I’ve heard of vets having to remove sticks from dogs’ mouths, and all sorts of things from dogs’ stomaches. But I didn’t know that one of the most common foreign bodies that vets remove from dogs are corn cobs.
That’s because unlike most vegetables, corn on the cob can’t be digested in a dog’s stomach. Whereas corn is perfectly fine for a dog to eat, the cob is not. As result, corn cobs are one of the leading causes of fatal bowel obstructions in dogs. They can cause intestinal blockages that require expensive surgery to remove.
Sadly, Dozer’s family discovered this the hard way after he ate one, but thankfully he got to the vet in time. New Ulm Regional Veterinary Center shared the warning on Facebook and wrote:
“Unfortunately, Dozer & his family learned the hard way that corn cobs aren’t safe for dogs – EVER. Despite how much you think your dog may chew a corn cob, it’s NEVER okay to feed these to them. Their body isn’t able to break down the corn cob & they get trapped in the intestines, resulting in a very sad, sick pooch that will likely require surgery.” – The team at New Ulm Regional Veterinary Center
It should be noted that dogs will often root through the trash to grab a left-over corn on the cob or even steal them off of counters, so it’s a good idea for you to dispose of corn cobs safely, where your dog can’t get at them.
If you fear your dog has eaten corn on the cob you should contact your vet (or emergency vet) as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. If you get to the vet early enough, the vet may be able to induce vomiting or pump the stomach and have the corn cob come out that way. It is the safer and less expensive option when compared to emergency surgery.
Vets will likely take an x-ray for diagnosis and treatment. Image via YouTube
If you’re not sure if your dog has eaten a corn cob, they will likely begin to show symptoms of a blockage within a short time. These symptoms may include:
– vomiting
– lethargic, listlessness
– abdominal tenderness or pain
– lack of appetite (although it should be noted some dogs continue regularly eating)
– trouble defecating, constipation
– behavioral changes such as biting or growling when picked up
Despite these dangers, this shouldn’t mean your dog has to stop enjoying corn on the cob with you. It just means he or she should eat it while supervised. That way your dog can still enjoy the tasty snack and you can rest easy that he/she hasn’t eaten the cob!
Please pass on this tip to your friends and fellow dog owners and keep your dogs safe!
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