We all know that dogs have a tendency to chew on things, especially when they’re young. From shoes to electrical cords, it’s important to puppy-proof our homes to keep our furry friends safe. However, when dogs start eating hair – whether it’s their own or ours – it can be a bit puzzling.
You may have noticed your dog licking, chewing, and even pulling out their own hair to eat it. Or maybe they have a habit of eating human hair off the floor. In some cases, dogs even chew on and eat hair that’s still attached to their humans’ heads! So why do dogs eat hair? Should you be concerned? And what can you do to stop it?
Why Do Dogs Eat Hair?
There could be various reasons why your dog has developed the habit of eating hair. It could be due to normal puppy development, a health condition called pica, or even behavior issues. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. Let’s explore the seven most common reasons why dogs eat hair.
1. Normal Puppy Development and Exploration
Puppies are similar to human babies when it comes to exploring the world through their mouths. It’s their way of getting acquainted with new things and satisfying their curiosity. Hair, in particular, is enticing to puppies because it moves around and smells like their favorite humans. So, if your puppy is eating human hair they find around the house, it’s likely part of their normal development and exploration.
2. Pica
Pica is a relatively rare health condition that affects both humans and animals. It is characterized by an irresistible urge to eat non-food items, including hair. The exact cause of pica is unknown, but it is often linked to stress, anxiety, or trauma. Rescue dogs with a troubled history are particularly prone to developing this compulsive behavior.
3. Environmental or Food Allergies
If your dog is experiencing allergies, either from their environment or food, they may chew, lick, and eat their hair to relieve itching. Just like humans, dogs instinctively scratch areas affected by allergies. It’s important to recognize the signs of allergies in your dog and take appropriate steps to manage and treat them.
4. Fleas, Ticks, and Other Parasites
Obsessive chewing of fur, accompanied by compulsive scratching, may be a sign of parasites such as fleas or ticks. You may notice hair loss, redness, and even sores in the areas where your dog is chewing. Proper identification, prevention, and treatment of these parasites are necessary to address the issue.
5. Boredom
Sometimes, dogs eat hair out of sheer boredom. When dogs are left alone for extended periods without sufficient mental stimulation or exercise, they may develop unhealthy habits to pass the time. This may include pulling out and eating their own hair or consuming hair found on the floor.
6. Seeking Attention
If your dog shows a particular interest in eating your hair while it’s attached to your head, it’s likely a plea for attention. Dogs quickly learn that certain behaviors elicit a response from their owners, whether positive or negative. By reacting to their hair-eating antics, you inadvertently reinforce the behavior and encourage them to continue.
7. Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can manifest in various troublesome behaviors, including eating their own hair or even human hair. Dogs may resort to these behaviors as a way to cope with their emotional distress.
How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Hair
To address your dog’s hair-eating habit, it’s important to rule out any underlying health issues such as allergies or parasites. Consultation with a veterinarian is advisable to ensure your dog’s overall well-being.
If your dog is eating human hair, make sure to keep the hair cleaned up around your home and maintain regular grooming to discourage them from consuming their own hair.
Behavioral issues, such as anxiety, boredom, or seeking attention, may require specific interventions. Toys that provide mental stimulation, like treat puzzles, can be beneficial in redirecting their focus. Additionally, ensuring your dog receives enough exercise and human interaction is crucial. Separation anxiety, in particular, should be addressed to reduce stress-related behaviors.
Positive reinforcement and distraction are powerful tools in correcting undesirable dog behaviors. Whenever you catch your dog eating hair, ignore the behavior and offer them an appropriate chew toy instead. Shower them with praise when they engage with the toy, reinforcing the desired behavior. Over time, with repetition, they’ll learn that positive behavior fetches rewards, while negative behavior goes unnoticed.
If your dog continues to eat hair compulsively despite your efforts, seeking advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist is recommended.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Hair
In most cases, both human hair and dog hair will pass through your dog’s digestive system without complications. Unless your dog consumes a large amount of hair at once or makes a regular habit of it, there’s typically no cause for concern.
However, if your dog becomes constipated or develops a small hairball due to their hair-eating habit, psyllium (found in products like Metamucil) can offer relief. It’s important to let the hair pass naturally rather than attempting to remove it manually, as this could cause internal damage.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
If your dog experiences constipation from eating hair and doesn’t have a bowel movement for more than 48 hours, it’s advisable to consult with a vet. Dogs who consume excessive amounts of hair may develop a potentially life-threatening blockage in their intestinal tract. If your dog shows signs of severe abdominal pain, inability to defecate, or vomiting, immediate veterinary care is necessary.
To prevent any toxicity issues, be cautious if your dog ingests hair coated in hair care products or topical treatments for parasites. If you suspect ingestion of these substances is making your dog ill, seek veterinary assistance promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad for dogs to eat human hair?
If your dog consumes a small amount of hair and doesn’t make a habit of it, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, ingesting a large amount of hair or eating hair regularly can potentially lead to constipation or life-threatening intestinal blockages.
What happens if my dog eats human hair?
In most cases, a small amount of human hair will pass through your dog’s digestive system without any complications. However, if your dog ingests a significant amount of hair at once or consumes hair regularly, it can result in health issues such as constipation or a blockage in the intestine.
Why is my dog obsessed with my hair?
There could be various reasons why your dog is fixated on your hair, ranging from curiosity and boredom to a need for attention. In rare cases, a condition called pica may cause your dog to develop an obsession with hair.
Why do dogs eat human hair off the floor?
Dogs may eat human hair found on the floor due to reasons like curiosity, boredom, stress, or anxiety. In rare cases, it might be attributed to the condition known as pica.
Why does my dog eat my other dog’s hair?
It’s not uncommon for one dog to groom another and occasionally consume some of their hair in the process. Dogs may also chew on another dog’s hair as a self-soothing behavior when they feel bored or stressed. If hair-eating becomes problematic, it may be necessary to separate the dogs when unsupervised. With distraction and positive reinforcement, you can help correct this behavior over time.
The Bottom Line
If your dog has developed a habit of eating hair, it’s essential to understand the root cause and take appropriate steps to address it. Consuming excessive amounts of hair can lead to health complications such as constipation or blockages in the digestive tract. By identifying and addressing the underlying reasons for this behavior, you can prevent these issues and ensure your dog’s well-being.
For more information and resources on dog care, visit Pawsoha, where you’ll find a wealth of knowledge to help you provide the best care for your furry friend.
Tags: allergies, boredom, dog eats human hair, dog eats own hair, fleas, pica, puppy behavior, stress