Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Long Will a Corn Cob Stay in My Dog’s Stomach? Vet-Approved Facts

corn-onthecob-pixabay

You’re having a barbecue, and suddenly, you notice that your dog has scoured through the leftovers on a plate that somebody dropped on the ground. You realize that your dog has consumed a corn cob. Should you be concerned? How long will that corn cob stay in your dog’s stomach?

A corn cob can stay in a dog’s stomach for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the size of the corn cob they ate and the size of the dog.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

How Long Will a Corn Cob Stay in My Dog’s Stomach?

The answer to this question isn’t simple because this is a highly variable situation. Did your dog swallow a whole corn cob or just a piece of one? Did they chew it up into tiny pieces or eat a big chunk? How large is the dog? In some cases, corn cobs have been found in a dog’s stomach weeks or months after being consumed because they are not something that the digestive system can digest properly.

corn on the cob
Image Credit: tookapic, Pixabay

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Corn Cobs?

Absolutely not. Under no circumstances should you intentionally feed a corn cob to your dog. Corn cobs pose an extremely high risk of causing intestinal obstruction in a dog. Even if your dog is very large, there is still a high risk of a corn cob causing an obstruction. The smaller your dog (or the bigger the corn cob piece they ate), the higher the risk of obstruction.

If your dog ate a corn cob, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. They’ll likely advise you to bring the dog in to be seen. Sometimes, inducing vomiting may remove the corn cob if it’s in pieces, but you should never attempt to induce vomiting in your dog at home for something like this without explicit direction from your vet. Your dog will be safer having vomiting induced at your vet’s clinic, assuming that’s the treatment direction your vet wants you to go.

If your dog develops an obstruction from consuming a corn cob, this is a medical emergency and should be treated with urgency. This type of obstruction often involves surgical intervention to remove the obstruction. Sometimes, corn cobs can be removed via an endoscope, which isn’t particularly invasive. However, if the corn cob has moved out of the stomach, it’s very likely your dog will need to have open abdominal surgery to remove the obstruction from the intestines.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

 

Conclusion

It is absolutely not safe for your dog to consume corn cobs, and if they do, you should immediately contact your vet. They will give you guidance on the next steps. Corn cobs don’t typically digest very well, so they could be in your dog’s GI tract for days or weeks until they cause a problem. It’s best practice to prevent dogs from getting anywhere near corn cobs from a preventative standpoint!

Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: ulleo, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Train a Doberman to Be a Guard Dog: 4 Vet-Approved Tips

Dobermans may appear to be aggressive and threatening, but they are kind and gentle at heart, which may make the perfect combination for...

Why Does My Dog Have a Favorite Toy? Vet-Verified Behavioral Facts

A dog’s life is filled with simple pleasures—a tasty treat, a walk to their favorite park, a snuggle session with you, and, of...

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Advice

Salmon is packed full of healthy nutrients and is considered by some to be one of the healthiest protein sources since it provides...

How to Help Dogs With Diarrhea: 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

Having a dog with diarrhea isn’t a fun situation for anyone. Between constant trips outside and cleaning up unsightly messes, you’re left worrying...

More related

Dachshund vs. Basset Hound: The Differences (With Pictures)

Hound breeds are well-loved for their keen noses and tenacity when it comes to helping their human companions during hunts. However, many breeds...

Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

As man’s best friend and a curious taster, your dog will likely join you foraging for blackberries in the forest, or welcome you...

Sticks & Stones May Break Your Bones…and Seriously Injure Your Dog

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle are both Poodle mixes, which means they share some similarities. However, because the Irish Doodle has an Irish...

Keep reading

6 Homemade Dog Cake Recipes: Vet-Approved Nutritious Options

Ready to celebrate your dog? These six delicious dog cake recipes will show the world that you love your dog to the moon and back. The best part is that they’re human-grade, which means you can have a slice as...

Freshly baked carrot cupcakes on a plate

Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Our dogs are omnivorous creatures—just like us. That means they could enjoy a wide selection of meat, fruits, veggies, and grains! If you’ve been looking for a few different options, other than boring dog treats to get your dog’s appetite...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Dried Apricot

Can Dogs Eat Anise Seed? Vet-Approved Benefits & Risks

Dogs can eat anise seed, and the strong-smelling spice is known to be the canine version of catnip. It can be used as a fun, stimulating treat for training or as a natural remedy. Before feeding anise seed to your...

Can Dogs Eat Anise Seed

What Is Meat Meal in Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

There are many misconceptions about meat meal out there. Since meat meal isn’t whole meat, many dog owners assume that it’s a derivative of meat, similar to by-products. However, this isn’t exactly true. Quality meat meal can actually be a...

dog eating

What Are Tocopherols in Dog Food? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts

Commercial dog food is what most owners feed their dogs because it’s convenient, and affordable compared to homemade food, and typically offers all the nutrients that a dog needs to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Many different...

dog eating dog food

10 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Caring for a Great Dane is an incredible experience but you may have problems locating the ideal food for your massive friend. Numerous companies produce dog food and treats, but fewer meals are designed for extra-large breeds. Great Dane adults...

Great Dane dog

Can Dogs Eat Dill? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Preparation Ideas

Dill (Anethum graveolena) is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, and is safe to feed to dogs, in moderation. There is no evidence that indicates that dill causes problems in dogs, but it is always best to feed it...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Dill

Abound Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Abound is a relatively new dog food brand that was launched in 2014. This company is owned by Kroger and is marketed as their newest store brand of dog food. Their recipes offer natural ingredients with no corn,...

Dogster_Abound Dog Food Review