Dogs Eating Socks: What You Need to Know

Dogs eating socks is a common phenomenon that has puzzled many pet owners. In fact, studies suggest that up to 70% of dog owners have caught their furry friends munching on socks at some point.

Dogs have a strong prey drive, which means they're naturally inclined to chase and eat small, soft items like socks. This behavior is often linked to their evolution as hunters, where they would sniff out and devour small prey.

Dogs also have a strong sense of smell, which can lead them to investigate and eat unusual items like socks. This is especially true for breeds with a high prey drive, such as terriers and hounds.

Some dogs are more prone to sock-eating than others, often due to boredom, anxiety, or a lack of mental stimulation. Providing your dog with plenty of exercise, toys, and attention can help curb this behavior.

Dogs eat socks because they have their owner's scent on them, making them an irresistible chew object.

Puppies are notorious culprits during their teething phase, as they explore with their mouths and try to make sense of their surroundings.

Certain breeds or individual dogs may have a propensity towards chewing socks due to their drive, energy levels, and desire to chew.

In some cases, a compulsive disorder called pica can cause a dog to obsessively ingest non-food items, including socks. Stress and anxiety are common triggers.

Boredom is a common reason why dogs eat socks - they simply don't get enough alternative and appropriate enrichment.

Highly intelligent, working, and driven dogs require mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical exercise. Without it, they may resort to destructive behavior and chewing items around the house.

Dogs may also find that eating socks is a way to get attention from their owners, as chasing them can create a game and be very rewarding.

Dogs eating socks can be a serious issue, and it's not just about the inconvenience of losing your favorite pair. Fabric cannot be digested in the stomach, and your dog may vomit up all or part of the sock completely.

Labradors tend to be the most over-representative breed when it comes to eating socks, but any breed can be a culprit.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a sock, it's essential to consult your veterinarian as quickly as possible. They can help determine if the sock is stuck in your dog's intestines and recommend the best course of action.

Some common signs of an internal blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and changes in bowel movements. Diarrhea is a common symptom with a partial obstruction.

If your dog has ingested a sock and it's causing an internal blockage, surgery may be necessary to remove the sock from the intestines. In some cases, an endoscopy can be used to remove the sock from the stomach under general anesthesia.

Here are some symptoms to look out for if you suspect your dog has eaten a sock and it's causing an internal blockage:

If you haven't realized your dog has eaten a sock, it's crucial to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, as well as a life-threatening infection.

Training is key to stopping your dog from eating socks. You can work on cues like "drop it" and "leave it" to stop your dog at the moment you catch them trying to eat something they shouldn't.

Using positive reinforcement, such as rewarding your dog with treats or praise, is more effective than punishment. Redirect your dog's attention to a toy or game, and increase your bond with your dog in the process.

Cut off access to dirty laundry baskets on the floor to prevent your dog from getting into trouble. Avoid leaving dirty clothes on the floor, and consider putting your laundry basket in the closet or laundry room with the door shut.

Doing laundry more often can help reduce the amount of dirty laundry that attracts your dog's nose. This means putting away clean laundry as well, which can be a chore, but think of it as a preventative measure.

If you have a puppy, teething is a common stage where they'll chew on everything in sight, including dirty laundry. Give them specific toys to chew on to alleviate the problem, and start training early to prevent long-term bad habits.

The KONG Club app can provide you with 24/7 access to animal behaviorists and veterinarians who can help you figure out why your dog is on the hunt for your laundry.

If your dog has eaten a sock, it's essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of distress. Vomiting can be a common reaction, but if it's unproductive, it's a cause for concern.

A bloated abdomen can be a sign that something is amiss, so keep an eye out for any swelling or discomfort in this area.

Straining to defecate with little production is another potential symptom, and if you notice your dog is having trouble going to the bathroom, it's time to call the vet.

Diarrhea can also be a sign that your dog is in distress, so be on the lookout for loose or watery stools.

Decreased appetite and lethargy or restlessness are also common symptoms, so if you notice your dog is eating less or acting unusual, it's time to take action.

Here are some common signs of distress in dogs who have eaten something they shouldn't have:

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it's essential to call your vet promptly, as unproductive vomiting can be a sign of an obstruction.