Dogs steal leftover CORN COBS right off the picnic table or out of the garbage and they get STUCK in their intestines.
Summer time is a busy time in the veterinary operating room as veterinarians remove thousands of corn cobs dogs' intestines. Most can't digest the cob properly so it get's stuck in their intestines. Unfortunately, these cobs don't always show up in radiographs (x-rays) like they did in this dog.
SIGNS OF INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
- Vomiting (can be foul-smelling)
- Not eating
- Abdominal pain (groaning when you touch their belly or standing in "downward dog" yoga postion)
If you are concerned that your dog may have eaten a corn cob, call your veterinarian. If it has been eaten within an hour or so, they may recommend that you induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. There are risks with inducing vomiting, so be sure to clear this with your veterinarian before attempting it.
PREVENTION
- Keep track of all corn cobs when they enter your house.
- Dispose of them in covered garbage cans.
For more information on home remedies and prevention of summer dangerous, check out my clip from the TODAY Show here.