Can dogs eat popcorn? Why shouldn't you give popcorn to a dog?

An evening on the sofa, watching movies, and sharing popcorn is one of those "little pleasures" that life gives us and that we like to share with those we love. It is, therefore, quite normal to wonder if you can also do it with your best friend and if can dogs eat popcorn, especially when they look at you with their cute face and their sweet eyes to get the food you are eating.

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? 

So can dogs eat popcorn? Popcorn is not a portion of suitable food for dogs because it does not provide any beneficial nutrients for their body. Therefore, when we value the integration of new foods into his diet, we must consider whether or not they are part of his nutritional needs, just like quality proteins, fats, and, to a lesser extent, fibers, minerals, or vitamins.

Other foods, like French fries, can also be compared to popcorn because they contain more "bad" calories and fats than nutrients, so we shouldn't offer French fries to our children or dogs. However, they can eat one or two, but the idea is to replace them with boiled potatoes, but always offering them moderately since potatoes are not part of their diet.

Why shouldn't you give popcorn to a dog?

To understand why we shouldn't offer popcorn to our dogs, we must first point out that corn is not as easily digestible food for dogs as other suitable grains like corn might be. oats, barley, or flax. In addition, popcorn is a food that contains a lot of fat and salt, even more so when it comes to industrial microwave popcorn.

In addition to causing digestive issues, excess fat can lead to rapid weight gain and high cholesterol levels in dogs. Excess LDL cholesterol (called "bad cholesterol") generally promotes the accumulation of non-soluble fatty plaques in the arteries, promoting cardiovascular disease development. Excess salt also harms the heart health of dogs, which can lead to a case of canine hypertension.

One can think of the possibility of making homemade popcorn, made in a frying pan with little oil or steam, without preservatives, and without salt. This snack would be far less dangerous or harmful to our dogs than industrial popcorn. But let's assume that hardly anyone makes popcorn without oil or salt, and most people prefer bags of popcorn to be made in the microwave.

That's why, even though it's not always a forbidden food for dogs, popcorn is not a healthy food for your dog. Instead, you can opt for natural and healthy treats to please or reward your dog during his education; you can opt for natural and healthy treats.

My dog ​​eating popcorn, what should I do?

If your dog has eaten a minimal dose of homemade popcorn with little oil, no preservatives, and no salt, this intake may be harmless and have no adverse effects. In any case, it is advisable to offer fresh, clean water to the dog.

However, if the dog has ingested a large amount of industrial popcorn, he is likely to have digestive problems such as gas, vomiting, or diarrhea. He may also be thirsty and want to drink water because of excessive salt consumption.

In the most severe cases, there can be poisoning in the dog. Wherein there is a lack of coordination, dizziness, muscle stiffness, excessive salivation, bleeding, uncontrollable urination, and other abnormal signs. In these cases, you need to go to the vet urgently to perform a stomach pump and/or hospitalize your dog.

There's what you need to know about feeding popcorn to dogs.

When is popcorn bad for dogs?

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There are many factors to consider when feeding your dog the popcorn you enjoy at home.

If you like to add lots of salt and butter to your popcorn, it may be best to keep it out of your dog's reach. While it won't be fatal if they find a chunk or two on the ground, it can cause unhealthy side effects if they eat enough.

Some of these side effects include:

Dehydration due to excessive salt intake

Digestive problems like diarrhea

Possible kidney problems

Obesity

Popcorn, with the additives we put in it, is high in calories. Uncooked grains can also threaten your dog's oral health, causing gum disease or tooth decay by getting stuck in the teeth. The grits can even eventually chip a tooth or become a choking hazard.

It's also important to note that corn is a possible allergen for your dog, so consult your veterinarian to ensure your pup doesn't have an allergic reaction.

Once you get your veterinarian's approval to share popcorn with your pup, you need to be sure to prepare and serve it safely.

Air popping your popcorn is quick and easy. You can do this using a popcorn maker, microwave, or stove.

Be sure to keep the popcorn you give your dog plain, without any additives like salt or butter, to keep it healthy enough for him to eat. Take a few chunks of the popcorn you make yourself and ensure there are no uncooked kernels before giving them to your dog.

You can also give them something other than popcorn which might be a healthier or even better option.

Like everything in life, all it takes is some extra attention in moderation, and you and your pup will be fine enjoying your popcorn!

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?

We learned the answer to the question: can dogs eat popcorn? Does your dog ask you to taste your corn on the cob? You might be tempted to give in to your drooling dog and offer him a tasty treat. Some people think corn on the cob is a safe treat for dogs, but that's not the case. Although corn by itself is not toxic to dogs, feeding them corn on the cob can be extremely dangerous.

Should dogs eat corn on the cob?

Many dogs love to chew corn on the cob. They also like the taste of corn and any butter or salt left over. Unfortunately, too many dogs swallow a corn cob whole or eat large cob chunks, resulting in gastrointestinal injury or obstruction. This is because corn on the cob does not completely break down in a dog's stomach, and the cob's size is often too large to pass through the rest of the digestive tract. This risk of gastrointestinal injury is highest in small and medium dogs, but large dogs can certainly be affected. Also, corn on the cob can be a choking hazard.

