household
Batteries
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Batteries can burn the mouth and gut, leak chemicals and cause heavy-metal poisoning.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Bring the battery packaging if possible.
Symptoms to look for
- drooling
- pawing at mouth
- vomiting
- difficulty swallowing
- black or bloody stools
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
Why
When chewed or swallowed, batteries can cause electrical burns in the mouth and oesophagus within minutes. They can also leak alkaline or acidic contents that damage tissue, and button batteries can become lodged in the throat or gut. Some batteries contain heavy metals. Even a battery that has been partly discharged can cause serious injury.
- Substances of concern
- alkaline, lithium, heavy metals
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any battery","button battery","rechargeable battery"}
- Preparation
- No safe preparation.
- How much matters
- Any chewed or swallowed battery needs emergency assessment.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Physical hazard
- Veterinary Poisons Information ServicePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.