Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Dog ate corn on the cob - I'm panicking

44 replies

Greytshakes · 25/07/2023 20:27

Our greyhound ate about half of a cooked corn on the cob about 3-4 hours ago. I now know it's potentially dangerous because indigestible and can cause bowel obstruction. She seemed to chew it pretty well and has crapped since (normally, think it was this morning's meal as no corn in it) - she shows no signs of pain or distress. Has eaten a bit of yoghurt and drunk water.

I am taking her to the vet first thing in the morning regardless but is there anything we need to look out for in the meantime, or anything we can do to ease the corn through? E.g. a bit of olive oil on her breakfast ? too late to induce vomiting now and anyway don't have any HP.

Or am I freaking out for no good reason ?

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 26/07/2023 08:51

Mine ate numerous corn on the cobs at our last BBQ . I didn't know it was a thing not to?

Perfectly fine. Don't worry

NoSquirrels · 26/07/2023 09:48

Maddy70 · 26/07/2023 08:51

Mine ate numerous corn on the cobs at our last BBQ . I didn't know it was a thing not to?

Perfectly fine. Don't worry

OK, but now you do know please don’t let them do it again. The cob (the husk) is indigestible and it really can cause them huge problems if they’re unlucky.

Caaarrrl · 26/07/2023 10:03

Mine did it last year. Had video consultation with Joii vet app. Arranged emergency appointment at OOH vet. They induced vomiting and thankfully he brought most up. Swift action was necessary to avoid surgery. It was very worrying and they couldn't be sure that he would survive, as there was no way of knowing if he had brought it all up. All of you who are saying your dog eats the actual cob, please don't let them. It can be fatal and a very painful way to die.

IngGenius · 26/07/2023 10:05

Sorry to harp on.

Corn on the cob can stay in the dogs system for months and months. It can give no symptoms but can cause major internal issues and then infection can kill the dogs.

You are not out of the woods if your dog had a corn on the cob a few days ago and seems fine.

Dogs may show intermittent symptoms like vomiting but if the cob moves may be ok again for a while.

I realise the OP is abroad but giving x rays on a full stomach is not helpful as the cob which is hard to see anyway, will be hidden by the food.

Also an x ray requires sedation to get a good image which would not have happened as the OP dog had food in the morning. The OP can not say things are ok for several months.

The best approach is to get medical help asap after eating the cob.

I am not a run to the vet person at all but corn on the cob is not to be ignored.

I am glad that all these MN dogs are fine eating corn on the cob but in RL that is not the case.

HalloumiLuvver · 26/07/2023 10:37

OhWifey · 25/07/2023 21:23

We give corn on the cob to the dog all the time! Kids leftovers. Never any trouble

Tinned corn that is off the cob is ok. It's the hard cob that can block intestines and lead to surgery etc even death. Please don't risk it .

Cradalee · 26/07/2023 10:55

Yes I think some people are a bit confused. It is literally the cob not the individual grains of corn that are dangerous.

I have even stopped giving our chickens the nibbled cobs to peck at because of the chance the dogs might somehow pick one up. If ever we have corn on the cobs for dinner, I religiously count the cobs back again and put them straight in wheelie bin outside!

Cradalee · 26/07/2023 10:55

Ps hope your lovely Greyhound is okay OP x

GiraffeLaSophie · 26/07/2023 10:58

Maddy70 · 26/07/2023 08:51

Mine ate numerous corn on the cobs at our last BBQ . I didn't know it was a thing not to?

Perfectly fine. Don't worry

It’s not fine. She was right to worry.

As confirmed by a vet.

eatdrinkandbemerry · 26/07/2023 11:06

I wouldn't give it a second thought 🤷‍♀️
But I've got a monster sized dog who snaffles every thing and has never had a problem

CindersAgain · 26/07/2023 11:11

Eek, our greyhounds have eaten cobs before now. I’ll be more careful to pick them up after a barbecue.

Hope your is ok OP.

Greytshakes · 26/07/2023 15:11

Thanks again all. Yes she seems still to be fine. There is nothing the vet could do this morning other than an X ray + palpation and I am aware that her breakfast would have obscured the stuck bits (the vet told me that). I will not assume she is OK, although she seems fine - will keep a vigilant eye out. Straight back to the local vet if she vomits, and I have the directions to the OOH emergency vet programmed into my phone in case she gets sick overnight and I have to drive her.

I had no idea this could happen. Lesson learned. Hopefully she will be OK. Staying very vigilant but really trying not to freak out. Doesn't help with thinking clearly.

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 26/07/2023 17:08

NoSquirrels · 26/07/2023 09:48

OK, but now you do know please don’t let them do it again. The cob (the husk) is indigestible and it really can cause them huge problems if they’re unlucky.

Well of course! I just didn't know!

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 26/07/2023 18:21

I'm glad you've seen the vet OP - hopefully your dog will be fine!

Greytshakes · 26/07/2023 19:27

Thank you @cinnamonfrenchtoast

OP posts:
Trulenska · 23/05/2026 03:42

My little disabled Frenchie got hold of a corn coblet and ate it. Reading what people have said im really worried. I know im not going to be able to afford a vet bill what can I do myself to make sure he will be ok. He ate 2 days ago has been drinking and had a few nibbles, passed a small hard stool earlier but now is little looser and tummy gurgling a little. I understand they could die from this. Im worried for him. Any advise please.

DontStealTheTeddy · 23/05/2026 07:28

Is there a PDSA near you? He needs to go to the vet, there's nothing you can do at home unfortunately.

dennydan · 23/05/2026 10:45

Trulenska · 23/05/2026 03:42

My little disabled Frenchie got hold of a corn coblet and ate it. Reading what people have said im really worried. I know im not going to be able to afford a vet bill what can I do myself to make sure he will be ok. He ate 2 days ago has been drinking and had a few nibbles, passed a small hard stool earlier but now is little looser and tummy gurgling a little. I understand they could die from this. Im worried for him. Any advise please.

Edited

You have to get your dog to a vet. Worry about the cost later. The longer you leave this not only will the cost go up but the outcome could be awful.

Vets may be able to help with a payment plan. Get your dog to the vet asap if you go this morning it will not be emergency appointment which willl cost you more

Trulenska · 30/05/2026 06:28

Thank you for your reply... I knew it was what i had to do after I researched and read what most people were saying could happen even if I couldn't eat everyday myself It had to be done I was already frantic and scared and having a disability myself it was a little challenging as he really doesn't settle in the car.

I rescued this little boy as a puppy, no one wanted him because of his condition he was close to going on a trip to the vet for his last chance of life.. I'm glad I got there in time because for the last five years he has been my best friend and nothing stops him disabled or not. I had to give him a chance of life or some quality of life.
And yet again he's just been granted more time with me after eating something that could have ended all that. However we now have HAPPY NEWS!! Everything is All ok he's ok and I can stop worrying he is definitely back to his playful but mischievous little Frenchie self. Such a happy boy considering he has a disability and can't jump and run like other dogs and comes to me if he has a itch that needs scratching he's quite a character. People are surprised when they see him he doesn't hold back chasing the boys on there bikes in the field and he's fast. I do wish I could get him to let me put on his little doggie support wheels I now he would love it but I suppose he's quite he's happy the way he gets about without it I suppose.

Thanks Guys for all your helpful comments on the issue.

HalloumiLuvver · 30/05/2026 19:46

I’m glad your pup is ok! He sounds a character.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread