Dog Ate a Battery: What to Do Right Away

Batteries are in remote controls, toys, watches, hearing aids, key fobs and countless other household items. Dogs, especially puppies, may chew or swallow them. If your dog ate a battery, it’s an emergency. Batteries can cause severe chemical burns and dangerous blockages, sometimes within hours.

Why batteries are dangerous

Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, 9-volt)

When an alkaline battery is chewed or punctured, it can leak a highly corrosive substance. This can cause chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. A swallowed whole battery can also get stuck and cause a blockage.

Button and disc batteries

Small, round button batteries (also called coin or disc batteries) are especially dangerous. If one gets stuck in the esophagus or stomach, it can create an electrical current that burns through tissue very quickly. They may also contain heavy metals.

Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries, including many button batteries, can cause severe burns quickly.

Signs your dog ate a battery

Some dogs show no signs at first. Signs may include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Red or burned gums, tongue or lips
• Bad breath
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble swallowing
• Belly pain
• Fever
• Black or bloody stool
• Lethargy

Chewed battery pieces or leaking fluid near your dog are important clues. Our guide to pet emergency signs explains other urgent symptoms.

What to do if your dog ate a battery

1. Remove any remaining batteries and pieces from the area.
2. Find the packaging or device so you know the type and size of battery.
3. Contact a vet or pet poison hotline immediately.
4. Don’t make your dog vomit.
5. If your dog chewed a battery, your vet may advise you to gently rinse your dog’s mouth with lukewarm water. Only do this if advised.
6. Get to a vet quickly. Time matters, especially with button batteries.

How is it treated?

A vet will likely take X-rays to find the battery. Treatment may include:

• Removing the battery with an endoscope (a camera passed through the mouth)
• Surgery, if the battery has moved further or caused damage
• Medicines to protect the stomach and esophagus
• Pain relief and fluids
• Monitoring for burns or holes in the digestive tract

What about other swallowed objects?

Dogs swallow all kinds of things. Our articles on what to do if your dog ate a sock, toy or bone and signs of intestinal blockage in dogs explain what to watch for.

How to prevent battery accidents

• Keep remotes and small electronics off low tables and couches
• Store spare batteries in a closed drawer or cabinet
• Dispose of used batteries right away in a sealed container
• Choose dog toys without batteries, or check them often for damage
• Watch puppies closely, since they chew everything
• Secure hearing aids and watches at night

Our pet poison guide lists other household hazards.

Frequently asked questions

Will a swallowed battery pass on its own?

Sometimes, but it can cause burns or get stuck. Always see a vet right away.

Is a dead battery still dangerous?

Yes. Even “dead” batteries can leak and cause burns or blockages.

Worried about something your dog ate? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• My Dog Ate a Battery. Now What?, PetMD
• Batteries, Pet Poison Helpline
• The Dangers of Batteries and Your Pets: What You Should Know, ASPCA