Amy Bosecker Comments on the Danger of Pennies for Dogs

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 02, 2013

Amy Bosecker is a veterinarian who operates her own practice. She is issuing comment on a new article regarding the danger of pennies when it comes to pets. Recently, a dog in Colorado was poisoned after eating one of the coins. Pennies are poisonous to pets because those that were minted after 1982 are made with zinc. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that this substance is toxic for both dogs and cats.

Though swallowing other coins can become a choking hazard for pets, pennies pose the most danger because of its levels of zinc. Maryann Goldstein, who is the owner of the deceased dog, explains that the animal had once swallowed 32 cents worth of change as a puppy. However, it was not until the dog ingested a penny that the incident proved fatal.

Dr. Rebecca Jackson, who is a veterinarian at Petplan pet insurance, explains that the newer pennies are extraordinarily toxic because gastric acid from the animal's stomach quickly reaches the zinc center of the penny. This means that it will rapidly get absorbed into the blood stream, and can quickly cause death.

Zinc is dangerous because it complicates red blood cell production, and prolonged exposure can actually enable it to start killing off red blood cells that are essential to an animal's health. Pet owners should know the warning signs of zinc toxicity so that they are able to get their pets the lifesaving medical attention they require to prevent consumption of a penny from becoming fatal. Signs of zinc toxicity include diarrhea, lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, red-colored urine, and a jaundiced looking appearance.

Amy Bosecker comments on this information stating, "Unfortunately, many pets regularly consume items that are laying around a person's house. Whether it's food that has fallen on the floor or pieces of paper, it's quite common for animals to munch on whatever they can find. In some instances, this situation will cause little to no harm, though it may result in an upset stomach, however in other instances this kind of behavior can prove fatal. Pet owners must make sure that their four-legged friends aren't getting access to dangerous items that may sicken them or even cause death."

Jackson explains that zinc toxicosis is usually seen in dogs, but cats can get sick from eating pennies too. She advises pet owners, "Be sure to bank your spare change before curious pets can get their paws on it--and if they do, get them to the emergency vet right away."

Amy Bosecker recommends having contact information for an emergency vet hospital in a visible place at all times. This allows a pet owner to know how to quickly get their pet the medical attention it needs, even in a stressful situation. Amy Bosecker advises pet owners to inform all family members about the risks associated with zinc, so each member of the household can do his or her part to protect the family's four-legged friends.

ABOUT:

Amy Bosecker is a veterinarian who obtained her degree from Purdue University. After completing her education, Amy spent time working at an animal hospital in Naples, Florida. She also tended to dogs at the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track. She currently owns her own practice called Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital, which she opened in 2000.