Dogs: A risky behavior. What you need to know

Tennis balls. Golf balls. Rocks. Even fish hooks. Just some of the things that dogs have managed to swallow, landing them in the vet’s office.

It’s a much more common problem that many pet owners realize.

Dr. Alan Chan, Animal Hospital of Salinas, says dogs explore things with their mouths and can ingest things, especially puppies.

And then there are hair ties and socks. “Socks are a common thing, not really a toy but sometimes they’re used as toys and those get swallowed,” explained Dr. Briney Kaplan-Dau, Toro Park Animal Hospital.

A dog’s curiosity not only puts the animal at risk, it can also mean a whopping vet bill for the owner.

In a KION Special Report Thursday at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., anchor and reporter Matt Sizemore takes a closer look at the dangers associated with dogs’ ability to swallow just about anything and what pet owners need to know to keep their dog safe.