Foreign Body Ingestions: Why Dogs Eat Socks, Toys, and More
Dogs are naturally curious — and sometimes that curiosity leads them to swallow things they shouldn’t. From socks and squeaky toys to rocks and corn cobs, foreign body ingestion is one of the most common veterinary emergencies.
Why Dogs Eat Non-Food Objects
There are several reasons dogs might eat strange items:
- Curiosity or play: Puppies, especially, explore the world with their mouths.
- Boredom or anxiety: Chewing can provide comfort or relief from stress.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Rarely, some dogs may eat odd items (a behavior called pica) due to diet imbalances.
Warning Signs of Ingestion
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Straining or inability to pass stool
If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Objects can cause dangerous blockages or tears in the digestive tract.
Prevention Tips
- Keep small objects, clothing, and trash out of reach.
- Offer safe chew toys to satisfy oral needs.
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom-driven chewing.
If your dog may have swallowed something unusual, call us immediately — prompt care can be lifesaving.
About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.