by taking it to a vet for a correct diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/coronavirus-in-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can get canine coronavirus, but they can not spread it to their owners!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id='when-should-you-be-concerned-about-a-dog-gagging'><strong>When Should You Be Concerned About a Dog Gagging<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not uncommon that a dog swallows incorrectly or experiences a cough and gag situation, so it\u2019s not that big of an issue on its own. However, if you see your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog wheezing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and gagging for longer than 72 hours, it\u2019s time to visit the vet for proper <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to your pup\u2019s condition in the first two to three days, even if it\u2019s bright, awake, breathing regularly, eating, and drinking as usual.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-to-do-if-your-dog-has-hairballs'><strong>What to Do If Your Dog Has Hairballs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although hairballs are primarily associated with cats, pups can catch them too! It\u2019s not that common, but it can happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve noticed your dog licking itself more often, shedding profusely, and chewing on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fur<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it might have developed a hairball. You\u2019ll also detect symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lowered appetite<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and gagging without anything coming up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem might fix itself if the dog eventually vomits the hairball. However, if this issue persists, immediately call your veterinarian and book an appointment since this condition can clog the digestive tract and dehydrate your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='preventing-hairballs-in-dogs'><strong>Preventing Hairballs in Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog owners have a few tricks on their hands to prevent hairballs from forming. Let\u2019s take a look at some tips and tricks that will surely help you in keeping your dog healthy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fix your dog\u2019s diet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Drinking loads of water and a high-fiber diet can help hairballs move through the digestive tract.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regular brushing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Brushing your dog\u2019s hair can eliminate loose hair, so your pup doesn\u2019t ingest much of the fur.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Treat fleas and ticks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Fleas and ticks cause excessive licking among dogs, so it\u2019s best to take those monthly preventive medications and keep your pup\u2019s skin and fur healthy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Buy new toys<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Dogs tend to shed more when feeling anxious, bored, or stressed. Make them happier by purchasing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new toys<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and taking them out for walks more frequently.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know how to prevent hairballs from forming, you\u2019re all set! Usually, it\u2019s not a serious issue and can be fixed with an endoscope or surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='frequently-asked-questions'><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 id='what-does-kennel-cough-sound-like-in-dogs'><strong>What does kennel cough sound like in dogs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kennel cough is a dry, forceful, hacking cough that might be mistaken for a hairball sound. The most prevalent causes of this illness are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bordetella Bronchiseptica<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parainfluenza virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine Adenovirus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can be cured with medicine or home remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='what-does-it-mean-when-a-dog-sounds-like-it-has-a-hairball'><strong>What does it mean when a dog sounds like it has a hairball?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog making hacking sounds<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can mean more than one thing. Although uncommon, it may happen that your pup has developed a hairball. Other causes may include chronic bronchitis, heart issues, a common cold, or allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='key-takeaways'><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My dog sounds like he has a hairball<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; what do I do? Since there are many potential causes of this condition, you must take your pup to the vet for an evaluation. Speculating medical reasons when your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog sounds like choking<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can do more harm than good, and only a veterinarian will be able to give you a definitive diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently my dog sounds like he has a hairball stuck down his throat\u2014what can I do to help him? Hairballs are common with dogs, especially those who groom themselves frequently. This blog post will discuss what hairballs are, their symptoms, and how you can help your dog get rid of them. My Dog Sounds Like [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/my-dog-sounds-like-he-has-a-hairball\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from My Dog Sounds Like He Has a Hairball? Here\u2019s How to Help It<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":11492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11490\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}