Quick answer: If your dog ate a sock, toy or other object, call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Note what was eaten, how big it was and when. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to, and do not give food or laxatives without advice. Small, soft objects sometimes pass, but socks, string, ribbon, toys, corn cobs and bones can get stuck and cause a blockage. Go to a vet or emergency clinic right away if your dog vomits repeatedly, will not eat, seems in pain, has a swollen belly, strains to poop or seems very tired.

Why do dogs eat socks and other things?

Exploring and playing. Puppies and young dogs use their mouths to learn about the world. They pick up and chew everything they find, and sometimes they swallow it. Socks and underwear smell strongly of their people, which makes them very appealing. A game of chase when you try to take an item back can also make dogs gulp it down quickly.

Boredom and stress. Dogs who are bored, under exercised or anxious may chew and swallow items as a way to pass the time or calm themselves. Winter, with fewer walks and more time indoors, can make this worse. Our guides on brain games for dogs and indoor exercise can help.

Food smells. Wrappers, foil, paper towels, corn cobs, bones and string from roasts all smell like food. Dogs may swallow them along with the tasty bits. Trash cans are a common source during the holidays, when they are full of interesting leftovers.

Pica. Some dogs regularly eat non food items such as rocks, fabric or plastic. This is called pica, and it can sometimes be linked to medical problems, nutrition issues or behavior problems. If your dog often eats things that are not food, talk to your vet.

What should I do right now if my dog ate a sock?

Stay calm and remove anything left. Gently take away any remaining pieces so your dog cannot swallow more. Try not to chase your dog, as this can make them gulp the item. Trade them for a tasty treat instead.

Work out what and when. Try to figure out what your dog swallowed, roughly how big it was and when it happened. Was it one sock or a pair? A whole toy or part of one? Keep the packaging or a matching item to show your vet. This helps them decide how urgent it is.

Call your vet right away. Phone your vet or the nearest emergency clinic, even if your dog seems completely normal. Tell them your dog's size and weight, what was eaten and when. In some cases, if the object was swallowed recently, your vet may be able to give medication to make your dog vomit it up safely in the clinic.

Do not make your dog vomit at home. Unless your vet tells you to and explains exactly how, do not try to make your dog vomit. Some objects can get stuck or cause damage on the way back up, and some home methods are unsafe. Do not give food, oil or laxatives to help it pass unless your vet advises it.

Will my dog pass the sock on its own?

Sometimes, but it is risky to wait. Small, soft objects may pass through a large dog's gut and come out in their poop within a day or two. But socks, which are long and can stretch, often get stuck, especially in small and medium dogs. There is no way to know for sure at home whether something will pass.

Size matters. A small dog that swallows a large sock is at much higher risk than a Great Dane that swallows a baby sock. Your vet will consider your dog's size, the object and how long ago it was eaten when deciding what to do.

Your vet may advise watching closely. In some cases, your vet may suggest monitoring your dog at home, checking their poop and watching for signs of a blockage. Follow their instructions exactly and call back at once if anything changes.

Check the poop. If your vet says to wait, check every bowel movement for the object. Wear gloves and use a stick or bag. If the object has not appeared within a day or two, or your dog shows any signs of illness, go back to your vet.

Why are string, ribbon and tinsel so dangerous?

They cause linear foreign bodies. Long, thin items such as string, ribbon, tinsel, thread, dental floss, yarn, hair ties and the strings from roasts can catch at one end, often under the tongue or in the stomach, while the rest moves into the intestine. As the gut tries to push it along, the string can bunch the intestine up like an accordion.

This can cut the intestine. In severe cases, the string can saw through the intestinal wall, causing a hole and a life threatening infection. Linear foreign bodies often need surgery and should always be treated as an emergency.

Never pull string from your dog's mouth or bottom. If you see string hanging from your dog's mouth or bottom, do not pull it. It may be wrapped around something inside, and pulling can cause serious damage. Call your vet right away.

Holiday hazards. Gift ribbon, tinsel and garland are big risks around the holidays. Our guide on Christmas tree safety for dogs explains how to dog proof your tree and decorations.

What are the signs of an intestinal blockage in dogs?

Early signs. A dog with a blockage may vomit, often repeatedly, especially after eating or drinking. They may refuse food, drool, lick their lips, seem restless or quieter than usual, and may not want to be touched around the belly.

Later signs. As a blockage gets worse, your dog may strain to poop with little or nothing coming out, have diarrhea, seem very tired or weak, have a swollen or painful belly, or stand in a hunched position. Some dogs become dehydrated quickly.

Signs may take time. Signs can appear within hours, but sometimes they take a day or more, especially with a partial blockage. Some dogs seem fine at first and then get sick suddenly. This is why vets prefer to hear from you early.

Go to the vet right away if you see these signs. Do not wait to see if they improve. A blockage can cut off blood supply to the intestine and become life threatening. If it is after hours, go to the nearest emergency clinic.

What will the vet do if my dog swallowed something?

An exam and questions. Your vet will examine your dog, feel their belly and ask what was eaten and when. Bring a matching item or the packaging if you can.

Making your dog vomit. If the object was swallowed recently and is soft and safe to bring back up, your vet may give an injection to make your dog vomit. This is done in the clinic, where they can manage any problems. It is not suitable for sharp objects, batteries or some other items.

X-rays and ultrasound. Your vet may take X-rays or do an ultrasound to see whether something is stuck and where. Some objects, like fabric, do not show up clearly on X-rays, so your vet may look for signs of a blockage or repeat the images later.

Endoscopy or surgery. If the object is still in the stomach, it can sometimes be removed with an endoscope, a camera passed down the throat, without surgery. If it has moved into the intestine and is stuck, surgery is usually needed. Most dogs recover well when treated early.

