Human Hair in Dog Poop: Why It’s There & What To Do

It may seem like a peculiar topic to explore, but the reality of pet ownership sometimes encompasses strange situations…

Have you noticed human hair in your dog’s poop?

It can be quite alarming, but it’s important to understand why this happens and how you can manage it.

Let’s run through this topic in complete detail.

Hair In Dog Poop: 7 Reasons Why It Happens

Let’s run through the main seven reasons why you might find some hair in your dog’s poop. All could be relevant to your situation. It’s best to take everything into context and consider your dog’s behavior to decipher which cause is most likely to be the one.

1. Accidental Ingestion

Your dog’s knack for sniffing and tasting everything can often lead to accidental ingestion of many things, including human hair. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club, notes that dogs are naturally curious and use their mouths to explore their environment. If your hair falls on the floor, there’s a chance your dog might accidentally swallow it.

2. Grooming Behavior

Sometimes, dogs may ingest your hair while licking or ‘grooming’ you. This behavior is quite normal, according to VCA Hospitals, and is part of the social bonding process between dogs and their owners. However, if the dog swallows hair during this process, it may end up in their poop.

3. Pica: Eating Non-Food Items

Pica is a behavioral disorder that leads dogs to eat non-food items. Hair is often a target for dogs with this condition. If your dog eats hair regularly, and in large quantities, it could indicate pica.

According to PetMD, pica can be caused by various factors, including dietary deficiencies, boredom, or lack of exercise. A more serious possibility is an underlying medical issue, like diabetes or anemia.

4. Dogs Being Dogs

One simple reason why your dog might ingest hair is simply that dogs will be dogs. Dogs explore the world with their mouths and they don’t always distinguish between what’s food and what’s not, especially when it comes to smaller items they can easily swallow. Hair, being light and often floating around, can be an easy target for your inquisitive pet.

5. Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress can often lead to unusual behaviors in dogs, such as excessive grooming, licking, and in some cases, even eating hair. This can often be seen during times of change in the dog’s environment, such as moving to a new home, introduction of a new pet or family member, or when their human companion is away for extended periods. The stress and anxiety can result in displacement behaviors, one of which could be hair eating, leading to hair in their poop.

6. Attention Seeking Behavior

Sometimes, dogs may resort to strange behaviors, such as eating hair, to get their owner’s attention. If your dog learns that ingesting hair gets them attention, even if it’s negative attention, they may repeat the behavior.

7. Your Dog’s Health

In some cases, the issue may not be with the behavior of the dog but the health of the owner. If you or a member of your family is experiencing hair loss or shedding more than usual, it could result in more hair around the house and an increased likelihood of your dog ingesting it.

7 Relevant Solutions and Fixes

For each or the causes listed above there is a relevant solution. Let’s take a look at those below.

1. How to Prevent Accidental Ingestion

Preventing accidental ingestion of hair primarily involves keeping your living spaces clean. Regularly sweeping or vacuuming can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair on the floor. Brushing your hair in a bathroom and cleaning up afterward can also minimize the chance of hair winding up where your dog can get it.

2. How to Manage Grooming Behavior

While it’s almost impossible to prevent dogs from licking their owners entirely, you can provide them with alternatives to keep their mouths busy. Distract them with toys or treats when they start licking you excessively, and groom yourself away from your pet to reduce the chance of them ingesting your hair.

3. What to Do if Your Dog Has Pica

If you suspect your dog has pica, it’s crucial to contact your vet. They may recommend dietary changes or additional exercise. In some cases, your vet may recommend further testing to rule out any medical conditions.

4. How to Minimize Hair Ingestion

To minimize the chance of your dog ingesting hair, regular cleaning is key. Vacuuming and sweeping can help keep hair from accumulating in areas where your dog tends to play or explore. Similarly, grooming your dog and maintaining their coat can reduce the amount of their own hair they may ingest.

5. How to Manage Anxiety and Stress in Dogs

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, suggests creating a consistent routine to help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. This may involve regular feeding times, exercise, play times, and bedtimes. Providing a safe space, like a cozy bed or a crate, where your dog can retreat when feeling stressed or overwhelmed, can also help. If your dog’s anxiety seems severe or unmanageable, seek help from a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.

6. Dealing With Attention Seeking Behavior

To discourage this behavior, experts from the RSPCA recommend providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation for your dog, such as regular walks, play sessions, and puzzle toys that keep them engaged. When your dog eats hair, try not to overreact as it might encourage them further. Instead, redirect their attention to something more positive and rewarding.

7. Monitoring Human Health

Stay aware of your own health, particularly if you notice excessive hair loss. If you’re concerned about your hair shedding more than usual, it might be worth speaking to a medical professional about potential causes. Regularly cleaning to manage the extra hair can help reduce the chances of your dog ingesting it.

