Why Do Dogs Like Socks? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
Our dogs are always getting into some sort of shenanigans! It’s hard to tell just why they want to eat the poop-filled baby diaper in the trash can or the piece of ice you dropped from the ice dispenser.
So, if your dog has been sneaking your socks, it might just be another thing to add to the list of weird items our dogs are attracted to. But you might wonder why on earth they are attracted to them. Here are some reasons—and they might not be what you think!
The 4 Reasons Why Dogs Like Socks
1. Your Dog Is Attracted to Your Scent
Let's face it, your dog loves the way you smell! It tells them so much about you and makes them feel safe and secure. Since your dog loves your scent so much, it is no wonder that they gravitate more towards the socks since the smells can be pretty strong!
2. Your Dog Might Be Teething
Human babies are not the only ones who teethe! That’s right, your puppy might be teething and your sock is within reach of them. Socks are soft but have some texture that might be soothing on your puppy’s gums. But if your puppy is teething, they probably won’t stop at just socks. Other clothing items might attract them, too. However, since your socks usually end up on the floor, your pup will go for them first.
3. Your Dog Is Experiencing Boredom
When a dog gets bored, they could get destructive. This could mean ripping apart toilet paper, going into the trash can, and, you guessed it, carrying around or chewing on socks. The dog is not trying to be malicious; they are just feeling bored. This is why having dog toys around can help curb boredom if you need to leave them alone for a few hours.
4. Your Dog Smells Something of Interest
Have you been walking around with your shoes off lately? You might be getting into something that your dog can smell, but you can't detect. Maybe you were walking around in a friend's house that has another dog. Or maybe you accidentally stepped in a few food crumbs, and your dog can smell it on your socks. It's hard to tell what kind of scent impulses they will be getting. If it was a one-time deal and they seemed very obsessed, but don’t seem to care otherwise—it’s probably a fluke or something you had on your sock at the time.
Why Your Dog's Love of Socks Can Become an Issue
Most people think the main reason their dog’s love of socks is an issue is that they destroy them. No one likes a holey sock! However, there are some other reasons why you want to keep your socks out of your dog’s mouth.
- Ingesting non-food items: If your sock chews on the sock for a while, they could swallow pieces of the yarn. Dogs will sometimes swallow socks whole or eat large chunks. While some dogs will pass socks without issues, eating socks can lead to dangerous gastrointestinal obstructions. If your dog has ingested all or part of a sock, you should contact your vet straight away.
- Underlying behavioral issues: We had already mentioned that dogs might snag a sock out of boredom, but they could fixate on socks for other reasons. Separation anxiety causes dogs to chew to relieve stress. The dog could also be suffering from other kinds of stress, like past trauma, issues within the home, or problems with other pets.
How to Prevent Your Dog Stealing Socks
The easiest way to keep your socks away from your dog is to keep them off the floor. We know it is nice to kick off your shoes and socks at the end of a long day; however, leaving them out will only entice them. If your dog manages to get ahold of one of your socks, you want to get it from them carefully. If your dog growls, stiffens their body, or points their ears down when you approach them, they might be guarding that sock. Grabbing it is never the answer, as the dog might lash out. Chasing them will make them think it is a game, so avoid doing that as well. Try swapping the sock for something else—like their own toy! Once they are distracted, use positive reinforcement or a treat reward. Then, retrieve the sock. Early training can help prevent your dog taking things they shouldn’t. Train them to listen to commands such as “Drop it” or “Leave it”
Conclusion
So, now you have a firmer understanding of why your dog has taken a shine to your socks. The bottom line is, if they like the textures, it smells like you, and they can fit in their mouth—they’ll usually be all about it. Maybe they just think you are extra cheddar-smelling! However, sock-chewing could mean behavioral issues. They could also swallow bits or all of it. Aim to prevent this behavior or work with an animal behaviorist to find the cause. See also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Javier Zapatero, Shutterstock
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
