My Dog Ate An Ear Of Corn
It's a common scenario for dog owners - you turn your back for a moment and your dog manages to sneak a tasty treat. But what happens when that treat is an ear of corn? Corn is a popular ingredient in many dog foods and treats, but can dogs eat fresh corn? In this article, we'll explore what to do if your dog eats an ear of corn and what potential problems to watch out for.
Is Corn Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Corn is not toxic to dogs, and in fact, it's a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. However, it's important to note that dogs cannot digest corn as easily as humans can, so if your dog eats a large amount of corn, it can cause digestive upset.
If your dog ate an ear of corn, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. In most cases, these symptoms will resolve on their own within a day or two, but if they persist or worsen, it's important to consult your veterinarian.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats an Ear of Corn
If your dog eats an ear of corn, the first thing to do is to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
You may also want to induce vomiting in your dog to remove any remaining corn from their stomach. To do so, give your dog one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of body weight. You can administer the hydrogen peroxide with a syringe or dropper directly into your dog's mouth. Your dog should vomit within 15-20 minutes. If they do not vomit, do not attempt to give them more hydrogen peroxide.
It's important to note that inducing vomiting should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. In some cases, such as if your dog has ingested a large amount of corn or has other underlying health issues, inducing vomiting can be dangerous.
Preventing Your Dog from Eating Corn
The best way to prevent your dog from eating corn is to keep it out of their reach. Store corn cobs and other food products in sealed containers or in areas that are inaccessible to your dog. If you have a garden, consider fencing it off or using other means to keep your dog out.
You may also want to consider feeding your dog a high-quality commercial dog food that does not contain corn. Look for dog food that is made from high-quality protein sources such as chicken or fish, and avoid dog food that contains fillers or artificial preservatives.
In Conclusion
If your dog ate an ear of corn, don't panic. Monitor them closely for any signs of distress and contact your veterinarian if necessary. Inducing vomiting should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. To prevent your dog from eating corn in the future, keep it out of their reach and consider feeding them a high-quality dog food that does not contain corn.