A Hidden Danger Is Lurking Behind This Late Summer Early Fall Staple

As summer begins to turn to fall in Central Minnesota finding fresh Minnesota-grown sweet corn will be hard to locate. It's hard to find a better late summer or early fall treat than some freshly cooked ears of corn, some salty butter, and maybe some black pepper for good measure, but those who enjoy the bounty of sweet corn should know there is a hidden danger lurking. The cobs.

Actually, corn on the cob might just be one of the most dangerous foods for dogs that you can eat/bring into your home next to chocolate.

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According to Google, there are multiple ways corn on the cob can potentially harm your pooch.

• Choking hazard: Dogs can choke on corn on the cob. 
  
• Digestive issues: Corn on the cob can cause serious digestive problems in dogs. Dogs may have trouble digesting the hard kernels, even if they have strong teeth. Corn on the cob doesn't digest in a dog's stomach, so it can cause a blockage or perforation in the intestines. 
  
• Weight gain: Corn is high in calories, especially if it's covered in butter, which can contribute to weight gain and health problems in dogs. 
• Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to corn. 
  
• Gum infections: The kernels of corn on the cob can get stuck in a dog's teeth and cause discomfort or gum infections.

That's a lot of different ways that your dog can be negatively affected by an errant cob. So what can you do to prevent your dog from choking or possibly worse?

The best thing you can do to prevent serious injury/discomfort/or death of your pet is to put your 'used' cobs in a plastic ziplock bag, seal it, and toss the bag in an outdoor can, away from your pet/pets.

If your dog has gotten into corn on the cob, you should look for signs of dehydration, and immediately call your vet.