PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate pennies, coins and zinc metal? What to do
Swallowed pennies and other zinc metal can poison dogs by destroying red blood cells. US pennies made after 1982 have a zinc core.
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, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Go to a vet for an X-ray right away.
- Tell the vet what was swallowed and how many.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for the coin to pass. It needs to come out quickly.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Not eating
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing
- Fast heart rate
- Red, dark or orange urine
- Yellow gums
Why
Stomach acid breaks down zinc, which is absorbed into the blood and destroys red blood cells. It can also damage the liver, kidneys and heart.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Zinc
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Zinc Poisoning in Pets
- Pet Poison Helpline: My Dog Ate Metal, What Should I Do?
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.