Batteries aren’t a tasty snack. They contain harmful chemicals that cause damage to your pet if swallowed. Even the most well-behaved pets have been known to eat things they definitely shouldn’t. So, what should you do if your pet swallows a battery, and how can you prevent that very thing from happening?
First thing’s first: realizing your pet swallowed a battery. There are some clear signs to look out for, like excessive drooling and black coloring around the mouth. Once you think something’s wrong, take your pet to the vet right away. Your veterinarian can perform the correct procedure or prescribe the right treatment. There are also some things pet owners can do to prevent their furry friends from getting into contact with batteries in the first place. Keeping your pet safe is of the utmost importance, after all.
The compassionate pet sitters at Critter Sitters prioritize your animal’s safety above all else. Our team can be there to watch your pet when you need us most. Call the pet sitters at Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 or visit our website today to learn more about our services.
How Will I Know if My Pet Swallows a Battery?
There are a few telltale signs that your pet may have swallowed a battery. Pet owners need to learn these signs so they can get their furry friend the necessary medical care. So, how can you tell if your pet swallowed a battery? What should you keep an eye out for?
The first sign that something’s wrong is excessive drooling. That can be hard to catch, especially if your pet is especially slobbery on an average day. Black or grayish coloring around the mouth can indicate if your pet swallowed a battery. Vomiting and difficulty eating are also signs that something’s wrong. When your pet refuses to eat, that normally signals an issue. Pair a lack of appetite with vomiting, and it may mean that your pet probably ate something it shouldn’t have.
Another sign of battery consumption is abdominal discomfort. Unfortunately, pets can’t use words to tell you they’re in pain. If your pet is unusually lethargic or shows signs of discomfort when touched on its stomach, it may have swallowed a battery. Battery consumption makes your pet vulnerable to the harmful chemicals within batteries. Batteries can get lodged in the intestines can cause serious stomach pain. Your pet may be clearly uncomfortable, to the point of crying.
If you notice that your pet demonstrates any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. When left unaddressed, consuming batteries can be very dangerous to your furry friend.
What Should I Do If My Pet Swallows a Battery?
Don’t hesitate if you suspect that your pet has swallowed a battery. Bring it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your pet must get the medical attention it needs immediately. So, take a deep breath, and take your pet to the vet.
Sometimes, pets don’t swallow an entire battery. In some instances, pets are just exposed to a battery. If the battery is corroded and your pet licks it, there are a few steps to take. First, give your pet some liquids. Water or milk will do. See how it reacts. If it drinks the liquid and is its same happy self, don’t panic. Just keep an eye on your pet and go from there. If you have any cause for concern, you can take it to the vet.
However, if you believe that your pet has indeed consumed an entire battery, don’t wait. You can take your pet to the vet or call the Animal Control Poison Center. Depending on the size and location of the battery, your vet may opt for one of several procedures. While this can seem scary, it’s for the health of your pet. If addressed quickly, swallowing a battery doesn’t have to permanently harm your furry friend.
How Can I Protect My Pet from Batteries?
Once you’ve experienced the stress of your pet swallowing a battery, you’ll do anything to keep it from happening again. Before you introduce a new animal into your life, it’s necessary to pet-proof your home. The dedicated pet sitters at Critter Sitters have a few tips to avoid that dreaded trip to the vet and keep your furry friend away from batteries.
Smart Storage
Even if your pet is notorious for eating small objects, it (probably) doesn’t have opposable thumbs. It also (probably) isn’t as tall as you. That’s why it’s smart to keep your batteries in a high, difficult-to-get-into place. Put your batteries in a closed box and hide them away in a high cabinet or closet. Batteries aren’t just dangerous to pets; they can harm children if consumed as well. Batteries contain harmful chemicals, so they should always remain out of reach.
Sustained Supervision
Batteries power various household items. Remotes and alarm clocks are just some of the many things that need batteries to operate. So, how can you keep your pet away from so many items in your home? Critter Sitter’s pet sitters recommend that you keep the protective backing on battery-operated items secure at all times. Try your best to put these items in hard-to-reach places, too. If you notice that the protective backings have come loose, some tape can do the trick. Don’t forget that you have a curious animal living in your home. Even a few licks of a corrosive battery can be dangerous to your pet, so keep an eye on battery-operated items.
Responsible Removal
Don’t throw batteries in the trash. As much as you think your pet is trained, it may rummage through your rubbish from time to time. Tossing your batteries in your household garbage bin runs the risk of exposing your pet to dangerous chemicals. Keep dead batteries in a separate container, next to the unused ones, in a safe space. Take your batteries directly outside or toss them down the trash chute when trash day comes. Some batteries are recyclable, and others need to go in the bin. Responsible removal can keep your pet safe and protect it from swallowing batteries.
Call the Pet Sitters at Critter Sitters Today for Dedicated Care
When you go out of town, it’s important to know that a responsible eye is watching your beloved pet. For peace of mind while you’re away, call the pet sitters at Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178, or visit our website today.
