PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate batteries? Toxic: what to do now
Chewed or swallowed batteries can burn a dog's mouth and gut. A button battery stuck in the food pipe can burn through it.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Batteries and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Drooling, mouth pain, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and not eating. All 6
- How fast
- Often within a few hours; can be delayed 12 hours or more
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate batteries?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Gently wash the mouth and skin with warm water.
- Keep the battery package and bring it with you.
- Go even if your dog seems fine. Mouth ulcers can take hours to show.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit. A battery can cause more damage coming back up.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Mouth pain
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Not eating
- Belly discomfort
When signs appear: Often within a few hours; can be delayed 12 hours or more
Why
Punctured alkaline batteries leak corrosive material. Button (disc) batteries can lodge in the food pipe and burn it with electric current, even if not chewed.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Batteries
- Pet Poison Helpline: Household Batteries (Veterinarian Tips)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Household Hazards
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.