Batteries are found almost everywhere in our homes: remote controls, toys, clocks, flashlights, your wireless computer mouse, garage door openers, certain home decor, and the list goes on. With curious canines who love to explore the world with their mouths, it’s pretty easy for them to get ahold of a battery-filled item and dig their teeth into it. But, what happens if your dog eats a battery?
The Danger of Batteries for Dogs
There are a variety of battery types, and all are toxic to our dogs. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, “The most common types of batteries ingested or chewed on by dogs are alkaline dry cell batteries (e.g., 9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA) or button/disc batteries.”
- Acid and Alkaline Batteries – This type of battery uses a corrosive material, like potassium hydroxide or sodium, to generate current and produce electricity. When punctured or swallowed, the alkaline or acidic materials can leak out and cause serious injury to a dog’s mouth and other body tissues. This can lead to deeply penetrating ulcers.
- Button and Disc Batteries – The size and shape of these batteries make them a choking hazard. Plus, according to Preventative Vet, “Disc and button batteries are especially dangerous because they allow an electric current to contact the delicate tissues of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can result in severe damage or perforation of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.”
- Lithium Disc Batteries – These batteries can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Even one 3-volt battery can result in severe necrosis (AKA death of tissue) to the GI tract or esophagus within 15-30 minutes.
Symptoms
Initial burns may occur within the first one-two hours, but the full extent of injury may take up to 24 hours. Some warning signs and symptoms:
- Drooling
- Refusing to eat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath
- Oral pain
- Pawing at the mouth
- Oral burns (you may see a grey or bright red area in your dog’s mouth)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Battery
One of the most important things to note is: Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has eaten a battery. The corrosive contents of the battery may cause further damage to the esophagus on its way back up.
Veterinary experts recommend carefully flushing the mouth with tepid water and then immediately seeking professional guidance and treatment. Battery ingestions can be life-threatening, so don’t wait for symptoms to occur. If you suspect your dog has eaten a battery, act ASAP.
If your regular vet’s office is closed, contact your local emergency vet and/or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). The Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7. Here’s how they work:
- Call their number to speak with credentialed veterinary professionals. A $75 incident fee applies. They will gather information about your dog’s poison exposure.
- They run calculations and will determine if your pup can be monitored from home or if they should be seen by your veterinarian.
- If veterinary care is warranted, they will work together with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan specific to your dog.
Prevention
In today’s day and age, it’s pretty impossible to eliminate batteries from our homes. We just need to be mindful of the risks and try to keep our battery-operated tech away from Fido.
- Secure battery packages in a safe place (like a closed drawer, tall shelf, or even in the refrigerator)
- If your pup is a chewer and intrigued by remote controls, keep them in a remote box and tucked away.
- If you have young children who play with battery-operated toys, make sure to put them away after playtime.
Despite best intentions, accidents do happen. Again, if you suspect your dog has eaten a battery, don’t delay in seeking veterinary guidance and care.