How much does treatment cost?

Costs vary widely. An exam and vomiting injection may cost a few hundred dollars. X-rays add more. Endoscopy or surgery to remove a blockage can cost several thousand dollars, especially at an emergency clinic or if your dog needs to stay in the hospital.

Early action can save money. Making a dog vomit soon after they swallow something is usually much cheaper and safer than surgery after a blockage forms. Calling your vet early is good for your dog and your budget.

Plan ahead. Pet insurance can cover foreign body surgery for many dogs, but check your policy for waiting periods and exclusions. Our guide to pet insurance for dogs explains what to look for. An emergency fund also helps.

Ask about options. If cost is a worry, talk honestly with your vet. They can explain the options, the risks of each and what payment plans may be available.

How do I care for my dog after surgery?

Follow your vet's instructions. After surgery, your dog will need rest, pain relief and usually a special diet for a while. Give all medications exactly as prescribed and attend every recheck appointment.

Limit activity. Keep your dog calm and quiet for the time your vet recommends, often around two weeks. Use short leash walks for potty breaks only. No running, jumping, stairs or rough play. A cozy, washable blanket in a quiet spot helps.

Protect the incision. Check the wound each day for redness, swelling, discharge or opening. Use a cone or recovery suit if your dog licks or chews it. Call your vet if anything looks wrong.

Watch for warning signs. Call your vet if your dog vomits, refuses food, seems very tired, has a swollen belly or seems in pain after surgery. These can be signs of a complication and need checking quickly.

What winter and holiday items do dogs swallow most?

Gift wrap, ribbon and bows. Wrapping paper, tape, ribbon and bows are tempting to chew. Clean up as you unwrap and put trash in a covered bin straight away.

Toys and stocking stuffers. New kids' toys, small balls, squeakers and dog toys that are too small or easy to tear apart are common culprits. Choose dog toys that are the right size and supervise chewing. Our guide on Christmas gifts for dogs has safer gift ideas.

Food items. Bones, corn cobs, kebab skewers, string from roasts and foil wrappers are very dangerous. Keep them out of reach and take out the trash right after meals. See our guide on holiday foods dogs can and can't eat.

Winter clothing. Gloves, socks, hats and scarves often end up on the floor in winter. Keep a basket by the door for winter gear and close bedroom and laundry doors. Our kids and dogs over winter break guide has more family tips.

How do I stop my dog eating socks and toys?

Keep floors clear. The simplest step is to pick things up. Use laundry baskets with lids, close bedroom and laundry doors and teach kids to tidy toys away. Our winter toxins guide can help you check each room for other dangers too.

Teach drop it and leave it. These cues can save your dog's life. Practice daily with treats so your dog learns that letting go is rewarding. Our 30 day training plan includes both.

Choose safe toys. Pick toys that are bigger than your dog's mouth and tough enough for how they chew. Check toys often and throw away any that are broken or falling apart. Take away rope toys if your dog shreds and swallows the strands.

Meet their needs. Daily exercise, chewing outlets like safe chews, puzzle toys and plenty of company help reduce boredom chewing. If your dog chews and swallows things when alone, talk to your vet or a trainer, as stress may be involved. Our guide on separation anxiety may help.

What if my dog keeps swallowing things?

Supervise closely. Some dogs are repeat offenders. Watch them closely when they are out and about in the house, and use a crate, pen or gate when you cannot supervise. Our crate training guide explains how to make the crate a happy place.

Consider a basket muzzle on walks. If your dog eats things they find on walks, a well fitted basket muzzle that lets them pant and drink can keep them safe. Train them to wear it with treats so it is a positive experience.

Talk to your vet. Ongoing eating of non food items may be linked to medical issues such as nutritional problems or digestive conditions, or to anxiety. Your vet can check your dog and suggest next steps.

Work with a trainer or behaviorist. A certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help with a plan to reduce the behavior, build better habits and keep your dog safe.

• Call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine.
• Do not make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to.
• String and ribbon are especially dangerous.
• Know the blockage signs, vomiting, pain and not eating.
• Prevention is easy, with a tidy floor and safe toys.

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What should I do if my dog ate a sock?

Call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Note what was eaten and when. Do not make your dog vomit at home unless your vet tells you to.

Can a dog pass a sock on its own?

Sometimes, especially in large dogs, but socks often get stuck. There is no safe way to know at home, so always call your vet for advice.

How long does it take a dog to pass a sock?

If it passes, it usually comes out within one to two days. If it has not passed, or your dog shows signs of illness, see your vet.

What are the signs of a blockage in a dog?

Repeated vomiting, not eating, drooling, a painful or swollen belly, straining to poop, diarrhea and tiredness. See a vet right away if you notice these.

Should I make my dog throw up after eating a sock?

Not at home unless your vet tells you to. Your vet may give a safe injection in the clinic to make your dog vomit if the object was swallowed recently.

Is it dangerous if my dog ate ribbon or string?

Yes. String, ribbon and tinsel can bunch up the intestine and cause serious damage. Call your vet right away and never pull string from your dog's mouth or bottom.

Can a dog have a blockage and still poop?

Yes. With a partial blockage, a dog may still pass some stool or have diarrhea. Vomiting, pain and not eating are important signs to watch.

How much does foreign body surgery cost for dogs?

It varies, but surgery often costs several thousand dollars. Calling your vet early may allow cheaper and safer treatment.

Can I give my dog bread to help a sock pass?

Do not give food or home remedies to help an object pass unless your vet advises it. Some can make things worse.

How do I stop my dog eating socks?

Keep floors and laundry clear, close doors, teach drop it and leave it, choose safe toys and meet your dog's exercise and chewing needs.