My Dog Ate Ammo What Should I Do?

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 04/29/23 •  3 min read
Dog Severe Toxicity Level
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Some pet parents are gun hobbyists who keep guns and ammo in their homes. Others may be hunters who take their dogs on the hunt. Either way, it’s possible a dog may accidentally eat some ammo! Why would a dog eat ammo?

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They may be curious about these metal shells, or the ammo could smell like their pet parents. It’s even possible that a dog could be playing with the ammo and accidentally eat it. Anything’s possible with a dog! But what happens when a dog eats ammo?

Has your dog eaten ammo? Are you worried that the ammo will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.

We’ve gathered information about ammo and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

It is strongly recommended to contact a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.

Dog Ate Ammo

What is Ammo?

The word “ammo” is slang for “ammunition.” Ammunition can include a wide range of items, including bullets for guns. Bullets come in numerous varieties and sizes. Ammo is used by rifles, handguns, and shotguns.

Ammo for a rifle or handgun includes four different parts: the case, primer, powder, and bullet. The case may be made of brass, aluminum, or other metals, such as lead. The primer is a chemical that ignites when struck by the gun’s firing pin. The primer then ignites the powder. Once the powder’s been fired, it then causes the bullet to leave the gun and hit a target.

So, what happens if a dog eats ammo? Can ammo make a dog sick?

Ammo & Dogs

Unfortunately, it’s very dangerous when a dog eats ammo. The metal casing could be made from lead or other metals that are toxic. And the chemicals (primer and powder) in the casing can also be toxic if ingested.

Treatment of Ammo Ingestion in Dogs

The vet may first order x-rays to see where the ammo is located in your dog’s system. Once the ammo has been found and counted, the vet may be able to remove the ammo through an endoscopic procedure. If not, they will have to perform surgery on your fur baby.

In most cases, the vets are able to remove all the ammo from the dog’s digestive system and repair any damage that may have been done. Your canine companion may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.

The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment after eating ammo. In the future, it’s best to keep all ammo out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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