My Dog Ate a Sock" – What Should I Do?

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “My dog swallowed a sock” or “My puppy ate a sock”, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common scenario among pet owners. Dogs, curious and playful as they are, often chew on socks and sometimes end up swallowing them.

When this happens, it’s essential to know that it’s not always easy for a dog to expel the sock naturally. In most cases, it’s unlikely that the sock will pass through the entire digestive tract and be expelled in the stool. More commonly, dogs might vomit the sock shortly after ingestion due to stomach irritation caused by the foreign object. However, if the sock remains in the digestive system, it can lead to a gastrointestinal blockage, posing serious risks to your dog’s health and well-being.

If you’re dealing with this situation or want to learn more about what to do if your dog eats a sock, keep reading this article.

Why Did My Dog Eat a Sock?

Dogs are intelligent but also highly curious, playful, and sometimes overly food-driven. A sock left lying around can quickly grab their attention for several reasons:

• Texture: To dogs, a sock might feel similar to a chew toy.
• Smell: Socks often carry their owner’s scent, which can be comforting or intriguing to a dog.
• Behavioral Issues: Stress, anxiety, or conditions like pica (a compulsion to eat non-food items) may lead dogs to ingest socks or other inappropriate items.

If your dog finds a sock irresistible enough to swallow, it can lead to serious consequences. A dog’s digestive system cannot break down fabric, meaning the sock could become lodged and cause severe problems.

What Happens If My Dog Swallows a Sock?

The best-case scenario is that your dog expels the sock naturally, either through vomiting or in their stool. However, this is not very common unless the sock is small and your dog is large.

• If less than four hours have passed since the sock was swallowed, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting to safely remove the sock.
• If more than four hours have passed, the sock may have moved into the intestines, where it could cause a dangerous blockage requiring medical intervention.

Signs Your Dog Swallowed a Sock

If you didn’t witness your dog swallowing a sock but suspect they might have, watch for these warning signs:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea or absence of stool

These symptoms may not appear immediately and can take up to 24 hours to develop. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to visit a veterinarian promptly. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be necessary to locate the sock in your dog’s digestive system.

In some cases, socks can act as linear foreign objects, getting tangled in the intestines and causing severe damage, including tissue death (necrosis) or life-threatening infections like peritonitis. Immediate veterinary care is essential.

What Should I Do If My Dog Ate a Sock?

If you saw your dog swallow a sock, take them to a veterinarian immediately. If it has been less than four hours since ingestion, your vet may induce vomiting to safely remove the sock.

If more than four hours have passed or if you’re unsure when it happened, inducing vomiting may no longer be an option. The sock may need to be removed surgically, especially if it has caused a blockage or damage to the intestines. In some cases, portions of the intestine may need to be removed due to lack of blood flow or significant damage.

Do not attempt home remedies like giving your dog asparagus or other fiber-rich foods to push the sock through their digestive system. These methods can worsen the problem. Trust your veterinarian to determine the safest course of action.

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Pass a Sock?

In rare cases, if the sock is small and your dog is large, they may expel the sock naturally through stool. If this happens, it typically occurs within 48–72 hours. However, there have been instances where it took up to five days.

It’s important not to rely on this outcome. Waiting for your dog to pass the sock can be dangerous, as blockages can worsen over time, leading to severe complications. Seek veterinary assistance as soon as you notice the issue.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Socks

The best way to prevent your dog from eating socks—or any other inappropriate items—is to keep your home tidy and free of small, accessible objects. Store socks in closed drawers or containers, and ensure they are out of your dog’s reach.

This behavior is not typically related to hunger, so overfeeding your dog will not prevent it. In fact, overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.

To reduce the likelihood of your dog chewing or swallowing inappropriate items, provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation:

• Take them on regular walks and adventures.
• Offer interactive toys and chews.
• Spend quality time playing with them.

Conclusion

If your dog swallows a sock, act quickly to ensure their safety. Foreign objects in a dog’s digestive system can lead to severe health complications, so don’t wait to see if they’ll expel it on their own. Trust your veterinarian to guide you through the process and keep your dog healthy.

Remember, prevention is the best cure. Keep socks and other small items out of your dog’s reach, and provide plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and safe.