If your dog swallowed a sock, you are not overreacting by being concerned. In fact, this is one of the most common and urgent emergencies we treat at VEG ER for Pets. Foreign body ingestion in dogs — especially socks — is a leading cause of intestinal obstruction and emergency abdominal surgery. What looks like “just fabric” can silently block the intestines, cut off blood supply, and lead to life-threatening infection.

Eating a sock is an emergency that can turn deadly fast. Seek immediate vet help. Review the FAQs at the end of this blog for answers to common concerns about dogs eating clothing.

What should I do if my dog ate a sock?

Before anything else, here are the top two things you need to know:

1. Waiting it out to see if the sock passes can be dangerous.

2. Early action prevents complications and saves lives.

If you know or suspect your dog swallowed a sock, it’s time to go to the emergency vet. Swallowing a sock can cause a laundry list of medical problems for your dog, and only a skilled veterinarian should assess your dog’s situation. 

It may sound like a comical situation, but it is a completely serious situation for your dog. If left untreated, complications can occur, including septic peritonitis—a major cause of sepsis. 

Let’s dig deeper into this common but potentially life-threatening pet emergency.

Why is sock ingestion so dangerous for dogs?

When we treat a foreign body ingestion in dogs, socks are among the most frequent culprits.

Here’s why they’re especially risky:

• Socks are soft and easy to swallow whole

• They do not digest or break down

• Socks are made to absorb fluid and swell

• They can bunch up and tightly wedge in the intestines

Unlike small, smooth objects, a sock molds to the intestinal shape and can create a complete obstruction. Once lodged, food, water, and gas can’t pass through normally.

A dog can swallow a sock and other clothing quickly. But don't wait until it passes, because this is a life-threatening emergency. VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 to give your dog immediate help.

What happens physically when a dog swallows a sock?

Understanding the internal process helps explain why eating a sock becomes an emergency.

1. The sock gets stuck in the stomach or small intestine.

2. Fluid and gas build up behind the blockage.

3. Pressure increases, stretching the intestinal walls.

4. Blood flow becomes compromised.

5. Tissue begins to die (necrosis).

6. Perforation can occur, leaking bacteria into the abdomen.

Once perforation and infection (septic peritonitis) develop, complications arise.

This is why early and immediate intervention by your nearest emergency vet matters.

Can a dog pass a sock on their own?

Sometimes in large breeds, a sock can pass though their system, but often not. Because sock ingestion can be damaging, it’s not something to wait out. Even a Great Dane can incur internal damage by eating a sock.

While very small fabric pieces might pass, most full-sized socks do not pass safely, especially in small or medium dogs.

Even more concerning: symptoms of obstruction can take 12–72 hours to fully appear. By the time vomiting becomes severe, damage may already be occurring internally. So, if you know your dog ate a sock, calling your VEG emergency vet hospital immediately is far safer than waiting for symptoms.

What are the symptoms to watch for if a dog eats a sock?

When you talk to our ER vet either in person or on the phone, let them know if you’ve seen any of these signs. In foreign body ingestions, these symptoms all signal an emergency: 

• Repeated or projectile vomiting

• Retching or dry heaving

• Refusing food

• Lethargy

• Painful or tense abdomen

• Hunched posture

• Straining to defecate

• No bowel movement

• Diarrhea

• Pale gums

• Weakness or collapse

These are signs of possible intestinal obstruction, which can be a surgical emergency. Surgeries are performed on site at VEG. Come in anytime—we’re open 24 hours every day; no appointment needed or taken. 

After eating a sock, a dog may appear perfectly normal. But inside, serious trouble is brewing. This is a dangerous obstruction that must be seen by an emergency vet. VEG is open 24 hours to help.

Dog ate a sock but is acting normal—should I still go to the vet?

Yes. It’s important to understand that soon after ingestion of a sock, many dogs appear completely normal. They may eat, drink, and act playful. That does not mean they are safe and out of danger.

If you saw your dog swallowing a sock— or strongly suspect it — early evaluation may allow for less invasive treatment options before the sock moves into the intestines. 

How is foreign body ingestion in dogs treated?

If you bring your dog in soon after ingestion:

If ingestion was recent, our vet may:

• Safely induce vomiting (only if appropriate; do not try this at home)

• Use endoscopy to retrieve the sock from the stomach

These options are less invasive and typically involve faster recovery.

