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My dog ate a battery: what happens and what to do

Key takeaways:

  • If your dog eats a battery, contact a vet immediately – do not wait for symptoms to appear.
  • Batteries can cause serious internal damage, especially button batteries, which may lead to chemical burns within 15 to 30 minutes if chewed or pierced.
  • Some dogs show no immediate signs after swallowing a battery, but possible symptoms include vomiting, mouth ulcers, pain, distress, and stomach ulcers.
  • Prevention includes keeping loose batteries out of reach, securing battery compartments, removing spare batteries from packaging, and supervising dogs around battery-operated items.

If your dog has eaten a battery, it’s important to act quickly. Batteries are extremely dangerous to dogs and can cause severe internal damage, sometimes within minutes of ingestion.

What should I do if my dog eats a battery?

Contact your vet immediately, or if out of hours, contact your nearest Vets Now emergency pet clinic. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Why are batteries dangerous to dogs?

All batteries pose a risk to dogs, but button batteries are a particular concern. These are often smaller than a two-pence piece and very shiny, making them appealing to curious dogs. If chewed and pierced, a battery can cause chemical burns and serious damage to the oesophagus and other vital structures within the neck within 15 to 30 minutes.

The danger comes from the buildup of sodium hydroxide produced by the battery’s electrical current, which causes severe tissue damage. Injuries can be fatal.

How long does it take for a battery to kill a dog?

This depends on the type of battery and how the dog’s body responds. Chemical burns can begin in under 30 minutes if a button battery is chewed and pierced. These injuries are often severe and may prove fatal.

A study by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reviewed 271 cases of battery ingestion in dogs. While 53% showed no symptoms, 27% were sick and 17% suffered mouth ulcers or inflammation. Emergency surgery was required in 13 cases, and there were two fatal cases.

The average time for a battery to pass through the body was 51 hours. The authors noted that while many dogs remain well after ingestion and conservative management is all that’s required in most cases, there is the potential for severe local tissue injury and each case should be individually assessed.

a collection of various sized button batteries
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What are the signs a dog has swallowed a battery?

Signs your dog may have ingested a battery include vomiting, mouth ulcers, signs of pain or distress, and stomach ulcers in more severe cases.

Some dogs may show no immediate symptoms, which is why prompt veterinary attention is critical, regardless of how your dog appears.

How to stop your dog from getting hold of batteries

  • Ensure battery compartments in toys and gadgets are secure, ideally requiring a screwdriver to open
  • Never leave loose batteries within reach of your dog
  • If gifting a battery-operated item, install the batteries beforehand and remove any spares from packaging
  • During busy times like Christmas and birthdays, give your dog a quiet area to retreat to away from unwrapping and new gadgets
  • Never leave your dog unattended with battery-operated items within reach