household
Socks and Underwear
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Socks and underwear are common causes of gut blockage in dogs and can be life-threatening.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog swallowed clothing.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention if your dog swallowed socks or underwear.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- straining
Why
Fabric items can ball up in the stomach or become lodged in the intestines. They often do not show up well on x-rays. Underwear with elastic can cause linear foreign body injuries, where the elastic saws through the gut wall. This is a common and serious reason for emergency surgery in dogs.
- Substances of concern
- foreign body obstruction, linear foreign body
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {socks,underwear,tights,stockings}
- Preparation
- Keep laundry in a closed basket.
- How much matters
- Even one sock or pair of underwear can cause a blockage.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- PDSAVeterinary organisation — Obstruction risk
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.