Project Description
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.
Pet Poison Control is provided free as a public service by the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. Today we’re asking you to support us with a small donation. If you would like to dedicate your gift in honor or memory of a pet or individual, you will have that option before checkout. Your gift of any amount helps us maintain this resource and make it available to the pharmacy and veterinary communities. Thank you!
