Dog Swallowed a Sock or Foreign Object

Overview

Dogs sometimes swallow items that cannot pass safely through the digestive tract. Some objects may pass on their own, but others can cause obstruction or damage. A veterinarian can help assess risk based on the object type, size, and your dog's symptoms. Do not assume the object will pass without guidance.

Recommended timing

Contact a veterinarian within the next few hours if symptoms persist, worsen, or you are unsure.

When emergency veterinary care may be appropriate

• Your dog is vomiting repeatedly or cannot keep food or water down
• Signs of abdominal pain, bloating, or straining
• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea
• You saw your dog swallow a large or sharp object
• Your dog is a small breed and swallowed a sizable item
• Symptoms develop hours or days after ingestion

What to tell your veterinarian

• What object was swallowed and approximate size
• Time since ingestion
• Any vomiting, gagging, or changes in stool
• Your dog's appetite and energy level
• Breed, age, and weight

What to have ready

• Your pet's current weight (or a recent estimate)
• List of medications your pet takes
• When symptoms started or when exposure occurred
• Any packaging, labels, or product information (for toxins or foreign objects)
• Photos or videos of symptoms, if safe to capture
• What object was swallowed and approximate size

What not to do

• Do not assume the object will pass without veterinary input
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian
• Do not feed large amounts of food or bread to push the object through without guidance
• Do not wait days if your dog is showing symptoms