Some coins, notably post-1982 U.S.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Part of our guide to Dog Got Into Coins / Pennies: Exposure Guide, Symptoms & What to Do.
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Why Coins / Pennies is dangerous
Some coins, notably post-1982 U.S. pennies, are high in zinc. Once swallowed, stomach acid breaks the zinc down and it is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it destroys red blood cells and can damage the liver, kidneys, and heart. Pet Poison Helpline notes that swallowing a zinc-containing coin can be fatal without treatment.
Signs to watch for
Weakness, pale or yellowish gums, vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, dark discolored urine, collapse
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Get an x-ray as soon as possible: the coin needs to be located and usually removed before it does more damage. Don't wait to see if it passes on its own.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at coins / pennies
Some coins, notably post-1982 U.S. pennies, are high in zinc. Once swallowed, stomach acid breaks the zinc down and it is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it destroys red blood cells and can damage the liver, kidneys, and heart. Pet Poison Helpline notes that swallowing a zinc-containing coin can be fatal without treatment. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other househol question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Homemade Play-Doh / Salt Dough. A single zinc-containing coin can be dangerous regardless of your dog's size. This is about the object sitting in the stomach and continuously releasing zinc, not a per-pound dose.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover. No. This needs an x-ray and likely removal by endoscopy or surgery. It isn't a watch-and-wait situation. Immediately, any time you know or suspect your dog swallowed a coin.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Get an x-ray as soon as possible: the coin needs to be located and usually removed before it does more damage. Don't wait to see if it passes on its own.
FAQ
A single zinc-containing coin can be dangerous regardless of your dog's size. This is about the object sitting in the stomach and continuously releasing zinc, not a per-pound dose.
No. This needs an x-ray and likely removal by endoscopy or surgery. It isn't a watch-and-wait situation.
Immediately, any time you know or suspect your dog swallowed a coin.
- Pet Poison Helpline
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals