Battery acid is a caustic chemical that can harm your dog's skin, tongue, throat and stomach. Dogs generally may ingest battery acid in two ways: they may lick clean any skin that has come in contact with car battery acid, or they may chew up a battery found in a remote control or watch. Quick treatment will end your dog's pain and even save his life.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Milk of magnesia
- Vegetable oil
- Milk
- Cold water
Instructions
Inspect your dog for any symptoms of battery acid poisoning if you did not catch him in the act of eating batteries or drinking battery acid. Symptoms may include white-colored burns, reddish raw skin, vomiting, refusal to eat, pain in the mouth and stomach, heavy drool and foul-smelling breath.
Call your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary service immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. If your veterinarian is unavailable, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply to your ASPCA call.
Treat your dog with milk of magnesia, vegetable oil or milk if he is still able to drink. Use 1 tablespoon for every 10 pounds of your dog's weight. Do not induce vomiting, as the battery acid can cause additional damage coming up your dog's throat.
Flush any areas of the skin that contain battery acid with large amounts of cold water. Remove as much of the acid as possible, then take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.