It started as an ordinary afternoon walk. Max, a playful 3-year-old golden retriever, was his usual bouncy self—tail wagging, tongue out, soaking up the sunshine. But halfway through their stroll, Max collapsed.
His owners rushed him to the nearest emergency vet clinic, terrified and confused. He hadn't been sick, hadn’t eaten anything weird (as far as they knew), and had always been a healthy, energetic pup. So what happened?
The shocking truth
After some quick scans, the vet team delivered a jaw-dropping discovery: Max’s stomach was filled with seventeen socks.
Yes, socks. Mismatched, colorful, smelly socks—some partially digested, some balled up whole. Over time, Max had swallowed sock after sock when no one was looking. Eventually, they formed a tangled mass in his stomach, blocking his digestive system and putting his life in danger.
Emergency surgery removed the socks and saved Max’s life. But the incident left his family stunned—and full of questions.
Why do dogs eat socks?
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. For some, especially younger dogs, chewing or swallowing soft items like socks can be soothing or playful behavior. Others might be dealing with a condition called pica, where animals compulsively eat non-food objects. Some do it out of boredom or separation anxiety.
Unfortunately, swallowing items like socks isn’t just quirky—it can be fatal.
What are the warning signs?
Here are some signs your dog may have swallowed something they shouldn’t:
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in behavior or posture
If you notice any of these signs, especially after things go “missing” around the house, don’t wait. Call your vet.
How to protect your dog
-
Secure laundry hampers with lids or keep them behind closed doors.
-
Keep floors and couches clear of socks, underwear, and small fabric items.
-
Provide safe chew toys to redirect destructive or anxious chewing.
-
Monitor behavior closely, especially in puppies or dogs with a history of swallowing things.
Max’s story ends well—but many don’t
Thanks to quick action and great veterinary care, Max is back to being his goofy, loving self. But his family learned the hard way that something as innocent as a sock can turn into a life-threatening emergency.
If you think your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet. Don’t wait.
