Be Careful With Pennies!

[springlady]

Last weekend our dog Drew, now 16 months old, swallowed a penny! I opened my wallet, out fell a penny, and he swooped in like Batman and gobbled up the penny before I could stop him. I could hear it rattling around in his teeth and then GULP - gone! My mother and a friend were in the room when this happend and they each said not to worry, it will come out the other end. I remembered reading about pennies in the time before we got our puppy and there was something about them being toxic. I called the hospital and they said bring him right in, it is a serious matter. Brought him in, they tried to get him to vomit three times but no penny. The xray showed what looked like a baseball in his stomach. They called in a specialist who was able to put a scope down his throat and snatch the penny out of his stomach. If that hadn't worked, they were going to have to cut him open! Here is the warning in this: Since 1982 pennies have been made of over 90% zinc. Zinc in the body draws red blood cells to it and away from vital organs. Within four days you can have a dead dog (or child). Please be careful about coins on the floor. I now have a very expensive penny in my possession (nearly $1K), but my pup is fine.

[bradl]

Wow. Thank you for that warning. I went looking to read more about this and found this fascinating page: Canine Zinc Toxicosis. Give Drew a pat for me and then tell him he needs to get a paper route or part-time job to pay for that hospital visit!

[Guest Tototoo]

WOW I am glad I ate my penny in 1975 and it did come out just fine. Who knew they changed the recipe. That is really good to know because I think every child has tasted a penny or two, not only will your warning help our 4 legged friends, but maybe it will help our two legged friends in play group.

Thanks

[bubba]

Wow....who ever knew this could happen!

Note to self....carry only pennies pre-1982.

pat.

[Eliz222]

Ouch! Sounds painful for poor Drew AND your wallet! I'll be sure to keep pennies off the floor for now on!

Scout had trouble swallowing one day, about a year ago. She kept trying to clear her throat over and over again. She didn't have any problems breathing, but I took her to the vet as soon as they opened. They used a scope to "find" the object, but there wasn't anything there...she just had a sore throat!

I wish these little ones could talk....wouldn't life be much easier??

[kayharley]

OMG...I remember my little sister swallowing a penny years ago and my mom kept it in her jewelry box as a momento after it "came out"

Thank you so much for the advice. I'm printing your post so the whole family can read it....especially my sloppy 17 year old who thinks pennies are worthless. I find them on his floor constantly. Good thing my girls aren't allowed in his room!