Why don't dogs digest hair

When we gently stroke the soft fur of dogs, they may be immersed in self-cleaning licking behavior. But have you ever thought that dogs constantly lick their fur? Can they digest the fur that is swallowed into their stomachs? The answer is no. Exploring the reasons behind it is of great significance for the health of dogs.

Dogs like to lick their fur, which is their innate habit. On the one hand, licking hair is a cleaning behavior that can help them remove dust and debris from their bodies and keep their hair clean. On the other hand, this is also a way to relieve stress, and when dogs feel nervous or anxious, licking their fur can give them a sense of security. However, in this seemingly ordinary behavior, there is a hidden problem - a large amount of hair is swallowed into the stomach.

From the perspective of the digestive system structure of dogs, their intestines are relatively short and straight, which is suitable for quickly digesting and excreting protein rich foods such as meat. This is a characteristic that they have formed as carnivorous animals in the long-term evolution process. But when faced with hair, this digestive system seems powerless. Hair is mainly composed of keratin, a tough and difficult to break down protein. Although dog stomach acid has a certain corrosiveness and can break down many foods, its effect on keratin is very limited. In the intestines of dogs, there is a lack of enzymes that can effectively break down keratin, which prevents hair from being fully digested and absorbed like other foods.

When the hair ingested by dogs gradually accumulates in the body, it can bring a series of health problems. The most common is hairball syndrome. Hair balls form in the stomach or intestines of dogs, which can hinder the normal digestion and passage of food. Dogs with hairball syndrome may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and constipation. Sometimes, dogs make frequent retching movements, attempting to spit out their furry balls, but often it doesn't go smoothly. Watching the dog's uncomfortable expression, the owner's heart is filled with heartache and concern.

I have a friend whose dog loves licking its fur very much. For a period of time, a friend noticed that his dog had become less active in eating and occasionally vomited. At first, he thought the dog had just eaten something bad. But the situation is getting more and more serious, and even dogs are starting to show symptoms of constipation. After taking the dog to the hospital for examination, it was discovered that it was caused by hairball syndrome. The doctor clearly observed the accumulation of hair balls in the dog's intestines through X-rays, and after some treatment, the dog gradually recovered its health. This experience has made friends deeply aware of the hidden dangers behind dogs licking their fur.

To avoid health problems caused by dogs swallowing hair, owners need to take some measures. Firstly, it is essential to regularly comb the dog's hair. Using a suitable comb to comb dogs daily can effectively reduce the amount of hair they ingest when licking. During the grooming process, not only can it remove stray hair from the dog's body, but it can also enhance the relationship between the owner and the dog. When we gently groom dogs, they often comfortably squint their eyes and enjoy this warm interaction.

In addition, feeding dogs some hair cream or foods rich in dietary fiber can also help prevent hairball syndrome. Huamao ointment contains special ingredients that can lubricate the intestines and help hair to be smoothly excreted from the body. Dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis, accelerate food digestion and excretion, and reduce the residence time of hair in the body. However, it should be noted that excessive feeding of hair cream may cause a burden on the dog's digestive system.

Dogs are the warmest companions in our lives, and their every move touches our hearts. When we learn about dogs' inability to digest hair and the potential health problems it may bring, we should take care of them with even more care. By providing daily attentive care, we help dogs reduce the risks associated with licking their fur and promote healthy and happy growth. In the future, may every dog be able to enjoy a carefree life with the care of its owner, free from the troubles of hairball syndrome. Because they give us unconditional love and loyalty, we should also repay their deep affection with the most caring care. Let's work together to create a safe and healthy living environment for dogs, filling their world with sunshine and joy.