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My 9-week-old puppy ate a corn cob. What symptoms should I watch for?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Olde English Bulldogge | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 1 day old

My 9 week old got ahold of a corn cob. I can't find any of the corn cob so I'm not sure if he ate the whole thing or if he hid it.. his tummy doesn't feel hard and has not vomites or anything yet its been 3 hours.. hes drinking fine but im worried.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2019

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Lincoln! Hopefully he chewed it into small pieces before he ate it (they often do) or it is somewhere else, but we do sometimes see dogs develop obstructions if they ingest a whole corn cob. You will want to watch him for the next couple days for signs of obstruction which can include vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and straining to defecate. If he experiences any of these issues, please get him in to a veterinarian ASAP.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 29th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your Yuki. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian for x-rays of his belly. It would be helpful to know if he has passed/vomited all of the cob or if some still remains inside. The risk of the corn cob is an intestinal obstruction. This is characterized by belly pain, inappetance and lethargy. It is an emergency when this occurs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 3rd, 2019
If she chewed it into small bits, it will likely pass in the next 24 to 36 hours. It is only when a large section is ingested that the risk of obstruction exists. If she did swallow a large section, ideally she should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. Either may induce vomiting via injection to get the cob out. In the meantime or if a visit to the vet is not possible, monitor for lethargy, vomiting (or attempting to), diarrhea, straining to defecate, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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