Are Batteries Dangerous to Dogs?
Has your dog chewed or swallowed a battery? Phone your own vet or the nearest emergency vet now. Find an emergency vet
US animal poison lines, 24 hours, both take calls from owners: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (the ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply) and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (USD 99 per incident). Elsewhere: poison lines in 34 countries.
Quick answer
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline calls batteries very dangerous when chewed or swallowed. Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) can leak corrosive material, and button and lithium batteries can burn the gullet or gut. It says not to make your dog sick and that a vet needs to see your dog straight away.
From Pet Poison Helpline. Not veterinary advice. See who to call.
This page is not veterinary advice. It tells you what the named sources publish and who to call. There are no home treatment steps here, on purpose. Full disclaimer.
On this page (6 sections)
Why they are dangerous
Pet Poison Helpline says alkaline dry cell batteries are the ones dogs most often get into, and that a punctured battery can leak alkaline or acidic material that causes corrosive injury to the mouth and other tissues. Disc-shaped (button) and lithium batteries can pass a current that causes a burn if one lodges in the gullet or intestines. New toys, remotes and gadgets in winter mean more batteries lying around. Source: Pet Poison Helpline, Batteries.
Symptoms
Pet Poison Helpline lists drooling, mouth pain and pawing at the mouth, and says ulcers in the mouth may not show for hours after a battery is chewed or swallowed, so a dog that looks fine at first may not be. Source: Pet Poison Helpline, Batteries.
What to do now
- Do not make your dog sick: Pet Poison Helpline says the corrosive contents can cause more damage to the gullet on the way back up.
- Phone your vet or a poison line and go in straight away: it says immediate veterinary attention is needed.
- Take the packaging or a matching battery so the vet knows the type and size.
Source: Pet Poison Helpline, Batteries.
Prevention
- Keep spare and used batteries in a closed box, up high.
- Check that battery covers on remotes, toys and scales are screwed shut.
- Take used batteries to recycling rather than leaving them on a counter.
Questions people ask
Should I make my dog throw up after it ate a battery?
No. Pet Poison Helpline says a dog should not be made to vomit, because the corrosive contents can damage the gullet further. Phone your vet or a poison line now.
Are button batteries worse than AA batteries?
Pet Poison Helpline says alkaline batteries can leak corrosive material, and that button and lithium batteries can also cause burns if one lodges in the gullet or intestines. Both need a vet straight away.
My dog chewed a battery but seems fine. Is it OK?
Not necessarily. Pet Poison Helpline says mouth ulcers may not appear for hours after a battery is punctured or swallowed. Phone your vet or a poison line.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline, Batteries, read 7 November 2026.
- Pet Poison Helpline, FAQ (fee), read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Pet emergency: what to do right now, my dog ate something, signs of poisoning, antifreeze and rock salt and paws.