Fish hook stuck or swallowed: what should I do for my dog?

First aid

Fish hook stuck or swallowed: dog first aid

Use this when a fish hook is stuck in your dog's lip, mouth, paw or skin, or your dog has swallowed a hook or fishing line.

Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can

Find an emergency vet

What to do

Keep your dog calm and still. A hurt dog may bite.
If line hangs from the mouth, tie it to the collar so the hook can't be swallowed. If you cut it, leave a few inches attached.
Take your dog to a vet to have the hook removed.
If your dog swallowed a hook or line, see a vet right away.

Don't

Don't try to remove a hook from the eye, mouth or ear yourself.
Don't pull on swallowed fishing line.
Don't try to make your dog sick.

Signs

Hook visible in the lip, mouth, paw or skin
Fishing line hanging from the mouth
Repeated vomiting or a sore belly after swallowing a hook

Why

Barbed hooks are hard to remove, and hooks in the eyes, mouth or ears need anesthesia and a vet. Swallowed line can catch in the intestines and tear them if pulled.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.