PupkeeperCautionEmergency
Fishing hooks and line and dogs: what to do
Dangerous. Swallowed fish hooks and line can tear the throat, stomach and intestines, and a large hook can get stuck in the throat.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Go to an emergency vet now.
- If a hook is in the mouth with line attached, tie the line to the collar so it can't be swallowed.
- Cut the line, leaving a few inches attached to help the vet find the hook.
Don't
- Don't try to remove a hook stuck in the eye, mouth or ear yourself.
Signs to watch for
- Line or a hook visible at the mouth
- Choking or trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Why
Hooks are sharp and barbed, and dogs may swallow them along with bait. Hooks and line can damage the throat, stomach and intestines.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Minor Injuries and Accidents
- ASPCA: Swallowed Fishhook Poses Threat
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in Dogs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.