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My dog ate pennies. Are they toxic? Do I need to go to the vet now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 30 lbs

Hi my dog ate some pennies will he be able to pass them?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2020

Pennies are toxic. The acid in the stomach will cause the penny to break down. Once the penny starts to corrode, the zinc is released into the bloodstream and causes anemia and liver damage. It could take a few hours to a couple days before signs of toxicity start to show up. This is a medical emergency and you need to take Bandit into a vet immediately to have the pennies removed. You cannot treat this at home and you cannot leave him without treatment. Please take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

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