How long can a corn cob stay in a dog’s stomach?

In this article, we will answer the question “How long can a corn cob stay in a dog’s stomach?”, and how to prevent your dog from eating corn cob?

How long can a corn cob stay in a dog’s stomach?

If the cob is stuck in the stomach, it might stay there for weeks and even months without displaying any symptoms. 

Some of the blockage symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, suppressed appetite, trouble defecating/constipation, biting or growling picked up, etc. The longer the cob stays inside the stomach, the harder It will be to safely remove it. 

What to do If your dog ate a corn cob?

Dogs often eat objects that they should not eat. Such objects may be too big to pass through the intestine. So, as a pet owner, you should know what to do in case of such an emergency. 

If your dog eats a corn cob, you should immediately contact your vet. If your vet is not available due to off-hours, visit any nearby Vets Now pet emergency clinic or Vets Now 24/7 hospital.

Dog ate corn cob treatment 

If your dog ingests a foreign object like corn on the cob, it will undergo a full physical examination along with some blood tests, x-rays, and an ultrasound. 

Your dog will be given anesthesia to remove the object through a surgical procedure. Depending upon the health of your dog’s intestine, a part of the injured intestine may be removed.

Why you should never try to treat the problem at home?

It is not an easy experience to see your dog in pain. So, you might be tempted to relieve the pain by treating the problem at home by using laxatives. Laxatives induce vomiting and it is a very bad idea in this particular case. 

Because the cob might get dislodged and stuck into the esophagus (gullet). This will further complicate the surgical procedure for the removal of the cob. Besides, these laxatives can be toxic.

Is it safe for my dog to at corn?

Corn is inexpensive and a very nutritious grain to be included in your dog’s diet. Corn is rich in vitamins and minerals and must be fed to your dog in moderate amounts. 

Besides, corn also contains a good amount of fiber, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.  Make sure your dog is not allergic to corn.

Preventing the Problem: Dispose of Corn Cobs Carefully

A corn cob can only be ingested by a dog in two ways: Either you give it to your dog intentionally or It eats the cob while plowing the trash. The first scenario can be avoided provided that you are well aware of the horrors of dogs ingesting a corn cob. 

  • The second scenario can be avoided by disposing of dangerous food scraps like cobs safely. A simple way is to wrap the corn cob in a plastic bag before putting it into the trash. This will prevent the smell of the cob from exciting your dog into investigating the trash. 
  • If you find your dog plowing the trash despite using the plastic bag technique, you need to invest in a dog-proof trash can with a locking lid. Alternatively, you can always put the problematic food scraps in an outside trash can. 
  • If you have guests over, you should inform them to not feed your dog corn cob or any food scraps. 
  • When grilling your food, make sure your dog is tied up and away. Because your dog might pick up on the dropped food from the grill. 
  • Besides, hot coals are dangerous for dogs to be around. Sausages, kebabs, and onions can all be problematic for dogs.

What is the outcome for dogs who need corn cob surgery?

In most cases, dogs undergo full recovery, particularly If they were well fed and hydrated before the surgery. If the intestine did not suffer significant damage, the recovery is quick. 

Your vet might ask you to keep your dog in the vet’s clinic for 1-2 days post-surgery during which your dog is monitored for fluids and pain relief. The stay time in the clinic will be longer if the damaged intestine was removed during the surgery. 

Is it safe for my dog to eat sweetcorn from the tin?

The tinned sweetcorn does not have a rich nutrition profile. Plus they are a bit difficult to digest for your dog. Moreover, the salt content of the tinned sweetcorn must be in check. Overall, It is safe for your dog to consume sweetcorn from the tin. 

Other FAQs about Corn that you may be interested in.

Can corn be digested?

What corn is used for popcorn?

What happens if you eat bad corn?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How long can a corn cob stay in a dog’s stomach?”, and how to prevent your dog from eating corn cob?

References

https://www.vets-now.com/2017/02/dogs-corn-on-the-cob-dangers/
https://doggiedesigner.com/my-dog-ate-corn-cobs-what-to-do/

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