Corn on the Cob
CautionVerdict
Dangerous — the cob causes life-threatening obstruction.
Verdict
Corn kernels are safe and dogs enjoy them, but the cob is a serious hazard. The cob does not break down in the digestive system and its size and shape make it likely to become stuck in the small intestine, causing a complete or partial obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring surgery. Dogs will swallow large pieces of cob — never leave them unsupervised with one.
Symptoms to watch for
- • repeated vomiting
- • loss of appetite
- • abdominal pain
- • straining to defecate
- • lethargy
- • dehydration
What to do
If your dog ate corn on the cob or a piece of cob, go to a vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms. This is a surgical emergency. Corn kernels off the cob are fine in small amounts.
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