Dog Ate Sock: What to Do, Symptoms, and When to Seek Care

If your dog ate a sock, it’s important to take it seriously. Socks are one of the most common foreign objects dogs swallow, and they can easily cause an intestinal blockage.

Because socks don’t break down in the digestive system, they can become stuck and lead to a life-threatening obstruction if not addressed.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Sock

If your dog has swallowed a sock, take these steps right away:

• Do not try to pull the sock out if it is partially stuck
• Remove access to any other clothing or objects
• Try to determine when the sock was swallowed
• Monitor your dog closely for symptoms
• Call a veterinarian for guidance

Call our veterinary team now: 757-974-8111

Same-day urgent care appointments are available.

Why Is Eating a Sock Dangerous for Dogs?

Socks cannot be digested and can become lodged in the stomach or intestines. This can block the normal movement of food and fluids, leading to a condition called an intestinal obstruction.

If untreated, a blockage can cut off blood supply to the intestines and become life-threatening.

Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

Symptoms may appear within hours or take a day or two depending on where the sock is located. Common signs include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or inability to pass stool
• Straining or discomfort

Symptoms often worsen over time as the blockage progresses.

When Should You Call a Veterinarian?

You should contact a veterinarian immediately if:

• You saw your dog swallow a sock
• Your dog is showing any symptoms
• You are unsure if the sock has passed
• Your dog is small or has swallowed a large object

Even if your dog seems normal, early evaluation is important.

How We Treat Foreign Body Ingestion

At Nexus Veterinary Urgent Care, treatment depends on the size of the object, location, and timing.

Treatment may include:

• Inducing vomiting if the sock was swallowed recently
• X-rays or ultrasound to locate the object
• Endoscopy to remove the sock from the stomach
• Surgery if the object is causing a blockage

Early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for surgery.

When in Doubt, Give Us a Call

We provide same-day urgent care to help your pet get the care they need as soon as possible in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk. Visit us at 1124 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or call us at 757-974-8111.