If your dog swallowed a sock hours ago: 

The obstruction may have already developed causing blockage and in most cases requiring surgery.

Emergency surgery may include:

• Opening the stomach or intestines

• Removing the sock

• Checking for and removing damaged sections, if needed

• Flushing the abdomen if infection is present

If perforation or sepsis has occurred, hospitalization may involve:

• Antibiotics

• IV fluids, antibiotics

• Pain management

• Close monitoring

Rest assured, our experienced vet staff at VEG are always prepared for all kinds of emergencies. We know that dogs can nab a sock out the laundry and swallow it before you even know it. Come to VEG asap; no judgement, just prompt, compassionate medical care for your dog—and piece of mind for you.

When you should go to the vet if your dog ate a sock

Go to the ER vet immediately if:

You witnessed the ingestion or even suspect it. Yes, sometimes socks vanish in the wash! We’ve all experienced that. But the truth is, that elusive sock is somewhere. And if you think your dog is the reason why a sock is missing, don’t wait it out. Get to the emergency vet asap.

Bring your dog to the vet even if you didn’t witness sock ingestion but your dog is showing these symptoms:

• Vomiting 

• Your dog cannot keep water down

• Your dog shows abdominal pain

• More than 24 hours pass without a bowel movement

• Symptoms are worsening

Even if your dog seems “mostly okay,” obstruction can progress rapidly. It’s always better to evaluate a stable dog early than treat a critical one later.

How to stop your dog from eating socks and other clothing

While it may not work 100% of the time, there are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from swallowing articles of clothing: 

• Use closed laundry hampers that your dog cannot access

• Keep socks and other clothing off floors

• Supervise your pet around laundry; the warmth and scent of clean clothing fresh from the dryer is enticing to dogs. Never leave a clothing accessible to your dog if you're not in the same room

• Provide dog-safe chew toys to keep your dog’s choppers occupied

• Address anxiety or compulsive behaviors with your primary care vet

Dog ate a sock? Bring your pup in for prompt, compassionate care. VEG is always open to help if you suspect your dog ate a sock or any other article of clothing.

VEG emergency vet hospitals are open 24/7 - come in if your dog eats a sock

If you suspect your dog swallowed a sock — even if they seem fine — call or walk into any VEG emergency dog hospital. Whether it turns out to be a false alarm or a full-on emergency…our experienced and compassionate team is here to help sock bandits get back to their happy tail-wagging selves!

FAQs if dog ate a sock

Is it dangerous if my dog swallows a sock?

A sock may look harmless on the floor. But, inside your pet, it can cause havoc! Foreign body ingestion in dogs is not something that improves with time. It worsens. Early evaluation by a vet can make all the difference between a simple procedure and emergency surgery.

What happens if a dog ate a sock?

If a dog swallows a sock, it can cause an intestinal blockage. Socks do not digest and can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, cutting off blood supply and leading to a life-threatening emergency.

Can a dog pass a sock naturally?

Sometimes, in large breeds, but not often. Typically only some small pieces of fabric may pass, not full-sized socks. It commonly causes intestinal obstruction and requires immediate veterinary treatment.

How soon after my dog ate a sock will symptoms start?

Symptoms may appear within hours, but sometimes take up to 2–3 days. Lack of symptoms does not guarantee safety. If you suspect your dog has ingested a sock, consult a vet at VEG immediately.

What are signs of intestinal blockage in dogs?

Signs include repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, abdominal pain, no bowel movements, lethargy and weakness. These symptoms require emergency veterinary care.

Should I make my dog throw up if they ate a sock?

Do not induce vomiting at home unless instructed by a veterinarian. Inducing vomiting improperly can cause additional complications, for example, the obstruction could get caught in your dog's airway, causing a life-threatening emergency.

When should I go to the ER if my dog ate a sock?

See our VEG emergency vets immediately if you witnessed the ingestion, if vomiting starts or if your dog seems in pain, weak or unable to keep water down.

Can a dog survive after eating a sock?

Yes, especially with early treatment. If you suspect your dog has ingested a sock, get them evaluated by a vet immediately to avoid any life-threatening complications.  

Can I wait to see if my dog will pass the sock?

Waiting can be dangerous. A sock can silently cause worsening obstruction, tissue death, or perforation. Early evaluation is always safer than delayed emergency surgery.