Dogs love to gobble up anything they see on the table. From chunks of meat to corn cobs, they can gulp down the whole thing in one shot! Corn is a much-loved food item on our plates. There can be times when we leave our plate unattended, only to find our four-legged friend eating the corn on your plate! What do you do then? Are corn cobs dangerous for dogs?
While corn is considered to be a super-healthy food for dogs, the same is not the case with corn cobs. NO!! you cannot give corn cobs to your dog! While your dog may love to bite and chew on the corn cob as a chew toy, it is best to keep it far away from your dog.
Why are corn cobs harmful to dogs?
Your dog may love the taste of the corn kernels, but it is not a good idea to give them the whole corn cob. While it is okay to eat two or three kernels, a whole corn cob may lead to allergies or gastrointestinal problems. If your dog is sensitive, eating corn cob may cause itchy skin, hives, or other health issues.
The problem with eating corn cobs is their indigestibility. Corn cob cannot be digested in a dog’s stomach because of which may harm the gastrointestinal tract. The problem becomes severe if the dog eats up big chunks of the corn cob. In such cases, there are high chances that the rough corn cob will cause intestinal obstruction by cutting the insides of the intestine. When that happens, your dog may experience severe medical conditions, which may sometimes even lead to death.
The severity will also depend on the size of the dogs. Big-sized dogs may find it easier to pass the cob through their digestive system, but small or medium-sized dogs may not.
Can dogs eat corn?
You will find a variety of dog foods that contain corn as filler agents. Therefore, corn, if given in moderate amounts, is beneficial for your dog. Corn is a great source of proteins, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, along with fiber and other vital nutrients. It is an excellent food option for high energy and a healthy gut in dogs.
Dogs love the taste of corn when it is covered in butter or salt. But remember that salt and butter are not good options to be fed to your dog. It is best to give plain corn whenever you do.
What if my dog ate corn cob?
Some vets may recommend inducing vomiting if your dog has eaten a corn cob by mistake; however, that is not a good option always. When vomiting is induced, at times, the piece of corn cob may get stuck in the esophagus and may lead to choking. That can become more dangerous than the cob being inside the stomach. Watch out for signs of any intestinal obstruction if you suspect that your dog has eaten corn cob.
If you want to induce vomiting in dogs, then a mixture of cooked liver, squash, flax seeds, and hydrogen peroxide is given to the dog. Wait for about thirty minutes and check if your dog has expelled any of the corn cobs. However, it is recommended not to induce vomiting.
Signs/ Symptoms of intestinal obstruction
Your dog may have ingested a corn cob while you were not around, and such instances call for thorough observation of any sign or symptom of intestinal obstruction. Some of the signs you can look out for are-
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Restlessness
It should be noted that there is no way you can tell if vomit is due to gastric or intestinal obstruction, therefore it is best to contact a vet if you sense any trouble. There are also chances that some dogs may even pass normal stool while suffering from intestinal obstruction. Thorough observation is needed in such instances.
When to visit the vet?
You should visit the vet when-
- Your dog has not eaten anything for more than 24 hours or is suffering from diarrhea, and you have no idea what she has eaten
- If your dog has eaten a corn cob measuring more than 1.5 inches in diameter, you should take her to the vet.
- In the case of excessive drooling, there are chances that something may be stuck in the esophagus.
- If you notice any form of allergies or skin rashes
How to keep your dog away from corn cobs?
The smartest option is to not let your dog see a corn cob even. Otherwise, make sure that the corn cob is out of their reach when kept on a table, or safely dumped in the trash can after you finish. Dogs also like to hunt for things in a trash can, so be wary of that too. Don’t leave the garbage for long and empty the can as soon as possible.
Another technique is to train the dog using a corn cob. Let your dog grab a corn cob and then teach her to drop the cob at the show of a sign. When she does that, you can reward her with a treat or a favorite toy.
Conclusion
Dogs like to feed on anything they come across. While eating a kernel or two won’t do any harm, a whole corn cob may pose a serious threat to your dog’s health. However, foods such as corn cobs should be kept away from your dog’s reach. If you notice your dog eyeing on the cob, you need to stop her right there. In case of accidental ingestion, notice any sign of intestinal obstruction, and immediately rush to the vet.
While corn can be safely given to your pooch because of its numerous health benefits, corn cob is the opposite of it. Keep giving moderate amounts of corn to your dog since they love it and will greatly benefit from it.