From socks to toys to household objects, dogs are notorious for ingesting inappropriate items, which can result in serious health risks.
However, with the right preventive measures, you can keep your furry friend safe and minimize the chances of them eating something they shouldn’t.
Roadmap
Diagnosing and managing allergies in dogs is a step-by-step process, and require adjustments when changes and relapses occur.
You’re in the management stage…

Key Take-Aways
- Dogs have a tendency to ingest inappropriate items due to curiosity, boredom, hunger, anxiety, behavioural issues, or lack of training/supervision.
- Ingesting inappropriate items can pose serious health risks to dogs, including gastrointestinal obstruction, choking hazards, intestinal damage, and toxicity.
- Preventive measures to reduce the chances of dogs eating inappropriate items include providing mental and physical stimulation, feeding a balanced and nutritious diet, supervising and limiting access to potential hazards, providing appropriate chew toys, and investing in proper training and behavioural management techniques.
- Dogs can be sneaky and persistent, so extra precautions may be necessary even if they are well-trained and supervised.
- It’s important to emphasize the potential health risks associated with ingesting non-food items and the importance of prevention for the well-being of the dog.
- A real-life case of a dog ingesting a sock and requiring surgery serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent supervision and prevention measures for keeping dogs safe.
Why Do Dogs Eat Inappropriate Items?
Dogs have an innate curiosity and tendency to explore the world with their mouths, which can sometimes lead to them ingesting objects that are not meant to be consumed.
There are several reasons why dogs may engage in this behavior, including:
- Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods of time or without adequate mental and physical stimulation may resort to eating inappropriate items out of sheer boredom.
- Hunger: Dogs with an inadequate or unbalanced diet may seek out non-food items to satisfy their hunger.
- Anxiety or stress: Dogs may eat inappropriate items as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress, similar to how humans might engage in comfort eating.
- Behavioural issues: Some dogs may have behavioural issues, such as pica, where they have a compulsive urge to eat non-food items.
- Lack of training or supervision: Dogs that have not been properly trained or supervised may develop a habit of ingesting inappropriate items.

The Risks Of Dogs Eating Inappropriate Items
Ingesting inappropriate items can pose serious risks to your dog’s health. Some potential risks include:
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: Swallowing objects that are not easily digestible can lead to blockages in the digestive tract, causing severe pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Choking hazards: Small objects or toys can pose a choking hazard for dogs, especially those with smaller mouths or breeds prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome.
- Intestinal damage: Sharp objects or items with jagged edges can cause tears or punctures in the intestines, leading to internal bleeding, infection, and peritonitis. And, strings can cut into the intestinal wall if pulled.
- Toxicity: Some objects or household items can be toxic to dogs, causing poisoning, organ damage, or even death.
Tips For Preventing Your Dog From Eating Inappropriate Items
- Provide mental and physical stimulation: Regular exercise, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, reducing the likelihood of them engaging in destructive behaviours out of boredom.
- Feed a balanced and nutritious diet: Ensure your dog is on a nutritionally balanced diet that meets its specific dietary requirements. Avoid feeding table scraps or human food that may entice your dog to seek out non-food items.
- Supervise and limit access: Keep an eye on your dog at all times, especially when they are in new or unfamiliar environments. Limit their access to areas where there may be potential hazards or inappropriate items.
- Provide appropriate chewing outlets: Offer your dog safe and appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Avoid giving them objects that resemble household items, such as socks or shoes, as it may create confusion.
- Training and behavioural management: Invest time in proper training and behavioural management techniques to discourage your dog from engaging in inappropriate behaviours. Seek professional help if your dog has persistent behavioural issues, such as pica or anxiety.
Don’t Believe Me?
Some owners I meet, argue that their dogs are well-trained and supervised, yet they still eat inappropriate items. In such cases, it’s important to emphasize that dogs can be sneaky and persistent, and extra precautions may be necessary.
There may be criticism from owners who feel that their dogs should be allowed to chew on whatever they want, including inappropriate items, as it is a natural behaviour for dogs.
However, it’s crucial to highlight the potential health risks associated with ingesting non-food items and the importance of preventing such behaviours from ensuring the well-being of the dog.

At my veterinary clinic, I recently encountered a case where a dog named Buddy had ingested a sock. Despite being well-trained and supervised by his owner, Buddy had managed to sneakily snatch a sock that was left unattended.
The owner was devastated when Buddy started showing symptoms of vomiting and discomfort, and an X-ray revealed a sock lodged in his intestine, causing a dangerous obstruction.
Buddy required immediate surgery to remove the sock and thankfully recovered, but it was a costly and stressful experience for both Buddy and his owner.
I hope this incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent supervision and prevention measures to keep our furry friends safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preventing your dog from eating inappropriate items is crucial to ensure its safety and well-being. Dogs have a natural tendency to explore the world with their mouths, and ingesting non-food items can pose serious health risks such as gastrointestinal obstruction, choking hazards, intestinal damage, and toxicity.
To prevent such behaviours, it’s important to provide mental and physical stimulation, feed a balanced and nutritious diet, supervise and limit access, provide appropriate chewing outlets, and invest in proper training and behavioural management techniques.
Even well-trained and supervised dogs can be sneaky, so extra precautions may be necessary.
The story of Buddy, who ingested a sock despite being well-trained and supervised, serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent prevention measures to keep our furry friends safe.
By taking proactive steps to prevent your dog from eating inappropriate items, you can minimize the risks and help ensure a healthy and happy life for your beloved pet.

This article is written by…
Hayden Parker (He/Him) is a skilled veterinarian (DVM), and course instructor. With a focus on high professional competence, credibility, and respect.
As a family man, podcaster, and digital marketer, Hayden runs several websites.
His value statement centres on thoroughness, honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for animals, owners, and fellow professionals.