ASK THE VET

Q: My two-year-old male Dalmatian really loves eating socks whole! This is obviously a massive worry in case they get stuck. Do you have any tips to get him to stop?

KERRY WHATLEY, Newcastle A: Socks are very common foreign bodies removed from dogs’ intestines, so you are right to be worried about this behaviour as it can lead to a life-threatening surgical emergency. The biggest tip would be to prevent any socks being left within Dalmatian reach so he does not have access to the socks to consume.

Sock consumption may start as a result of boredom. Dalmatians often require a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so trying to entertain the dog through exercise and other games may help reduce this behaviour.

If the sock is constantly being removed, consumption may be a resource-guarding behaviour, preventing you from removing the sock.

Teaching the dog to “drop it” and “leave it” are going to be key to preventing the behaviour. You have to be careful not to constantly take things away from the dog or it will just reinforce the perception that their resources are being removed and not returned.

If you provide a worthwhile treat for the dog in exchange for the sock and make it a fun and rewarding game rather than punishment, it will hopefully reinforce good behaviour while conditioning against bad behaviour.

Failure to provide a reward could lead to the behaviour getting worse. Professional help from an accredited behaviourist will provide the best chance of getting to the route of the problem.

Please note that advice in this section is for general guidance, and if your pet is very unwell you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this advice does not replace the need for a clinical examination of your pet.

Rory Thomson is part of the team at St Clair Veterinary Care in Croft Road, Blyth. If you have a question, fill out the online form at chroniclelive.co.uk/askthevet