Dog ate a corn cob
Corn cobs frequently obstruct. Call promptly and skip the hope-it-passes plan without advice.
Do this first
| Scenario | Foreign body ingestion |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | Call your veterinarian for most toy, sock, or bone ingestions. Poison control is useful for batteries, magnets, adhesives, or unknown chemicals. ER now for repeated unproductive vomiting, severe pain, known linear foreign body (string) in cats, or collapse. |
Immediate action steps
- Remove remaining cob pieces
- Note how much is missing and when
- Call your veterinarian or ER for guidance
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed
- Go in for repeated vomiting or pain
Why cobs mislead
They feel natural and biodegradable. Inside a gut they can still block.
BBQ trash raids are a common history — check the yard.
Imaging conversations
The clinic may recommend x-rays or other checks based on timing and signs.
Bring a matching cob piece if available for size reference.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- Puppy vs adult — same urgency?
- Smaller GI tracts raise concern faster. Call either way.