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Rank: HSN Forum Member
Joined: 9/28/2008
Posts: 1
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Hi, haven't been to the forums in quite a while; glad to see its going strong... anyways, I got a ratcha, mini rat terrior/chihuahua mix; shes the most happy, peppy, playful little dog, we love her. I was wondering if dogs get hairballs? Lately, every couple of weeks or more, she starts licking everything, which I know is to throw up, but she goes and licks dustbunnies, carpet, etc and then starts gagging and I swear when she throws up there is so much hair in the mess? I know she licks her feet a lot, shes very high energy dog and has toys, which we try to keep the furry fuzzy kind away from her, but she still does this "strange thing" every maybe 3 weeks or so.. like she's been storing up hair inside her throat. The vet checked her out, says everything is OK, her blood work, no worms, no heart problems, just this strange behavior? SO MY QUESTION TO OTHER RATTIES/CHIHUAHUA OWNERS IS Do Dogs Get Hairballs and what do you do to help this. Ive heard vaseline jelly and/or cat hairball cream? Also fiber and pumpkin.. which she hates, won't eat...? Help any suggestions? 
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Rank: HSN Forum Member
Joined: 6/21/2008
Posts: 2,213
Location: In God Bless America!
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Hi Chaquitasmom, yes dogs do get hairballs. If you don't occasionally give your dog (only if you suspect hairball) something to help dissolve it, the animal will eventually regurgitate it.
I have two long haired Chi's and they both get hairballs, especially my male. My male is 7 1/2 and I always have given him hairball meds for cats and he has been fine but I am sure your vet probably has hairball medicine specifically for dogs or perhaps knows where you can get it at. I just put it on their paws and they lick it off.
My female licks any and everything. Hubby and I say she thinks she is part cat.LOL.
I wish you luck with your baby.
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
Unknown
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Rank: HSN Forum Member
Joined: 4/30/2009
Posts: 37
Location: Mid Missouri
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My Long coated Chi eats GRASS, enough that I have demeanded payment from the landlord since he mows the grass: He also licks his paws, the carpet, etc, etc..It may be a Chi thing...He rarely chucks up anything. I don't think he swallows the grass. I can't tell for sure, but I think he may be just chewing out the stuff in the grass he needs..I don't stop him, and he is fine..10 years old, feisty as a puppy, and healthy as can be, except for an absent eye that went AWOL when he was about 4..He does fine without that also...LOL..Gottaloveit.. 
If you are a "if at first you don't suceed, try, try again" person; don't go skydiving!!
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Rank: HSN Forum Member
Joined: 5/23/2009
Posts: 187
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I agree with the others. Dogs that clean their paws, etc will consume hair in the process. I have one dog that constantly is cleaning her paws and she will get the hairballs. Also, have one Maltese that uses her paw to pull her facial hair into her mouth to clean it and she gets hairballs. No amount of brushing prevents the hairballs as my dogs are brushed daily. I agree with everyone that your Vet will be able to assit you. Hope you have a great Vet like I do. If the dog has been in recently for a checkup, I just pick up and pay at the receptionist desk.
Good Luck!
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