Do you grill out a lot in summer? Chances are, your canine pal is more than happy to supervise you as you strive to make that perfect ribeye. While you can share a burger or brat with Fido, many popular summer foods are unsafe for him. One that is more dangerous than many people realize is corn on the cob. A local vet offers some ‘kernels’ of information on this below.

Dangers

The issue here isn’t the corn itself. Corn is not only safe for Fido, but can actually be a healthy addition to his diet. It contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as beneficial fatty acids. The danger is the corn cob. Its size, shape, taste, and texture make it very tempting for pups to chew on. Fido can even break it up into pieces that are small enough for him to swallow. Unfortunately, though, he won’t be able to actually digest them. This can cause serious gastro-intestinal issues. Even eating a small piece could make your furry pal sick enough to require emergency surgery. There’s also a risk of choking. In some cases, corn cob ingestion can also prove fatal.

Other Unsafe Foods

Corn on the cob isn’t the only unsafe food to be aware of. Some others include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; meat on the bone; grapes, currants, and raisins; alcohol; chocolate; avocado; raw dough or yeast; and anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.

Keeping Fido Safe

As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. First and foremost, keep corn cobs well out of paws’ reach. We recommend teaching your furry friend the commands to Leave It or Drop It. Also, pick up dishes and leftovers as soon as everyone has finished eating. Use a trashcan with a secure lid, especially if Fido is big enough to get into the garbage. Dogs aren’t shy about digging for leftovers!

Warning Signs

Watch for signs of ingestion. Fido may not be interested in his supper. He may withdraw, and act sad, grumpy, or withdrawn. He may also seem restless, and vomit, or try to vomit. If you notice any of these red flags, call your vet immediately.

Please contact us for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!