Can Dog Hairs Pierce Skin? Facts, Tips & Prevention

Owning a dog is one of life’s great pleasures. As wonderful as they are, dogs do cause some stress for humans, especially if they bark too often, chew up valuable items, or have accidents, among other things. One issue that most dog owners never think about, though, is whether dog hairs can pierce their skin and cause an injury. Surprisingly, this can happen and result in a dog hair splinter.

Dog hair splinters can be painful and cause inflammation, infections, and other health issues. If you’re keen on avoiding them or want to know what to do if you get a dog hair splinter, read on. We have valuable information below to prevent or cure this thorny little problem that occurs more often than you might think among dog owners and groomers.

How Can Dog Hairs Pierce Your Skin?

Dog hair, like all hair, is made from protein and is strong enough to push its way out of your dog’s skin as it grows. It only makes sense that, under the right circumstances, a dog's hair can pierce the skin and go back under it. Indeed, according to dog groomer Vanessa De Prophetis, dog hairs result in dog hair splinters all the time.¹ She explained that groomers like her regularly get the splinters when grooming their furry clients, especially dogs with thick, dense double coats you find on breeds like the Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd.

The problem often occurs when shaving a dog with a thick, durable coat. Many dog groomers get multiple dog hair splinters when doing their job, which, as you might imagine, can be very painful and problematic.

What Exactly Is a Dog Hair Splinter?

Like a regular splinter of wood, plastic, or metal, a dog hair splinter occurs when a dog’s hair pierces your skin and gets stuck under several epidermis layers. Surprisingly, not just dog groomers suffer from this painful problem but also hairdressers who take care of human hair. Once the hair has been embedded under the skin, if not removed promptly, it can cause irritation, infection, and more than a little pain.

The 4 Easy Ways to Remove Dog Hair Splinters

Removing a dog hair splinter as quickly as possible is critical so that it doesn’t become infected and cause an even bigger and more painful health problem. To do so, follow the tips below to remove it quickly and easily.

1. Use Duct Tape

Place a piece of duct tape over the dog hair splinter. Then, moving in the direction of the splinter, quickly pull off the tape. The splinter, in most cases, will come out when you do. If not, try again until it does.

2. Use Honey

Honey acts as a natural skin softener, which makes it easier to remove a dog hair splinter. Apply a liberal amount of honey over the splinter and cover it overnight with a bandage. The next day, it should be easier to remove the dog hair splinter with tweezers or one of the other methods on this list.

3. Use White Glue

Non-toxic white glue, like the kind children use in school, can be an excellent remedy for dog hair splinters. Place a generous amount of white glue gently over the splinter and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, peel off the glue, and the dog hair splinter should come out.

4. Use Hair Removal Wax

Although this method might be the most painful, it usually works like a charm. Spread hair removal wax over and around the splinter, and pull it off once it dries to the right consistency. The dog har splinter should come out easily when you do. Your hair might come out too, which is the painful part.

Can Hair Splinters Cause Bigger Health Issues?

While you might think that a hair splinter isn’t such a big deal (and sometimes they’re not), it can be a huge deal under the right circumstances. That’s because a dog hair splinter can lead to several complications. They include the following:

Pilonidal sinus

This is a tiny tunnel in the skin that, over time, can fill with pus and other fluids. If left untreated, a pilonidal cyst can go on to cause bigger cysts or an abscess, which are both extremely painful.

Foreign Body Granuloma

This is when the skin tissue reacts to a foreign object, such as a dog’s hair. When that happens, the body responds and causes white blood cells to form a cluster that can become hard and painful. Some report that it feels like a small pebble or stone under their skin.

Groomer’s Lung

When a dog groomer inhales hair constantly while doing their job, they can get a condition known as “groomer's lung,” which can cause respiratory illnesses and distress. If you have a dog that sheds profusely and you groom it yourself at home, you might consider wearing a mask when you do.

When to Call a Doctor

Dog hair splinters aren’t a problem for your dog as much as for you, so instead of calling a vet, you might need to call your family doctor. When should you do that? If you have the following signs, it might be time to consult a physician.

• The hair splinter is in or around your eye
• The area around the hair splinter is draining pus or another liquid
• You’re in severe pain from the splinter
• The skin around the hair splinter is red, swollen, and warm

Can Dog Hair Splinters Be Prevented?

There are several methods to prevent dog hair splinters, although some are easier than others, depending on your job.

• Wear gloves when grooming your dog
• Wash your hands after petting your dog
• Wear socks if your dog sheds a lot
• Vacuum dog hair frequently if your pet sheds a lot
• Wear long-sleeved shirts when grooming your dog
• Use a smock to keep dog hairs off of you

Final Thoughts

If you wondered whether the stories of dog hair piercing skin were true, you now know they are and can cause a lot of pain and suffering, especially for dog groomers. Dog hairs, especially from dogs with thick, dense double coats, can penetrate your skin just like a splinter and cause swelling, infection, and, if left untreated, more severe issues.

We hope the information provided today will empower you to prevent dog hair splinters and the pain they cause.

Featured Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock