Household object
Zinc Objects (coins, galvanised metal, cage parts)
Emergency. Zinc dissolves in stomach acid and destroys red blood cells.
SevereDogsBirdsFerrets
What to do right now
- 1.Go to a vet immediately for imaging
- 2.Bring an example of the object if possible
- 3.Do not wait for symptoms to worsen
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Pale or yellow gums
- Red-brown urine
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
Details
- Category
- Household object
- Toxicity
- Severe
- Species affected
- Dogs, Birds, Ferrets
- Routes of exposure
- Swallowing coins or chewing galvanised cage wire and toy clips
- Urgency
- Emergency. Zinc dissolves in stomach acid and destroys red blood cells.
Veterinary treatment
Treatment centres on removing the metal object and supporting the animal through haemolysis. Use stainless steel or powder-coated cage hardware for birds.