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My dog ate a sock, threw it up, but is still sick. Is it an emergency?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 7 days old | 50 lbs
My dog recently ate a sock last night and threw it up today. Since he’s threw up the sock, he keeps vomiting and is very weak, lazy. and inattentive. He’s about 5 months and eats 3 times a day but hasn’t had an appetite to eat at all today, just to drink water. I’m unable to seek medical attention from his vet right now. I don’t know if I should be worried or should have any ideas that he might die because of the sock and the way he is currently acting.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 15th, 2018
Unfortunately, if he does have an intestinal blockage, this is a life-threatening problem that needs emergency surgery - there is nothing you can do at home to treat it. So I would focus on finding a way to get him in to see a vet as soon as possible. If costs are a concern, you can see if there is a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help, or apply online for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most veterinary clinics: www.carecredit.com
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident
Published on March 6th, 2017
Oh Fenway! If you think he ate the sock with the last 2-3 hours I recommend taking him to the nearest veterinary hospital to safely induce vomiting. If has been longer I would recommend having x-rays of his belly to 1. confirm or deny ingestion, 2. see where in the digestive track the sock is. There is about a 50/50 chance the sock could pass with no problem or it could cause an obstruction in his digestive track. Unfortunately, once you start seeing signs of illness (i.e. vomiting, unable to keep food down, extreme lethargy, etc) this means an obstruction has likely occurred and would require emergency surgery. Taking him to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible, preferably now, could potentially prevent a much more serious issue. Best of luck to you both.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 27th, 2017
Buddy needs to get to a veterinarian ASAP. If he ate a sock and it's not passing, then this may be a surgical emergency. An intestinal blockage can be fatal if untreated. Please take Buddy to a vet asap for an evaulation and possible diagnostics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2018
Hi there. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
So sorry this happened to Marty. You should be very worried. Marty needs to get to a vet ASAP. It sounds like he may have a piece of that sock stuck in his intestines causing an obstruction. You cannot fix this at home. He needs to get to the vet for an exam and some x-rays. After that your vet will direct you as to what needs to be done based on the results. You cannot leave him untreated in this condition. This would be considered an emergency.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful