My dog ate pennies & zinc objects — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
US pennies minted since 1982 are 97.5% zinc (Merck); stomach acid releases zinc, which destroys red blood cells.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- 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
US pennies minted since 1982 are 97.5% zinc (Merck); stomach acid releases zinc, which destroys red blood cells.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, pale gums, red urine, jaundice.
When: Hours to days
Frequently asked questions
Is pennies & zinc objects dangerous for dogs?
Yes. US pennies minted since 1982 are 97.5% zinc (Merck); stomach acid releases zinc, which destroys red blood cells. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate pennies & zinc objects?
Vomiting, pale gums, red urine, jaundice.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats pennies & zinc objects?
Hours to days
What should I do if my dog ate pennies & zinc objects?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
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.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: penny, galvanized nut · Category: Object · Last reviewed 2026-10-14