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Zinc (coins and zinc objects)
US pennies minted after 1982, zinc nuts and bolts
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | No toxic dose is established; even one zinc-rich coin is a risk. A post-1982 US penny is 97-99% zinc, about 2,440 mg. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Toxic | Occasional; a reported cat swallowed a nut that was about 82% zinc. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
Toxic principle
Stomach acid dissolves the plating and then the zinc core. How zinc causes haemolysis is not known.
Onset
Poorly documented; a coin left in the stomach for more than 24-48 hours must be removed.
Clinical signs
Anaemia, depression, vomiting, haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, kidney signs; also icterus, pancreatitis, liver damage, DIC. Heinz bodies in dogs, less reliable in cats. Serum zinc normally 0.7-2 ppm, toxic usually above 10 ppm (royal-blue-top tubes).
Organs affected
Red blood cells, kidneys, liver, pancreas, digestive tract.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Remove the object: early emesis in a stable patient, otherwise endoscopy or surgery. An H2 blocker reduces absorption; activated charcoal does not help. Transfusion for severe anaemia, intravenous fluids. Chelation is debated: usually unnecessary after removal and contraindicated while zinc is still in the gut.
In the reference: Famotidine
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Scientific article. Richardson JA, Gwaltney-Brant SM, Villar D. Zinc toxicosis from penny ingestion in dogs. Veterinary Medicine, Feb 2002 (ASPCA toxicology brief) 2002
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Treating animals for coin ingestion. aspcapro.org 2025
- Scientific article. Yu J, et al. Zinc toxicosis in a cat associated with ingestion of a metal screw nut. JFMS Open Reports 8(2) 2022
- Reference book. Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Pharmacy. Small animal toxins. vet.cornell.edu
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026