My Dog Ate a Sock But Is Fine: What Should I Do?

Although it might not seem like a big deal if your dog ate a sock but is fine, there are some potential concerns and next steps to consider in this all-too-common pet emergency. Dogs have a knack for eating non-food items, and socks are a common culprit. Unfortunately, this can lead to a number of issues, including intestinal blockages that may require surgery, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and more if the sock isn't passed naturally within 24 hours. You should be ready to either induce vomiting or take your dog to the vet if any of these symptoms arise.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the advice of veterinarians and dog owners who have been in this situation, as well as research and statistics that cover the potential risks of a dog eating foreign objects and what to do if your dog is fine after eating a sock. Although there may not be any complications, knowing the facts can help you feel more at ease and ensure that your dog stays safe and healthy.

Health Risks of Eating a Sock

Eating a sock can be very dangerous for dogs, as socks can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, which is a medical emergency. According to Cooper Pet Care, if left untreated, these obstructions can lead to severe issues like gut perforation, infection of the abdominal cavity, and even death.

Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation are common signs of an obstruction caused by a swallowed sock, as listed by The Spruce Pets. If your dog shows these symptoms after swallowing a sock, especially if they are vomiting repeatedly or unable to have a bowel movement, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Even if your dog seems to be doing okay at first, Yahoo Lifestyle explains that the moisture-wicking properties of a sock can cause blockages as it moves through the digestive system. If the sock has not passed naturally within 24 hours, it will likely become stuck, which may require endoscopy or surgery to remove the obstruction and prevent complications, such as damage to the intestines.

To avoid these complications, it's important to focus on prevention. Make sure to keep laundry, socks, and other small items safely out of pets' reach, give dogs appropriate chew toys to discourage sock-eating, and practice training exercises like "drop it" and "leave it," as suggested by these articles. Taking these steps can help ensure your dog stays safe and prevent a dangerous medical emergency.

When and How to Induce Vomiting

If your dog has just swallowed the sock, you may be able to induce vomiting to get it out before it moves into the intestines. However, this should only be done with the help of a vet, as vomiting can be dangerous for some ingested items and medical conditions.

Per Lakewood Vet, the recommended method is to use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, with a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of the dog's body weight, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons. The American Kennel Club also recommends this method. However, don't induce vomiting if your dog is lethargic, having seizures, or if it's been 2-6 hours since the item was ingested, as it could be more harmful than helpful.

Before inducing vomiting at home, ASPCApro recommends always calling your vet or a poison control center for advice. They can help you determine if vomiting is necessary and walk you through the process of giving the hydrogen peroxide and monitoring your dog after.

Home Remedies to Help a Dog Pass a Swallowed Sock

If the sock has already made its way into the dog's intestines, there are some home remedies that may help the dog pass the sock without needing medical intervention. According to JustAnswer, a bland, high-fiber diet that includes boiled meat, rice, and canned pumpkin can help the dog pass the sock.

The same source also suggests using over-the-counter acid reducers like Pepcid-AC or Prilosec to help with the dog's stomach issues, and using petroleum-based cat hairball paste to help lubricate and move the sock through the dog's digestive system. Dr. Peter Dobias of Dr. Dobias Natural Healing has a "throw-up mix" recipe that includes ingredients like squash puree and flaxseed that can help induce vomiting to get the sock out.

Keep a close eye on the dog and check their stool for the sock. If the sock doesn't pass in a reasonable amount of time or the dog's symptoms get worse, take them to the vet immediately.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

While some of these home remedies can help your dog pass a sock, there are some symptoms that you should be aware of that would require immediate veterinary care, according to the American Kennel Club. Signs of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and inability to defecate. Internal bleeding can also occur, with symptoms like pale gums, rapid heart rate, and weakness.

In addition, Tier1Vet notes that pawing at the mouth, drooling, gagging, and general distress are all signs that you should take your dog to the vet. If the sock hasn't passed in 24-48 hours or if your dog's symptoms are worsening, take them to the vet immediately.

Watch and Wait: How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Pass a Sock?

According to BeChewy, it can take a few days to a few weeks for a dog to pass a sock on their own. During this time, it's important to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they're eating, drinking, and defecating normally. The Labrador Site also says that if your dog starts vomiting, stops eating, or seems lethargic, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Both sites also note that x-rays may be used to confirm the presence of the sock and to check for an intestinal blockage. If the sock doesn't pass within a few weeks, surgery may be necessary to remove it and prevent other health issues. By keeping an eye on your dog and taking them to the vet if they show any signs of distress, you can help make sure they get the care they need to recover safely.

Swallowing a sock can pose serious health risks for dogs, potentially leading to life-threatening intestinal blockages. If your dog ingests a sock, it's crucial to act quickly, whether that means inducing vomiting under veterinary guidance or seeking immediate medical care if symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy develop.

Close monitoring and prompt action are key to preventing complications. Even if your dog seems fine initially, the sock could become lodged and require surgery to remove. Taking preventative measures, like keeping socks and small objects out of reach and providing appropriate chew toys, can help avoid this common pet emergency altogether.

By being informed and proactive, you can help ensure your dog stays safe and healthy. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond will help you feel more confident that you're taking the right steps to protect your furry family member.