Why corn cobs are dangerous
The cob is made of compacted fibre that refuses to break down in a dog or cat stomach.
When chewed, hard ridges snap off and can lodge in the narrow passages of the small intestine, creating a complete blockage within hours.
Dogs grab discarded cobs from patios and car boots — the kernel scraps on the outside are enough to make them dig in.
This is especially common in summer during BBQ season when whole cobs are tossed aside unfinished.
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Signs to watch for
- Dry heaving or retching within minutes of swallowing the cob
- The dog lies with legs stretched out and will not move, clearly in pain
- Belly becomes firm and swollen to the touch within hours
- No bowel movement for more than 24 hours after eating it
- Refusing food and water even when offered enthusiastically
- Weakness or collapse if the blockage is not treated quickly
What to do right now
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away
- Bring any cob fragments you can find, or take a photo of what was eaten
- Watch for dry heaving, a hard swollen belly, or no poop within 24 hours
- Do not give food or water — an empty stomach is safer if surgery is needed
- Do not induce vomiting, because the sharp ridges can tear the esophagus on the way back up
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Corn Cob Hazards for Dogs and Cats emergency guide.