Cooler weather is a great excuse to cook outdoors. Whether you’re planning to throw some veggies on the grill or roast wieners over a campfire, pet parents can expect some longing looks from their dogs.
As tempting as it may be to toss your canine companion a bite off your plate, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers. Foods don’t have to be toxic to pets in order to cause harm. People who would never leave their dogs unattended around grapes or chocolate may not realize the damage that indigestible items, like corn cobs, can cause.
Keep a close eye on your pet at your next cookout and steer clear of the emergency vet this fall.
Can Dogs Eat Corn?Unfortunately, confusion around whether or not dogs can safely eat corn results in countless veterinary emergencies throughout BBQ season. Corn kernels, removed from the cob and without any added salt or butter, are a healthy snack for dogs when consumed in moderation.
Corn contains vitamins, protein, and fiber that promote good digestion and healthy bowel movements. Problems arise, however, when dogs are allowed to chew on the cob itself.
Especially when they are drawn in by the taste of salt and fat, dogs can quickly swallow entire corn cobs. When their stomachs aren’t able to break down the indigestible cellulose, their bodies may attempt to move the cob through the digestive system intact, where it can form a dangerous blockage.
When a corn cob (or any swallowed foreign object) blocks a portion of the digestive tract, time is of the essence.
Blockages can press against the walls of the bowel or cause kinks that prevent healthy blood flow to that portion of the intestine. Without a fast intervention, tissue death (necrosis) or a bowel rupture is imminent.
Where and how the corn cob gets stuck will depend heavily on the size of your dog and whether the cob was swallowed whole or chewed into pieces. In any case, the faster you present your pet for treatment, the more options your veterinarian will likely have.
If an x-ray reveals that the corn cob is still in your dog’s stomach, it may be possible to remove it with a scope or by inducing vomiting. Objects that have reached the intestines, however, will typically need to be removed through a surgical procedure called an .
If you see your dog swallow a corn cob, head to the emergency vet right away. If you caught your pet nosing through the trash and are concerned about what they may have eaten, monitor them closely for symptoms:
If anything seems “off,” err on the side of caution and have your pet examined.
An outdoor gathering wouldn’t be the same without pets in the yard. Taking a few simple precautions can keep the festivities fun and safe for everyone involved.
Even very well-mannered dogs can struggle to control themselves around unattended food. Be aware of your pet’s activity and don’t rely on them to resist temptation on their own.
Ensure that any food waste goes into a garbage can or compost bin with a sturdy lid. Encourage family members and guests to clear their plates as soon as they are finished eating so that scraps aren’t accessible.
The small skewers that help you enjoy buttery grilled corn with less mess can make a swallowed corn cob particularly life-threatening for dogs. The sharp points designed to pierce the cob can easily perforate your pet’s throat, stomach, or bowel. If you choose to use corn handles, make sure they are removed before the cobs go into the compost or garbage.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