Signs of gastrointestinal obstruction or damage

If a dog has a gastrointestinal obstruction or lesion, you may not see any signs at first. However, when the signs appear, they can range from mild to severe. Most dogs with a gastrointestinal obstruction or lesion show several signs.

Lethargy

Vomiting

Heaving

Loss of appetite

Abdominal discomfort

Diarrhea

Constipation

Black, tarry stools (due to digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract from an injury)

Signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction can seem similar to signs of other health conditions, so don't jump to conclusions or panic. However, it is essential to contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness, regardless of the potential cause.

What to do if your dog ate corn on the cob

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a corncob, the first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. Although not all dogs develop problems after eating corn on the cob, it is best to be prepared just in case. Your veterinarian will advise you on the measures to take.

Dogs showing signs of illness should be taken to the nearest open veterinary practice as soon as possible. Gastrointestinal obstruction is an emergency.

How to keep corn on the cob away from dogs

Some dogs go to great lengths to get tasty treats. Unfortunately, this may mean they have to raid the trash can.  The best thing to do is put them in an outdoor trash can or compost bin that is out of reach of dogs. You can also throw them in a bag in your freezer until garbage collection day.

When you have friends and family over, ensure everyone knows that corn on the cob is off-limits for dogs. It's best to ask guests to refrain from giving your dog table scraps.

Is corn good for dogs?

Many dogs enjoy the taste of corn. Fortunately, dogs can eat plain corn in moderate amounts, provided they are not allergic to corn.

Dogs can eat corn as a treat or as a food garnish, provided they remove it from the cob. After cooking the corn on the cob, just cut it with a knife and offer a small amount. 

Remember, dog treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's main diet, including corn. Although it is a safe treat, corn has few nutritional benefits for dogs. In addition, excess goodies and a lack of complete and balanced dog food can lead to malnutrition and other problems.

In this beautiful period of corn roasts, real danger awaits our friends, the dogs: intestinal obstruction by ingestion of cob or a piece of it.

But corn is not supposed to be dangerous for my animal! They are often found in diets!

True, corn kernels are a great source of nutrients and exciting food. However, the problem with corn on the cob is in the central part of it, a very fibrous and indigestible part.

IN THEORY, if a dog ingests a piece of the fibrous middle part of a corn cob (or the entire cob if it's a greedy Labrador), that piece will go into the stomach, then will pass through the intestines to end up in the open air, mixed with the stool but almost completely intact.

Corn is good for our dogs but bad when whole

So, in the majority of cases, this little piece of cob will cause a lot of problems because the intestines will not be able to expel this intruder outside. The fact that the central part of the cob is downright indigestible is the main reason for this, but it must also be understood that a cob whose gains have been eaten or digested is like a piece of velcro that does not slide easily. on the wall of an intestine. Add to this the inflammation and swelling of the intestine around the cob (which results from the stagnation of the cob in a particular place) which further shrinks the duct, and the equation of the obstruction is completed!

Which animals are at risk?

Any animal with access to corn on the cob, even some more voracious than normal cats. The risks are increased if the cobs are not automatically thrown into airtight bins and/or if children or people who are too generous offer their leftovers to your animal.

Best Products for Dogs

What can I do to prevent this kind of situation?

A dog that suffers from an obstruction often first presents signs that can be confused with gastroenteritis:

Loss of appetite

Vomiting of food and bile

Diarrhea

Loss of enthusiasm

Subsequently, these signs will increase, and the animal will even vomit its water, will be more amorphous, and could show signs of abdominal discomfort (lying down and getting up, trampling on the spot, looking at its belly ). Your pet's condition can deteriorate quickly!

One day or another, however, this piece will eventually start its course in the intestine. It is, therefore, possible that the cob eaten in August obstructs in October. Keep an eye out!

What are the consequences of this obstruction?

A digestive obstruction is a serious problem that can cause peritonitis, sepsis, and death of the animal.

Therefore, the signs and symptoms mentioned above should not be taken lightly.

What should I do if I suspect an intestinal obstruction in my animal?

Contact your veterinarian quickly to have your pet examined. A good examination is in order, and you will probably be recommended x-rays to eliminate this possibility. If an obstruction is confirmed, the treatment is surgery, during which the piece will be removed from the intestines.

It is essential to consult QUICKLY because any delay in the treatment of this situation can lead to serious complications for the animal and significantly reduce the success rate of the surgery.

Keep an eye out during this festive season of roasts, and have a good end of summer!

Intestinal obstruction in dogs: what to do? This article is verified by a vet

Many dogs will swallow a toy in their lifetime. In the worst case, it can cause bowel obstruction. In this article, you will find out what this means for your pet's health.

Is an intestinal obstruction dangerous for the dog?

Unfortunately, it regularly happens that dogs die due to an intestinal obstruction (ileus) detected too late. Since the intestine can no longer pass food, a clog occurs inside the digestive tract. This may be the first sign of obstruction if your dog is vomiting.

