My dog is obsess with socks

[kellym05]

I have an almost 2 year old female dobe who is and always has been obsessed with socks. I think it’s primarily worn/dirty socks but also don’t think she discriminates. When I first had her I had no clue she was doing this until I saw her poop out a couple socks. All my socks were small ankle socks so she had no issues passing them. Recently she’s moved on to BIG athletic socks. I have always noticed and have been able to induce vomiting at home and she has always successfully puked them out.

I do my absolute best to keep her from them. She’s not allowed in my bedroom. However sometimes when guests are over or if I fall asleep on the couch, I sometimes kick my socks off without realizing. I get that on me and I have to do better.

If anybody has ANY suggestions on how to possibly deter her from sock eating ? It’s the most stressful thing

 

[LifeofRubie]

We have a sock eater and really, the only way is to make sure a sock is never within reach. They go straight from our feet into our hampers (which are tall and behind closed doors), straight from hampers to washer/dryer, then right back into hampers to be put away.

 

[kellym05]

We have a sock eater and really, the only way is to make sure a sock is never within reach. They go straight from our feet into our hampers (which are tall and behind closed doors), straight from hampers to washer/dryer, then right back into hampers to be put away.

Yeah that’s what I’ve been doing lately. I have a tall hamper but it isn’t firm, a softer material and she is able to put all her weight on it to get it to sink down. So we’ve kept her from that area or throw them directly into the washing machine.
Just have no idea why this is a thing! Makes me feel a little better that she isn’t the only dog doing it haha

 

[LifeofRubie]

Just have no idea why this is a thing! Makes me feel a little better that she isn’t the only dog doing it haha

Oh, she's not the only by a long shot!

Working on "leave/drop it" might help if you catch her in the act

 

[kellym05]

Oh, she's not the only by a long shot!

Working on "leave/drop it" might help if you catch her in the act

Yeah I’ve been able to get her to drop them when I catch her, she’s just so dang fast!

 

[Rits]

Dobermans often have OCD and pica is one of the shootoff behaviors. I have a sock eater too, fortunately he doesn't eat them until after he prances around a million times then settles down to chew first... So the odd chance he does get a missed one I catch him in time.

 

[JanS]

Yeah, it's not uncommon but it can be dangerous. All of our socks or loose clothes are either kept in a closet or drawer and never laying around.

 

[StateOfMine]

Flint is a sock thief too. He also does victory laps with them so I have time to grab them before he swallows.

 

[Ddski5]

The only thing I can say is to be more attentive and diligent on picking up you socks. It’s on you not your Doberman.

Take the advice from me, my first Doberman had abdominal obstruction surgery 2x from my daughters socks and he eventually died from it. I was and still am heartbroken, he was my buddy and I miss him every day. The surgery itself caused internal scarring and adhesions in which he never did fully recover.

I don’t mean to sound rude and crude, just trying to save you from heart ache and pain.

It is on you not your Doberman. If it there, she will gobble it up and eventually become obstructed.