My dog ate a sock but is acting normal. Is that OK?
Not necessarily. A dog can look completely fine while an object sits in the stomach, and signs often start only when it moves into the intestine. That quiet window is the best time to call, because removal without surgery may still be possible.
How long could a sock stay in a dog's stomach?
It varies. An object can sit in the stomach for a long time before it comes back up, passes, or moves on and blocks the intestine, and there is no way to predict which. There is no safe waiting period to count on, so call when you know it happened.
Can a dog's stomach acid dissolve a sock?
No. Fabric, rubber and plastic don't break down in stomach acid, which is why socks, toys and wrappers so often cause blockages.
Will a dog still eat if they have a blockage?
Sometimes. Some dogs keep eating or drinking at first, especially when the blockage is partial, so a normal appetite does not rule one out.
Signs of a blockage include:
- Repeated vomiting, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up
- Not eating, or vomiting soon after eating
- Belly pain: hunching, restlessness, not wanting to be picked up
- Straining with little or no stool
- Lethargy
How long can a dog go with a foreign body?
There is no safe answer. A complete intestinal blockage can damage the bowel wall, and that damage is what makes surgery longer and recovery harder. Treat it as an emergency, not something to watch over the weekend.
How CARE finds it
X-ray, ultrasound and CT are all run and read at CARE through the weekend, so we can locate the object without waiting for Monday.
Some objects, like bones, metal and some toys, show up clearly on X-ray. Fabric and soft plastic often don't, which is when ultrasound or CT helps show where the object is and whether the intestine is blocked.
Endoscopy or surgery?
Where the object is decides the approach.
| Endoscopy | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the object is | Esophagus or stomach | Anywhere, including the intestine |
| Incision | None; a flexible camera goes in through the mouth | Yes, an incision in the abdomen |
| Sedation | Sedation or anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Recovery | Usually quick, with no incision to heal | Hospital stay, then rest while the incision heals |
| When it's the right choice | The object is reachable and can be removed safely | The object has moved into the intestine, is stuck, or can't be removed with the scope |
Learn more about endoscopy and surgery at CARE.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from foreign object removal surgery?
Recovery depends on where the object was and whether any intestine was damaged. Most dogs spend some time in hospital and then need rest at home while the incision heals; your veterinarian will give you a plan for your dog.
String, ribbon and thread: a special danger for cats
Cats love string, ribbon, thread and tinsel, and long, thin objects are especially dangerous once swallowed.
As the intestine tries to move a string along, it can bunch up around it and be cut. If you see string hanging from your cat's mouth or under the tail, do not pull it. Call CARE at (757) 703-0199 and come in.
Read more
Our blog walks through the visit itself: Your Dog Ate Something It Should Not Have: What Happens at the Emergency Vet Next.