When ingested contents stay in the dog's stomach for too long, it expands the stomach (stomach dilation). If the plug gradually crushes surrounding vessels such as veins, your dog could suffer a shock that could pose life-threatening conditions such as multiple organ failure syndromes.

Symptoms: how does intestinal obstruction manifest in dogs?

A bowel obstruction can manifest itself in different ways in dogs. All the signs are not necessarily present:

your dog looks tired but also restless;

he drools a lot, feels nauseous, or vomits;

your dog no longer wants to eat or no longer does his business;

he suffers from diarrhea, constipation, or other intestinal disorders;

your dog's belly is tense;

he is unusually aggressive or whiny when touched;

he shows signs of abdominal pain;

he has a fever.

If your dog has an ileus, the above symptoms depend on different factors: the proportion, location, and cause of the plug. You should consult your veterinarian if your dog has one or more of the above symptoms.

The information you provide is very important for your veterinarian to find the underlying cause as quickly as possible and help your dog. Thus, you should already think about the stool quality and your dog's eating behavior during the trip to the vet.

A bowel obstruction can, but does not necessarily, cause problems with defecating.

Can a dog with a bowel obstruction still poop?

Your dog's ability to relieve himself in the event of a bowel obstruction depends on the location of the stricture.

If the blockage is in an anterior passage of the intestine (such as at the junction between the stomach and the small intestine), your dog may still be defecating for some time. Therefore, do not dismiss the trail of intestinal obstruction too quickly, and always consult your veterinarian in case of doubt.

When should you consult a veterinarian at the latest?

If your dog's extremities are cold (like his ears or paws), he's shaking, or he's fainting, you need to be alarmed.

Your dog is now in a very dangerous emergency that only your veterinarian can handle. Every second counts and can save your pet's life.

Diagnosis: how does the veterinarian detect an intestinal obstruction?

Once at the vet, the current situation determines what happens next. For example, if your dog has lost consciousness or is in danger of going into shock, your veterinarian should take emergency action.

Otherwise, he can start the exam usually. For this, he determines important vital signs such as heart rate or the state of the mucous membranes during the anamnesis.

Medical imaging techniques (such as ultrasound and contrast x-ray) also help the veterinarian identify the cause of the dog's bowel obstruction. All the data collected is needed to better plan future surgeries.

Therapy: how to treat an intestinal obstruction?

What to do to deal with a bowel obstruction in dogs depends on the cause. If you send your dog urgently to a veterinary clinic, the veterinarian usually must inevitably intervene and take surgical measures. But the following medications or conservative measures can also relieve your dog's pain:

removal of stuck food through a gastric tube;

fluid infusion (including electrolytes);

medicines for nausea and vomiting (antiemetics);

painkillers;

drugs to stimulate peristalsis.

Of course, the location of the bowel obstruction is also decisive for the choice of therapeutic measures.

Cost: how much does the operation for a bowel obstruction cost?

The costs depend on several factors. The larger your dog, the more medication he will need. The time at which your pet is due for surgery also plays an important role.

This is because outside normal opening hours, your vet may charge you a higher rate according to the Veterinary Fee Schedule. In addition, the cause can also influence the 

Causes: what are the causative agents of intestinal obstruction?

Veterinarians distinguish between intestinal obstruction (ileus), incomplete (subileus), and complete. If the narrowing is due to a reversal of the bowel, the technical term is "intussusception" (or "intussusception"). A volvulus, on the other hand, is a pathological twisting of certain parts of the intestine.

In general, bowel obstruction in dogs can occur at different places in the intestine, with small bowel obstructions being more common than large bowel obstructions. Adult dogs are just as affected as puppies or older dogs. The breed of the dog also has no bearing on whether and how a dog gets a bowel obstruction.

Because of the many potential causes behind bowel obstruction, specialists classify these into two main groups.

Mechanical bowel obstruction

Mechanical ileus is called a mechanical ileus when an automatic obstacle narrows the inner layer of the intestinal wall (intestinal lumen). As a result, the contents of the intestine can more or less pass through the intestine. In this case, it is possible that a tumor, for example, exerts external pressure on the intestine (obstruction).

But stools containing bones (e.g. from eating many bones) or foreign bodies (such as chestnuts) can also block the bowel (obturation).

Also, some causes of blockage (such as intussusception or twisting of the bowel) may result from bowel inflammation. These in turn, can cause strangulation and therefore ileus in your dog.

Organic bowel obstruction

Prognosis: what are the chances of recovery?

A bowel obstruction should not be taken lightly. Indeed, if detected too late, the resulting complications can put your dog's life in danger.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a large foreign body or other signs of intestinal obstruction appear, it is best to consult your veterinarian in doubt.

Prevention: how to avoid bowel obstruction?

You can't always avoid a bowel obstruction in your dog. But a few tips are enough to reduce the risk of disease. If your dog likes to take things in his mouth, don't leave small objects nearby unattended.

Also, only offer him toys that he is unlikely to be able to destroy. To prevent your dog from becoming poisoned in your garden or indoors, it is also advisable to keep toxic plants away from your home.