Greedy American Bulldog Hooch needed emergency surgery after wolfing down a corn-on- the-cob husk from his owner’s bin.
Sarah Baldwin, from Elland, had placed the husk in the bin after having a quick bite to eat before work.
But no sooner had she left the house when Hooch, 11, stuck his head in the trash and got his paws on the tasty treat.
He was one of many pets who had to have medical treatment after swallowing silly objects.
The PDSA has revealed stones, babies’ dummies, socks and even kebab sticks were among hundreds of weird and wonderful items their vets surgically removed from pet patients last year.
The charity treated nearly 400 pets for swallowing things they shouldn’t.
In Elland, mother of three Sarah, 40, said: “The next day Hooch wasn’t himself at all.
“He was sick, he wasn’t eating and didn’t want to walk. One of my sons had seen him finishing off the corn-on- the-cob so we did a quick Google search and were horrified at how dangerous they can be for dogs.”
Hooch was rushed straight to PDSA’s Bradford Pet Hospital where vets performed X-rays which revealed something lurking in his intestines.
The family were warned that their beloved pet would need an emergency operation to remove the cob as it could cause a fatal blockage.
PDSA Head Nurse Miriam Wilson, said: “We had to open up Hooch’s intestine to remove a large piece of corn husk and some smaller pieces that had broken off.
“Corn-on-the-cob cases are ones we see quite a lot. It’s important pet owners recognise how dangerous they can be, especially at this time of year as it’s barbecue season. In most case it is fatal if it’s not treated, as the husk can completely block the digestive system.”
Read more: 20 amazing animal pictures from Honley Show 2016
Hooch was kept at the hospital for two days before being discharged on pain relief and antibiotics. He has since gone on to make a full recovery.
Thanks to funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA is educating pet owners about the phenomenon of pets eating strange objects and how to keep their animals safe.
Top 10
1. Bones – 59 cases
2. Stones – 29 cases
3. Corn on the cob – 28 cases
4. Plastic e.g. parts of kids toys, food wrapping – 25 cases
5. Rubber balls – 19 cases
6. Rubber e.g. parts of dog toys – 19 cases
7. Socks – 11 cases
8. Thread – 9 cases
9. Babies’ dummy teats – 9 cases
10. (Joint) Kebab sticks/Peach stones – 7 cases of each
