Need help - my dog keeps swallowing underwear

C
Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, I’ve got a 5-month-old Malinois and he’s already swallowed underwear four times now... my boyfriend and I have been really careful not to leave any knickers or socks lying around since the first incident, but he still somehow manages to nick them, I don't even know how... he threw up a pair of knickers again this evening... I gave him some liquid paraffin as advised by his vet and I'm also making sure he stays well hydrated... I really don't know what to do to get him to stop swallowing them; it could be so dangerous for him and cause a bowel obstruction if the foreign object gets stuck... does your puppy do the same thing? Is this normal?

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    True enough, while that might work for things like poop and carrion (as it’s masked by the stench), it probably won’t be quite as effective on a plain old sock... To be honest, I’ve got no idea, I’ve never had that problem myself.
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    Emla
    Emla Icon representing the flag French
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    But they'll smell the Tabasco before they even touch it, won't they? So they won't go near it...

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    It's mad how they manage to swallow things like that whole without it making them gag.

    A sock is no small thing; you’d think they’d feel it going down their throat. At a guess, it sounds like what’s called "pica", but I’m really not clued up on that sort of issue.

    I wouldn't have thought twice about trying the Tabasco trick, I reckon... Better that than a blockage.

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    Balista
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    Yeah, my 5-month-old puppy does exactly the same thing.

    She scoffs socks (and actually swallows them).

    She chews on little plastic bits like pens and small toys (but she doesn’t swallow them, unless she’s trying to hide the evidence when I catch her with them).

    She’s a Labrador (enough said...).

    Her latest disaster: my mobile. I accidentally left it on the kitchen table before heading off to work on Tuesday morning. I found it in pieces at lunchtime... luckily 1) she didn’t swallow any of it and 2) it was just a cheap basic phone, not a smartphone that costs a month's wages (I don't want a smartphone anyway – this definitely confirmed I made the right choice).

    I’m really struggling... honestly, I'm at my wits' end trying to get her to stop this bad habit!!!!

    She knows "NO" perfectly well and avoids doing it in front of us... but occasionally, she’ll come and show me her loot, looking all pleased with her crime (though she knows I’m going to take it back and she doesn't usually kick up a fuss).

    A colleague suggested setting a trap: leaving an old sock lying around after putting some Tabasco sauce on it. I think it’s worth a go.

    I’m also worried she’ll end up with a bowel blockage one day. I check her poo every single day. So far, everything has come out the other end... fingers crossed it stays that way :-/

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    Doudou229
    Doudou229 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    We’ve had a pup just like that 🥷 – a proper sock thief! It’s a really tough habit to break...

    She’s 20 months old (a Labrador). She knows the "leave it" command, but as soon as our backs are turned, she just can't help herself from time to time. Socks go missing – she doesn't swallow them, but they get shredded...

    😏 She has a definite preference for our daughter's socks... so I’ve started setting "sock traps" by leaving one or two out on the floor...

    It’s all about her favourite things to steal... her "trophies"... and the fun she gets out of taunting us with a game of "catch me if you can"...

    For things she shouldn’t be eating...

    Put 5 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of peppermint oil on the item, then do some "leave it" exercises when he approaches it. You need to block him using body language – for example, a hand signal for "stop" with a firm "NO" or a less common word (like "BASTA"). Walk towards the laundry he’s not allowed to touch or eat, and the moment he’s about to rush for it, step in front of it using non-verbal cues. You have to be completely firm – your posture and eye contact must show you mean it, without any hesitation...

    Can you ask him for a "sit" or a "down"? (I’m not sure where you’re at with his training). Reward him with loads of positive reinforcement – praise, encouragement, and high-value treats.

    It’s a case of repeating it every single day, but a Malinois can pick things up very quickly...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO-5tblUhko

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaEBteANH8F8C-z3VY5jpiA/videos

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGXb9nlY4C8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXLv6r-FYIw

    Just a bit of advice regarding his diet...

    Why are you giving him rice on top of his dry food? What are the ingredients in his kibble? (Is it grain-inclusive or grain-free?)

    You need to check the composition carefully. If there are already other grains in there and you're giving too much rice, it can cause an intolerance... the same goes for certain grains containing gluten, starch, and carbs.

    Rice can also make them put on weight.

    Giving grains is fine if the dog tolerates them, but it should always be in very, very small amounts. In commercial dry food that already contains grains, the proportions are usually already quite high.

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    Beaujabote
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    Hi there, For a Malinois, you’re better off going for the Kong XL. I’ve never tried the version stuffed with wet food and put in the freezer, but just smearing the inside with some cheese works a treat to keep them busy. Otherwise, in the Kong range, you’ve also got the Frisbee – indoors, we slide it along the hallway floor. And you can use it outdoors too – just be careful, even though it’s heavier than a normal Frisbee, it can really fly (I actually had to climb over the wall of the neighbour’s holiday home to get it back!) and it sinks in water. Sky, my Malinois cross, loves the Frisbee – he pounces on it like prey, shakes it all over the place, and gives it a good chew (it’s nice and flexible).
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    C
    Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s a brilliant idea, I’ll look for that, especially the Kong, as he tends to rip through his balls and soft toys really quickly..

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, there are treat balls you can get where you put the dry food inside and the dog rolls them around. Kongs are also great with a bit of wet food—just pop them in the freezer and it'll keep them occupied for much longer.
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    C
    Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks so much for all your replies! Usually, he does it when our backs are turned... as for it being a nutritional deficiency, I don't think so, as we feed him three meals a day with dry food and a supplement, as well as some rice and veg... maybe he’s just bored, which is definitely possible! I'm going to nip down to the pet shop to buy him something to keep him occupied when we're not with him. Thanks a lot!
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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
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    Hi there, The behaviour you're describing is actually quite common in many breeds, especially Labradors... However, it’s really dangerous for your dog’s health as there is a major risk of a bowel obstruction. The first step, of course, is to make sure he can’t get hold of any underwear. Secondly, you need to try and figure out why he’s trying to eat it in the first place: it could be down to dietary frustration—perhaps try increasing his daily food portion and splitting it into several meals? Since he’s a 4-month-old Malinois puppy, it’s also possible he’s just looking for some fun because he’s bored. Make sure he’s getting plenty of attention: games, training, walks, and lots of fuss. You should also give him some enrichment toys for when he’s on his own (like stuffed Kongs, treat dispensers, or chews like deer antlers or bull pizzles)—anything to keep him occupied with something other than your pants! If you catch him in the act of nicking a garment, tell him "no" and distract him with a toy or some treats instead. Best wishes, Claire
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