The presence of human hair in your dog’s poop is not typically a cause for alarm, but it’s good to stay observant. If you see it regularly, or in larger amounts, or if your dog shows signs of discomfort, it’s worth discussing with your vet.

Understanding why this might happen and how to deal with it can help you ensure your canine companion stays happy and healthy. Remember, every dog is different, so it’s always important to consider your dog’s individual needs, behaviors, and health status.

Hairballs In Dogs: The Signs to Know

Hairballs in dogs, while not as common as in cats, can occur, especially if your dog ingests a significant amount of hair. Here are some signs that your dog may have a hairball in their stomach:

1. Vomiting or gagging: One of the most common signs of a hairball is recurrent vomiting or gagging. Your dog might be trying to throw up but can’t, or they might throw up a hairball. If the hairball is too large to be vomited out, it can cause a blockage in the digestive system.
2. Loss of appetite: A hairball can take up a lot of space in your dog’s stomach, making them feel full and leading to a decreased appetite.
3. Lethargy: If your dog is feeling unwell due to a hairball, they may become less active and sleep more than usual.
4. Changes in bowel movements: Hairballs can cause constipation if they are blocking the intestines. If your dog has trouble defecating or if their feces contain a lot of hair, it could be due to a hairball.
5. Abdominal discomfort: A hairball in the stomach can cause discomfort, and you may notice your dog exhibiting signs of discomfort such as restlessness, pacing, or even crying out in pain.
6. Unusual behavior: In general, if your dog is acting differently than usual, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet. This can include everything from changes in behavior and demeanor to a sudden disinterest in activities they usually enjoy.

It’s important to consult your vet if you suspect your dog has a hairball, especially if they show signs of a blockage like vomiting, constipation, or abdominal pain. A large hairball can sometimes require surgical removal if it can’t be passed or vomited up. To prevent hairballs, try to minimize your dog’s ingestion of hair, whether it’s their own fur or human hair, by keeping your floors clean and brushing your dog regularly.

Can Dogs Digest Human Hair

No, dogs cannot digest human hair. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is resistant to digestion. When a dog ingests hair, it typically passes through the dog’s digestive tract and is excreted in the feces.

However, if a dog ingests large amounts of hair, it can lead to complications. The hair can accumulate in the stomach or intestines, forming hairballs or even causing a blockage. Such a blockage can be very serious, leading to symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.

If you notice these symptoms or suspect that your dog has ingested a large amount of hair, it’s important to contact a veterinarian. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the hair.

To prevent such issues, try to keep your living spaces clean and free of loose hair, discourage your dog from licking or eating hair, and consult your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or health issues in your dog.

Is It Dangerous For Dogs to Digest Human Hair

Ingesting small amounts of human hair generally does not pose a serious health risk to dogs, as it usually passes through their digestive system and is expelled in their feces. However, if a dog consumes larger quantities or repeatedly ingests hair, it could lead to complications.

Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein that is not digestible. As a result, hair can accumulate in a dog’s stomach over time, potentially causing a hairball or even a gastrointestinal blockage.

A gastrointestinal blockage can be quite serious and requires immediate veterinary attention. Signs of a potential blockage include:

1. Vomiting or retching
2. Loss of appetite
3. Abdominal pain or swelling
4. Constipation or difficulty passing stool
5. Lethargy or changes in behavior

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. They may need to use imaging, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to confirm the presence of a blockage. In some cases, a blockage may need to be removed surgically.

To prevent your dog from consuming hair, maintain a clean environment, and minimize their access to hair. If you notice your dog has a habit of eating hair, it’s worth discussing with your vet to find strategies to curb this behavior and ensure they’re not experiencing any underlying issues like pica or anxiety.

When to See a Vet About This

Owners should consult a veterinarian about hair in their dog’s poop in the following situations:

1. Frequent Occurrence: If you’re consistently noticing hair in your dog’s feces over a period of time, it’s worth discussing with your vet. While occasional strands may not be cause for concern, consistent presence could indicate a habitual issue.
2. Large Amounts: If the amount of hair in your dog’s poop is substantial, this is another good reason to consult your vet. Large quantities of indigestible hair could potentially lead to a gastrointestinal blockage.
3. Accompanied Symptoms: If you observe other signs of distress or illness in your dog along with hair in their poop, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in bowel movements, or lethargy, immediately contact your vet. These could be signs of a serious condition like a gastrointestinal obstruction.
4. Behavioral Changes: If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, such as increased anxiety, unusual eating habits, or excessive grooming, it’s advisable to seek your vet’s advice. These behaviors might indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.
5. Repeated Ingestion Despite Prevention Efforts: If your dog continues to ingest hair despite your best efforts to keep hair away from them and provide alternatives, consult with your vet. Your pet may need a professional behavioral assessment or a check for any potential health conditions causing this behavior.

When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a professional. Your vet can provide guidance and rule out any serious health concerns, ensuring the well-being of your pet.