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My Dog Ate a Battery! What Happens if a Dog Eats a Battery? (+What to Do!)

“My dog ate a battery!” Frightening, right? Don’t worry, though, because in this article we’ll teach you what happens if a dog eats a battery, and of course what to do next. You’ll learn the risks of your dog eating batteries as well as the symptoms to watch for, what to do if your dog bites into one, and how to prevent your dog from eating batteries in the future.

We’re also going to discuss your pup eating different types of batteries, such as button batteries and standard AAAs, and the specific dangers they pose to dogs. We’ll then delve into why dogs chew on batteries and what steps you can take to safeguard your home. Keep reading!

My Dog Ate a Battery, What Do I Do?

My Dog Ate a Battery

If your dog ate a battery, it’s important to act quickly and seek veterinary care immediately. Batteries contain hazardous materials that can be toxic or cause physical damage when ingested. It’s important to not induce vomiting without veterinary advice, as this can cause more harm.

Symptoms of Dog Eating Battery

Symptoms of a dog eating a battery can vary depending on the battery type and size. Common signs include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. In cases of battery acid leakage, you might also notice burns or irritation around the mouth or esophagus. Seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe any of these symptoms.

My Dog Bit a Battery, What Do I Do?

If your dog bit a battery, the first step is to safely remove any battery fragments from their mouth, being careful to protect yourself from any leaked battery acid. Check for any signs of burns or injuries in and around the mouth and throat.

Do not induce vomiting and immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic for guidance on the next steps.

Dog Eats Batteries: How to Stop

To prevent your dog from eating batteries, consider the following steps:

  1. Keep all batteries, especially small disc batteries, out of reach and in secure places where your dog cannot access them.
  2. Regularly check devices to ensure batteries are secure and not easily removable by your pet.
  3. Train your dog to ‘leave it’ on command. Start by holding a treat in a closed fist. When your dog stops trying to get it and moves away, say ‘leave it’, open your hand, and give them the treat. Gradually progress to dropping the treat on the floor and covering it with your hand.
  4. Provide appropriate chew toys and engage your dog in activities to minimize their interest in non-toy items.

A dog eating a battery is a serious situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Keeping batteries out of reach, monitoring your pet, and training them to respond to commands can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents.

It’s important to remember, however, that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog eating batteries and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about if your dog ate a battery ever again!

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Battery?

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Battery?

If a dog eats a battery, it poses a serious health risk. Batteries contain corrosive acids and heavy metals that can cause chemical burns, toxicity, and physical obstruction. Immediate veterinary attention is very important. The severity of the situation depends on the type and size of the battery ingested and the time elapsed since ingestion.

Dog Swallowed Battery Whole

If a dog swallows a battery whole, it can lead to both chemical and physical damage. The battery can cause an obstruction in the digestive tract and potentially leak corrosive substances. The symptoms may not be immediate but can include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Emergency veterinary care is necessary to prevent severe internal damage.

Learn a command that will help prevent these situations in the future by going back to the first section now.

Dog Swallowed Button Battery

A dog swallowing a button battery is particularly dangerous due to their small size and high risk of lodging in the esophagus. These batteries can rapidly cause severe burns to the tissue and potentially be fatal.

Symptoms can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and a sudden decrease in energy. Immediate veterinary intervention is required.

Can a Dog Die From Eating a Battery?

Yes, a dog can die from eating a battery. The severity of the risk depends on the battery type and the dog’s size. Ingestion of batteries can lead to severe internal burns, poisoning, and obstruction, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. You need to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog ate a battery.

In summary, dogs eating batteries is a serious medical emergency. The chemicals and physical structure of batteries can cause life-threatening conditions. Prompt veterinary treatment is needed to address any potential damage and ensure the safety of your pet.

Dog Chewed Battery

Dog Chewed Battery

If your dog chewed a battery, it’s a situation that requires immediate attention. Chewing on batteries can lead to serious health risks, including chemical burns, toxicity, and physical injury. The steps you take right after discovering this incident are crucial to minimize potential harm and ensure your dog’s safety.

My Dog Chewed a Battery

If you find that your dog has chewed a battery, promptly assess the situation. Look for any remaining pieces of the battery, check your dog’s mouth for injuries, and observe for any signs of distress like drooling, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice, even if your dog appears to be fine, as battery acid can cause internal damage.

Dog Chews Battery: Why They Do It

Dogs chew on batteries due to curiosity, boredom, anxiety, or the urge to chew. The texture and size of batteries might be appealing to them, just as the shininess might be (they may also try to chew or swallow your earrings)

It’s important to keep batteries out of reach and ensure your dog has plenty of safe, appropriate chew toys to prevent such dangerous behaviors. Learn a command that will help in the first section.

My Dog Bit Into a AAA Battery

If your dog bit into a AAA battery, the smaller size might mean a higher risk of ingestion and internal blockage. In addition to the risk of chemical burns from leaking battery acid, there’s also a concern for physical obstruction. You need to seek veterinary care immediately to properly assess and address any internal damage or risks.

In summary, a dog chewing on a battery is a serious emergency due to the risk of chemical burns, toxicity, and physical harm. Immediate veterinary attention is critical to ensure your dog’s well-being. Prevention is key, so always keep batteries safely stored away and provide your dog with appropriate chew toys.

I’m sure you’re ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about your dog eating a battery answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “My Dog Ate a Battery! What Happens if a Dog Eats a Battery? (+What to Do!)”.

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.