Dogs have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t, and for some, that includes eating stuffed toys, socks, or even their own beds. Our dog chewed off the arm off his Mr. Bill toy last night and he definitely ate the arm (more on that later). This behavior, while frustrating and sometimes alarming, has underlying reasons and solutions. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Dogs Eat Non-Food Items?
This behavior, known as pica, can be driven by several factors. Pica is a condition in which dogs compulsively eat non-food items, such as fabric, plastic, or even wood. It can stem from medical, behavioral, or psychological issues.
Some common causes include:
- Teething or Chewing Instincts – Puppies and young dogs often chew on things to relieve discomfort or explore their environment (our puppy is currently teething).
- Boredom or Anxiety – Dogs left alone for long periods may chew or ingest objects as a coping mechanism (to make matters worse, we were traveling the last couple of days and our puppy was staying with his sitter for the first time).
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Some dogs eat odd things due to a lack of essential nutrients.
- Attention-Seeking Behavior – If your dog learns that chewing on socks gets a reaction, they may continue doing it.
- Compulsive Disorder – In some cases, dogs develop compulsive tendencies to chew or eat inedible objects.
Signs Your Dog Has Ingested a Foreign Object
If you suspect your dog has eaten a stuffed toy, sock, or another non-food item, watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain (whining when touched, restlessness, or hunched posture)
- Diarrhea (our puppy had diarrhea first)
- Difficulty defecating or signs of obstruction (he then had problems defecating)
- Excessive drooling
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Sock or Stuffed Toy
- Monitor for Symptoms – If your dog is acting normally and the object is small, they may pass it naturally. Keep an eye on their bowel movements (we found Mr. Bill’s arm in the puppy’s stool this morning – we are thankful the arm made its way out without intervention!)
- Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Guidance – Some objects can cause more damage coming back up. Always check with your vet first.
- Seek Veterinary Help if Symptoms Develop – If you notice signs of an obstruction or distress, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed (several years back a vet x-rayed a Great Dane’s stomach and saw a pile of socks) .
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Surgical or Endoscopic Removal – In severe cases, a veterinarian may need to remove the object via surgery or an endoscopic procedure (when they operated on the Great Dane they counted 44 socks – many were small baby socks).
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Non-Food Items
- Provide Safe Chew Toys – Ensure they have appropriate items to satisfy their chewing instincts.
- Keep Tempting Objects Out of Reach – Store socks, toys, and bedding where your dog can’t access them.
- Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation – More exercise and interactive play can reduce boredom-related chewing. Puzzle toys loaded with chewy and crunchy treats can be a great alternative.
- Use Deterrent Sprays – Bitter-tasting sprays on furniture or objects can discourage chewing.
- Teach ‘Leave It’ and ‘Drop It’ Commands – Training your dog to release objects on command can prevent them from swallowing dangerous items.
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Consider a Behavioral Consultation – If the behavior is persistent, a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help.
Final Thoughts
Eating non-food items can be dangerous and costly, but with proper management and preventative measures, you can curb this behavior. After our experience this weekend, we have seriously edited our dog’s toy basket. We set intact stuffed toys aside (in a place the puppy can’t access) and will see if he outgrows the behavior. We kept harder chew toys in the toy basket - we had several made from bamboo that are now our go-to toys.
If your dog has a history of ingesting dangerous objects, stay vigilant and proactive in keeping them safe. Good Luck!
