Dog Eating Socks, Underwear, Or Cloths: What To Do?
Dogs have a well-earned reputation for eating things they shouldn’t, from leftover scraps to entire socks. Eating soft, non-food items like socks, underwear, or pieces of cloths can lead to serious health risks, including choking, intestinal blockages in your dog. If you see your dog eating cloths, we’ll walk you through what to do, how to recognize warning signs, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Is My Dog Eating Cloths?
Curiosity and Exploration
Puppies and young dogs explore their world through taste and texture. Clothing, especially worn items, smells like you—comforting and familiar. Unfortunately, that also makes it tempting to chew and swallow.
Teething or Chewing Habit
Chewing offers relief for teething puppies and stress relief for adults. If dogs lack access to appropriate chew toys, your laundry basket may become their go-to.
Pica: Eating Non-Food Items
Pica is a behavioral condition where dogs compulsively eat non-edible objects. Causes range from boredom and anxiety to nutritional imbalances or underlying medical conditions.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
If grabbing socks makes you chase after them or yell, your dog might see it as a game or a guaranteed way to get your attention.
Common Clothing Items Ingested by Dogs
Socks and Underwear
These items hold a significant olfactory allure due to the lingering scents of their human companions. A sock is not just a sock; it’s a treasure trove of smells, making it a prime target. Plus, they’re usually the easiest to access, often lying around waiting for a canine raid.
Shirts and Other Fabrics
Shirts often provide a larger chewing surface and a variety of materials to explore, making them another popular choice for canines with a penchant for fabric. Whether it’s a favorite old tee or a brand-new button-up, if it’s lying around, there’s a good chance your dog will be tempted to take a bite.
Potential Health Risks of Dog Eating Cloths
Obstructions in the Digestive Tract
When your dog decides to gobble down something that doesn’t belong on the menu, it can lead to some serious problems, like intestinal blockages. These obstructions can be painful and dangerous and often require veterinary intervention. If your pooch has eaten something they shouldn’t have, they might be facing a game of gastrointestinal roulette.
Tearing of Intestinal Linings
Ingesting clothing items can cause tears or abrasions in the intestinal lining, which requires immediate attention from a vet.
Infections and Other Complications
Swallowing non-food items can lead to infections, particularly if there is any tearing in the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria can invade the area, leading to serious health complications that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Signs Your Dog Has Ingested Something They Shouldn’t
Physical Symptoms to Look For
Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a refusal to eat can indicate trouble
Behavioral Changes
Changes in your dog’s behavior can also be a red flag. If your usually playful pup suddenly turns into a couch potato or seems distressed, it could mean they’re feeling the side effects of their fabric-filled feast. Pay attention to any unusual whining, pacing, or restlessness—those can be signs that your dog is not feeling their best.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Eating Cloths
Step 1: Assessing the Situation
Panic can stress your dog further. Keep calm and assess the situation. Find out which clothing item your dog has ingested and how much. Act quickly and remove any clothing pieces near your dog. Monitor their behaviour.
Step 2: Check for Immediate Signs of Distress
Look for:
- Gagging or choking
- Pawing at the mouth
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden vomiting
If your dog is choking or unable to breathe, treat it as an emergency and rush to the vet.
Step 3: Determine What Was Eaten
Try to answer:
- What did they swallow (sock, underwear, towel)?
- How big was it?
- Was it part of a known behavior (chewing fabric)?
- When did it happen?
Bring a matching item to the vet for comparison if possible.
Step 4: Call Your Veterinarian
Even if your dog seems okay, call your vet and explain the situation. In many cases, they’ll advise monitoring closely, but some may ask you to come in for x-rays or other diagnostics depending on the risk.
If your dog isn’t showing any concerning symptoms yet, but you are doubtful, you can consult an online vet on our app. Get professional advice about your pet’s health now.
How Vets Assess the Situation
Physical Exam
Your vet will check your dog’s abdomen for signs of bloating, pain, or gas buildup.
Imaging: X-Rays or Ultrasound
X-rays can sometimes detect blockages or foreign masses. While cloth items don’t show up clearly, the blockage they create often does.
Endoscopy
In some cases, a camera can be inserted into your dog’s stomach to locate and retrieve the object, if it hasn’t passed into the intestines.
Surgery
If the item is lodged in the intestines or stomach and can’t be removed via endoscopy, surgery is the next step. This is more invasive but necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.
Preventive Measures to Stop Your Dog From Eating Cloths
Creating a Dog-Friendly Environment
Create spaces in your home that are safe and inviting for your pooch. Use baby gates to keep them away from laundry rooms or closets where temptation lurks. And remember, out of sight, out of mind.
Proper Storage of Clothing Items
Use closed hampers or closets with doors that your dog can’t open. If they can’t get to the laundry basket, they can’t stage a sock heist.
Treat Underlying Conditions
If this behavior is frequent, discuss pica or separation anxiety with your vet. Behavioral therapy may be necessary.
Training Tips to Curb Pica Behavior in Dogs
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
When your dog behaves like a model citizen, reward them! Use praise, treats, or their favorite toy. Positive reinforcement creates a happy association with being good and rewards their decision to leave your wardrobe alone.
Redirecting Attention
Use fun toys or play fetch to pull their attention away from your cloths. A good game of tug-of-war can be a lifesaver when it comes to getting them focused on something other than your laundry.
Engaging Activities to Reduce Boredom
Bored dogs are the greatest risk-takers. Keep their minds and bodies busy! Invest in puzzle toys, take them for daily walks, or enroll them in training classes. The busier they are, the less likely they are to turn their focus to your cloths.
Conclusion
Swallowing clothing is more than just a quirky mistake, it’s a health hazard. Whether it’s a single sock or a whole T-shirt, foreign objects can cause painful and potentially fatal blockages. Immediate action, close monitoring, and early veterinary involvement can save your dog’s life.
FAQs
Can a sock pass on its own?
Sometimes, especially in larger dogs. But it can also bunch up and block the intestines. Always consult your vet.
How long does it take for clothing to pass through a dog?
Anywhere from 10 to 72 hours, if it passes at all. If it doesn’t show up in the stool within 3 days, call your vet.
Should I give my dog laxatives?
No. Laxatives can worsen the situation or cause dehydration. Only give what your vet prescribes.
My dog threw up the sock. Is he okay now?
Possibly, but monitor closely. Internal irritation or partial tears may still require attention.
Is it okay if my dog just chews on socks?
No. Even chewing can lead to accidental swallowing. Always replace clothing with chew-safe toys.