an we start off by saying we quite literally can’t stand the smell of our own socks, so how is it even possible that our dogs could want them anywhere near their mouth? Well that is the big mystery behind dogs, isn’t it? Dogs; smart, adorable, typically lack any form of common sense. So, back to the point of this article; your dog swallowed a sock, what do you do? Here comes CatDogFish to the rescue with the answers you need.
Dogs often consume things they really shouldn’t; part of the chocolate biscuit you didn’t realize you dropped on the floor, the delicious assortment of treats they pull out of the bin whilst you’re at work, and, so your sibling claims, their coursework.
When it comes to socks, as well as other foreign objects, the severity of the situation depends on a few factors; the size of the sock, the size of your dog, and the condition of your dog’s digestive system. While some dogs could digest a wedding band with ease, others can hardly digest wet dog food. It is important to not put your dog in distress. You panicking will only cause your dog to panic too, which will only make the situation worse. This is where ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ comes into play.
"Sock? No, I haven't seen a sock. What even is a sock?"
After assessing the magnitude of the situation and, of course, calming yourself down, you have a few options when it comes to extracting said sock.
Au Natural
Let the sock pass through your dog’s digestive system and, ideally, dispose of the sock immediately. This is the best option for medium to large sized dogs, where the chances of the sock bunching up is slim. Keep in mind that having a sock pass through the digestive system can be rather uncomfortable so prepare for some dog moodiness.
"Fluffy sock felt a lot softer coming in than it does going out."
Leave it to the experts
In more severe cases, such as with small dogs or dogs whose digestive system is in bad health, it is best to take your dog to a vet and have the sock surgically removed. In surgical cases, the sock is removed directly from the stomach or intestines. With any invasive surgery on pets, there are a lot of risks involved, such as complications or infections, which is why it is important to go to a certified veterinarian.
Get sick quick approach
The final, and most common, way to retrieve the sock from your dog’s digestive system is to force your dog to regurgitate the sock. You can go about this in a few ways: one is to stick your fingers down your dog’s throat forcing them to gag, another way is to show them something disgusting or have them smell something disgusting, or you can buy all natural products that will induce vomiting in your pooch. This approach may be the most uncomfortable for both you and your dog, and it also comes with a few risks.
"Mum, I don't feel so swell."
When it comes down to it, it is your decision to make, but what is most important is staying calm every step of the way. Easier said than done, we know.
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