plundering pets: why do dogs like socks?
Ah, yes. The elusive sock thief. An adorable, four-legged creature that thinks he or she is being super sneaky. In reality, you’ve known for a while now that it’s your pup who is responsible for all your socks’ missing partners.
Why do dogs like socks so much, anyway? What makes some good pups turn to a life of sock-stealing crime? It’s a question that has befuddled pet owners for centuries. While scientists still don’t know exactly what goes on inside a dog’s brain, there are some potential reasons why your pup can’t seem to get enough of your socks. Let’s take a look!
Here’s Why Your Dog Is Obsessed with Socks
It brings them comfort: One of the more plausible reasons your dog likes socks? They smell like you! Your scent brings them a sense of comfort and security. Your dog steals your socks because he loves you more than anything in the world (yes, even treats!).
Your socks stink: Yup, you read that right. Your smelly, post-gym socks might repel your co-workers, but your dog is a big fan. Why? Because dogs love stinky stuff! Specifically, scientists think it may have something to do with your dog wishing to cover up his own scent to throw off potential predators. Or, maybe your pup just likes wearing Eau de Sweaty Feet? No one really knows for certain.
Your dog is bored: When dogs get bored, they’re more likely to engage in destructive behavior such as sock chewing. Socks are fun for dogs to chew on due to their soft and squishy texture. Puppies in particular love to chew on socks during their teething phase!
It gets your attention: When your puppy starts chewing on your favorite novelty socks, how do you react? If your typical reaction is to jump up and run after them, your pup may be doing it for attention. Put simply, your clever pup has figured out that chewing on your beloved socks equals a fun game of chase.
It’s the last thing you do before you leave: Maybe — just maybe — your dog sees you put on socks before you go to work and thinks you’re leaving him every day to go find new socks. You see, he’s just trying to help you! OK, we’re just kidding about this one. But you have to admit, it’s a pretty adorable theory, right?
How to Correct Sock-Chewing Behavior
One thing you should know about us: we adore dogs. Big dogs. Small dogs. We love them all! How could we not when we share their same unbridled passion and enthusiasm for socks?
But no matter how adorable you think your dog’s sock-stealing behavior is, it should be curbed immediately. If your pup accidentally ingests a sock, it can sit in your dog’s stomach and cause intestinal blockage. This can lead to emergency surgery for your dog and an insanely high medical bill for you.
To save both you and your dog from that particular nightmare, here are a few effective ways of correcting sock-stealing/chewing behavior:
- Give your dog plenty of mental and physical exercise: A happy, tired dog is a good dog. Take your pup for walks every day and play brain games with them to tire them out mentally. They’ll be much less likely to resume their sock-stealing activities after you’ve tuckered them out for the day.
- Swap socks for alternatives: Have lots of toys available for your dog, preferably in a wide range of textures so they can get their chewing fix. If you have a teething puppy, you might try freezing a wet washcloth and letting them chew on it. The texture is similar and freezing it will help soothe their sore gums.
- Keep your socks out of reach: The dog can’t possibly destroy your socks if you keep them out of reach, right? Pick up dirty socks immediately and store them in a hamper with a lid. Always put away clean socks in an organized sock drawer.
Celebrating Your Furry Friend with Socks
To sum things up, your dog probably enjoys socks for a number of reasons: boredom, teething and their undying love for you. No matter what your pup’s reason for being a sock-stealing cutie, it’s important to curb this behavior to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Once you’ve officially corrected the behavior, you can finally pick up some animal socks to celebrate your dog and all their lovable weirdness. Just remember to keep socks well out of reach. No need to tempt your dog back into their sock-stealing ways!
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