Dogs Swallowing Pennies May Need Emergency Vet Care

We all know puppies and dogs eat anything and everything, but are they eating more than you are aware of? When your back is turned, dogs can quickly gobble down pennies and other coins, which later threaten their lives because coins are toxic. One couple from Paw Paw, Michigan learned this all to well when they awoke one morning to find their mastiff puppy had become ill. They took their puppy to the vet, where an x-ray was conducted, which shocked both the owners and the vet. The cause of the puppy's illness was the fact the puppy had swallowed 105 pennies! It turns out the puppy was worth more than the owner's had thought, a $1.05 more. Emergency surgery was conducted to remove the pennies before any further damage was caused.

When a dog swallows pennies their life is quickly put on the line because pennies are extremely toxic. Without prompt treatment, a dog can suffer a painful death as the toxic minerals pennies are made from destroy proper functions within the dog's body. It is important to learn what to look for incase your pet should eat a penny.

Why are Pennies so Dangerous?

Pennies can quickly cause problems for your pet if they are ingested because after 1982, pennies became only coated with copper instead of being completely composed of copper. Modern pennies are composed of 95% zinc, which is extremely toxic when ingested.

Pennies are so dangerous for dogs to swallow because often, they do not pass through the digestive system on their own, which causes them to become trapped in the stomach or digestive tract. If this occurs the penny will begin to dissolve, releasing large quantities of zinc into the dog's blood stream. These high levels of zinc will cause the dog's blood vessels to begin to rupture, which causes the dog's organs to fail and anemia.

What are the Symptoms?

Chances are, if your dog eats a penny, you will not be there when they do it; therefore, it's important to learn the symptoms to look for so you can get your pet the prompt medical assistance they need. Signs to look for if your dog has eaten a penny include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as overall weakness and lethargy. It is common for dog's who have swallowed pennies to have pale gums and depression.

If you suspect your dog may have eaten a penny and you do not see the penny leave the digestive tract within 24 hours, it is vital you get your pet to a veterinarian immediately for treatment.

References:
"Mich. Puppy Swallows More Than 100 Pennies" Whas11.com
"Common Foods that Are Harmful and Even Fatal" Lacetoleather.com
"Things that are Dangerous to Pets" Gomestic.com