PupkeeperCautionEmergency
Fishing hooks and line: what to do for your dog
Caution. Swallowed fish hooks and line are dangerous: they 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, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Fishing hooks and line and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Line or a hook visible at the mouth, choking or trouble breathing, vomiting, belly pain and loss of appetite. All 6
- What to do now
- Go to an emergency vet now. All steps
- Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA, VCA Animal Hospitals. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
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.
Symptoms 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. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.