If a dog swallows or chews a battery, it can be a medical emergency. Immediate veterinary assessment is important because batteries can cause chemical burns, electrical injury, bowel obstruction, or heavy metal poisoning, and some injuries can progress rapidly. What to do now

• Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away, especially if you know or suspect a battery was ingested or chewed. If you can do so safely, bring the battery or packaging to help the clinician assess risk.
• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a veterinarian. Vomiting can cause aspiration or worsen injury if a corrosive substance is present.
• If the dog is actively showing signs such as drooling, facial swelling, coughing, gagging, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, or collapsed behavior, seek urgent veterinary care immediately.

Why this matters

• Different types of batteries (alkaline, lithium button, disc/button, etc.) have different risks. Some can cause rapid tissue damage in the mouth, esophagus, or GI tract, and others may cause obstruction if the battery becomes lodged. Even small batteries can pose serious danger, particularly for smaller dogs or if multiple batteries are involved. This is supported by veterinary and poison-control sources describing burns, current-induced tissue damage, obstruction, and potential fatalities if treatment is delayed.

What to expect at the veterinary visit

• A physical examination and imaging (often X-rays) to determine if the battery is in the stomach or intestines and whether there is any blockage or signs of tissue injury.
• Depending on findings, treatment may include monitoring, endoscopic or surgical removal if the battery is accessible or lodged, supportive care, and sometimes medications to protect the GI tract and manage pain.
• Ingestion of lithium button batteries is particularly dangerous due to rapid tissue necrosis, so early intervention is important.

Prevention tips

• Keep all batteries (alkaline, lithium, button) securely out of reach, including in remote controls, toys, and electronics.
• Regularly inspect devices and battery compartments for damage, and replace compromised batteries promptly.
• Supervise pets around areas where batteries are stored or used.

If you’d like, I can share a quick checklist to help you communicate with a vet or help you identify the battery type from packaging to gauge urgency.