Just like people, dogs can develop quirky preferences and become attached to certain objects. Some might have a favorite toy they won’t go anywhere without, a blanket they love to cuddle with, or a specific spot they always sleep in. But sometimes, their obsessions can be a little odd…like socks. Whether it’s the scent, the texture, or just the fun of carrying them around, many dogs find socks strangely irresistible.
The actual reason your dog is obsessed with your socks might actually surprise you. It’s not just about stealing something that smells like you or finding them fun to chew and destroy. There’s a deeper explanation behind this quirky behavior that many pet owners don’t expect. To find out what’s really going on, and to understand the potential dangers of dogs developing a sock-chewing habit, keep reading.
We’ll dive deeper into that as well as the dangers of dogs eating socks and how to prevent them from doing so. That way, you can keep your pup safe and help them find other hobbies they can do instead.
Why Do Dogs Like Socks?
There are several reasons why dogs like socks and why they are drawn to them, some of them are actually sweet as it’s because socks have the smell of their owners on them. Find out more about that and the top reasons why dogs like socks so much below!
They smell like a family member
Dogs are often attracted to socks because they carry their owner’s scent, which is comforting and familiar to them. Since dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell, even a worn sock can be full of interesting scents that grab their attention. Chewing or stealing socks can also be a way for dogs to seek attention, reduce boredom, or satisfy their natural urge to chew. While it might seem like a weird habit, to them, it’s just another way to feel close to you, which is sweet when you think about it.
To help with stress
Socks are like security blankets for pets. Dogs often pick them up when they find them just because they enjoy carrying them around. They are a great stress relief tool for them. So if you catch your dog doing this, this may be why.
A comforting object
While this may seem strange, socks provide a little comfort for dogs when they are all alone. It may be the smell or it may be the texture, but there is no doubt they do help dogs
upset by separation cope with being apart from their owner. This is why you may notice that one of your socks is in the hallway or another room when you get home. How sweet is that?
As a toy
In your dogs eyes, socks are not for wearing. Instead, they can be viewed as a toy of sorts, which is why some dogs enjoy playing with socks when they find them on the floor or in a closet. Most people get worried when they see their dog carrying around a sock, so they go to take it away as an instinct. However, that’s where the fun begins for your pet, as they think you are trying to play with them and they want you to chase them. Once your dog knows you’ll chase them to get your sock back, they will remember that and look for socks to play with every chance they get.
The dangers of dogs eating socks
While your dog carrying around a sock can appear cute, things can quickly turn deadly if your dog starts to chew on them and eats them. If your dog eats a sock, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately. Veterinarians often treat dogs who have swallowed socks, which can cause serious intestinal blockages. These blockages prevent food and waste from passing through the digestive system, leading to intense pain, vomiting, dehydration and even life-threatening complications. Emergency surgery is often required to remove the sock, but not all dogs survive the operation or recovery. Tragically, some don’t even make it to surgery, especially when families can’t afford the high cost of emergency care. What starts as a harmless habit can quickly turn fatal and tons of dogs end up passing away from their obsession with eating socks.
How to keep your dog from eating socks
No matter how good of a job you do keeping things picked up, your dog is going to eventually come across a sock. Who hasn’t relaxed when watching TV and removed their socks without taking them to the laundry? Since none of us can be with our dogs 24/7 watching them, it’s a good idea to try to focus them on another object instead.
One method to keep your dog from eating socks is to try to replace it with something else, like a hard toy. If your dog is not into hard toys though, a sock-like stuffed animal may keep him or her occupied and meet that need to chew something soft. This may mainly apply to puppies, especially those going through teething. You can also try replacing their love of socks with another object, like a frozen chicken foot.
Though, keep in mind, these alternatives aren’t going to prevent the problem if your dog has a lot of chances to get to socks. Because of this you need to be cautious and make sure dirty socks always go into a clothes hamper that has a lid, and even when they are just out of the washer they have to be put into a drawer out right away so they will be out of reach. .
The one command dog owners should use
If your dog does find a sock and you see them with it, it’s important not to encourage them to play with it. Instead, you want to teach them to “leave it.” You can do so by following a YouTube video or reaching out to a dog trainer.
It is a simple command and something you should teach your pet. Any dog can learn this in one session, but it is something you should practice once a day for a minute or two until this command is second-nature. Some day your dog’s life might depend on them knowing this command.
