Discover why dogs eat socks and the immediate steps you should take to protect your furry friend.
Why Do Dogs Eat Socks?
Dogs may chew and swallow socks for several reasons:
- Owner's scent: Socks carry a strong smell of their owner, which attracts the dog, especially when feeling lonely.
- Play and texture: Socks are soft, easy to grab, shake, and throw, making them perfect toys that may eventually get eaten. Chewing them feels pleasant to the dog. See more on stopping furniture chewing.
- Boredom: Dogs left alone without walks or toys may chew socks for entertainment. Learn more about how long dogs can be left alone.
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Eaten a Sock?
Signs that your dog may have swallowed a sock include:
- Lethargy or listlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting or attempting to vomit
- Constipation or lack of defecation
These symptoms indicate a foreign body that could require immediate attention.
What to Do if Your Dog Ate a Sock
If you are certain your dog swallowed a sock, seek veterinary care immediately. Vomiting may be induced to expel it. Socks often pass quickly into the duodenum and can become lodged in the pyloric antrum, making rapid intervention crucial.
If ingestion is suspected but uncertain, a vet can perform tests to locate the sock and determine the best removal method.
Monitoring and Intervention
If the sock is in the intestines but not causing obstruction, it may be monitored to pass naturally. However, risks remain. Alternative options include:
- Endoscopy: Removing the sock from the stomach or duodenum.
- Surgery: Required if endoscopy is not possible or obstruction occurs.
Acting quickly can be lifesaving, as intestinal obstruction may cause necrosis, hemodynamic imbalance, or perforation.
Dogs are naturally gluttonous, so always monitor for foreign object ingestion. Avoid waiting for the sock to pass on its own.
