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Why is my senior dachshund licking and throwing up hairballs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 11 years and 11 months old | 11.6 lbs

My dachshund, Cassie, keeps locking herself and every so often throws up hair balls. She is 12.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 18th, 2019

Licking excessively can be caused by itching or pain. If this is a new behavior, I would recommend that you have Cassie examined by a vet to see what could be going on. Hairballs aren't common in dogs, but are possible for long-haired dachshunds. The best preventative for this type of issue is keeping the hair brushed and free of loose hairs or clipping it shorter.

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