My dog ate mercury (old thermometer) — what should I do?
GREEN — Usually watch at home
What to do now
- Usually not dangerous in small amounts. Watch for the symptoms below for the next 24 hours.
- Call your vet if symptoms appear, the amount was large, or your dog is very small, old, or ill.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Liquid elemental mercury is poorly absorbed from the gut; glass shards are the bigger concern.
Symptoms to watch for
Usually none; mouth cuts.
When: -
Frequently asked questions
Is mercury (old thermometer) dangerous for dogs?
Usually not seriously. Liquid elemental mercury is poorly absorbed from the gut; glass shards are the bigger concern. Monitor and call your vet if symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate mercury (old thermometer)?
Usually none; mouth cuts.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats mercury (old thermometer)?
-
What should I do if my dog ate mercury (old thermometer)?
Usually not dangerous in small amounts. Watch for the symptoms below for the next 24 hours. Call your vet if symptoms appear, the amount was large, or your dog is very small, old, or ill.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
⚖️ Evidence note: Broken glass or vapor inhalation changes risk; call your vet.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: thermometer · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-14