Why Do Dogs Like Socks? (And When Is It A Big Deal?)
Hundreds of toys lying around, and your dog still prefers your socks? Find out the 5 reasons behind this mysterious phenomenon.
Like a collector of fine art, our canine friends have a serious eye (and nose) for some of our most intimate items. But, why do dogs like socks so much? Get your reading shoes on, because we’re going on a journey through the top 5 reasons why dogs steal socks – including when it signals something more serious. (And where a smart dog tracker can step in.)
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read more5 reasons why dogs steal socks
No, socks are not a part of a healthy dog diet. If your dog steals socks, they’re most likely not trying to actually eat them. So then what is your furry friend doing? Here are the main reasons why dogs love socks
Chewing – it feels good!
For puppies, chewing is part of the teething process, whereas for most grown-up dogs, the action of chewing on a sock is as irresistible as chewing gum is for humans. Chewing is a healthy activity for dogs that can provide fun, stimulation, and even anxiety relief.1 It also keeps their teeth clean, and their jaws and mouth healthy and strong.
Read more: Dog Biting 101: Managing Your Buddy’s Toothy Troubles
Boredom
If your dog does not get enough healthy activity and stimulation, it can lead to behaviors such as overeating or chewing anything in sight. It might sound odd, but boredom is also one of the 6 reasons why dogs run away.
So when dogs steal socks, they may be looking for a fun distraction. But be careful not to reward this behavior – trying to take the sock away from them might seem like a fun game of tug-o-war to your buddy! Your dog will also probably love it if you chase them to get the sock.
They love you.
Believe it or not, your dog would much rather have the nastiest, dirtiest old gym sock than a clean one. Jokes aside, dogs find comfort in their human’s smell. So make sure to plan enough time for cuddling with your four-legged sweetheart, so they can feel you love them right back.
Good to know: Your “dirty” socks smell like you. Chewing on them makes your dog feel closer to their favorite humans. When your dog chews on your socks, they feel like they’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket. In other words, this is a sign of affection, so always make sure you cuddle with your dog as often as possible. They need that!
You leave things lying around.
If your house is untidy or if there’s laundry in your dog’s reach, you’re better off keeping your socks off the floor and out of reach. Only by doing so your dog will learn to distinguish what they should and should not have their paws on. And it’s not just about socks. All of your laundry items are potential chew targets.
Separation anxiety
Dogs are social animals and when you’re gone, they miss you. A lot. It’s not uncommon for a dog to experience social anxiety and seek some sort of comfort when left alone. Your socks can give them that reassurance. Because they smell like you, your smelly socks can make your dog feel less anxious during your absence. This does not mean a sock could ever replace the love you can give your dog! If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, try to make extra time for your dog where possible.
💡A smart dog collar with built-in Separation Anxiety monitoring can help you pick up on any weird hints your dog might be feeling antsy without you around.
How can I prevent my dogs from stealing socks?
Now that we know why dogs steal socks, let’s look at what you can do to prevent this (often) unwanted behavior in dogs:
- Make sure your dog gets enough physical exercise
Don’t skip the regular walks and playtime. Besides preventing your dog from getting bored, it’s also likely to help them feel less anxious. Here are some fun indoor games for dogs if the weather’s rubbish outdoors. - Get your dog with their own chew toys
Tug of war ropes or even Kong toys can all be more appropriate for chewing than your socks. Or laundry. - Keep it tidy indoors
Put socks and other personal items in a place where your dog cannot reach them. - Don’t skip on the obedience training
Besides preventing boredom and anxiety, doubling down on basic commands like “Drop it” can help your dog feel more secure. (And keep your socks safe!) Dogs are also smart enough to remember which items are for play and which aren’t. - Don’t skip out on the quality time
Give your dog plenty of attention, love, and stimulation so they never get bored.
My dog ate a sock: what should I do?
In most cases, dogs will probably just chew on socks and play with them. However, sometimes they may actually try to eat them. If your dog eats a sock, follow the advice below, from Falls Village Veterinary Hospital:
- Stay calm – panicking will likely not help your furry friend!
- Find out:
- What exactly did your dog swallow?
- How big was it?
- When did it happen?
- Does your dog appear sick or in distress?
- Call your vet – they can give you more advice.
Depending on the situation, you’ll find it helpful to take into account:
- Your dog’s size compared to the sock size
- The sock material
- Your furry friend’s age and health condition
A dog that has eaten a sock may naturally pass it out in 10 -24 hours; however it’s best not to assume this will happen and call your vet for support. If your dog shows signs of distress such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea, it could be a sign of bowel obstruction, in which case, your dog should be treated by a vet immediately.
Where a smart dog tracker can step in
Dogs often turn to chewing on socks as a way to soothe themselves when they feel stressed, bored, or lonely – especially if they suffer from separation anxiety. This is where a smart dog tracker like Tractive can make a real difference for both pets and their parents.
Strapped to your dog’s collar, you can now catch on to any signs of separation anxiety – with just a glance at your phone. Switch on the Separation Anxiety monitor via your Tractive mobile app. Now you’ll be alerted to signs your dog might be struggling by themselves, like excessive barking or restless pacing. Meaning, you can quickly check in on your dog – whether by dropping by on your lunch break or via the petcam – to understand how they’re feeling and intervene before the sock-chewing starts.
Beyond alerts, having this insight allows you to set up a more enriching home environment. You might introduce interactive toys, calming scents, or soothing music to help ease their anxiety. So you can both keep your dog safe and prevent any stress-related sock chewing.
With a smart tracker like Tractive, you’re gaining peace of mind and a powerful tool to better support your furry friend’s emotional well-being.
Ready to never worry about your socks again?
It’s common behavior for dogs to steal socks and other personal items of ours. They don’t do this to be bad, or because they actually want to eat them. They just enjoy chewing, need fun and entertainment, like your smell (and love you), are naturally curious and playful, interested in the things you have lying around and finally, because they might be suffering from separation anxiety.
If your dog actually does manage to eat a sock, consult your vet as soon as possible. And remember to give your furry friend lots of love, no matter what they get up to!
Plus, for an extra pair of eyes (and ears) on your dog when you’re not at home…
Keep track of your dog’s daily adventures
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