If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
U.S. Pennies
Pennies made after 1982 contain high levels of zinc. If ingested by pets, these toxic levels of zinc can cause damage to red blood cells and/or gastrointestinal damage. Damage to the kidneys, lungs and pancreas may also occur.
Toxic consumption: There is no established threshold for toxicity. All incidents of exposure should be reported immediately.
References:
Richardson, J.A. (2002). Zinc Toxicosis from penny ingestions in dogs. Veterinary Medicine(February):96-9.
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