Do dogs get hairballs?

Dogs do get hairballs, though not as often as cats. Unlike cats, dogs lick their fur sporadically and do not have small barbs on their tongues. Hairballs in dogs take a long time to form because they do not swallow much hair.

Long-haired and double-coated dogs may suffer from hairballs, as they are more likely to shed heavier and ingest a significant amount of hair. Dogs infested with ticks and fleas may also lose more hair and may chew their hair at itchy spots. Regular grooming and keeping the dog's coat free from infestation can significantly decrease the accumulation of hairballs in the digestive tract.