APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Silica gel packets are used as a desiccant (drying agent) to prevent moisture damage, and are often labeled with the message Silica Gel Do Not Eat. If eaten, silica gel can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrheadepending on the quantity consumed. blog for more information. Spoiled beef jerky can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like stomach pain, headache, nausea and fever. The symptoms of a bowel obstruction are very similar to an upset stomach. There is no real danger if your dog ate silica gel cat litter. Silicon dioxide, an oxygen-rich molecule, is present in the solution. In rare cases, a blockage within the gut may occur, especially if large quantities of silica gel are consumed and the packet has also been eaten. Dog-specific foods and treats, like freeze-dried and dehydrated kinds, can have them too. If you eat a lot of it, the gel is nontoxic, but not harmful. If the packaging, or another dangerous food such as chocolate or raisins was ingested along with the silica packet, then a vet would likely induce vomiting, Dr. Martinez says. A: Elemental iron granules are placed in small packets called oxygen absorbers are added to bags of pre-prepared or dehydrated food stuffs to absorb excess oxygen. The gel doesnt have any nutritious value and has the potential to cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large quantities. The beads do not enlarge in the stomach and the exterior packaging is usually soft and presents little risk of injury of obstruction. If your dog ate silica gel, you should contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. If your dog acts and eats normally in the following hours, he should not need to be concerned. Sometimes, theres no known reason for a dog to eat silica gelthey just ate it! Desiccants can be found in packages of jerky and pill bottles. My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. As long as you are not breathing in a lot of crystalline silica, it appears to be safe. Your dog may have some digestive issues like stomach upset and possibly even vomiting and diarrhea. Silica gel most frequently appears in tiny packets about 1x1 or slightly larger. If you or your child accidentally ingests silica gel, try to help the gel go into the stomach by drinking water. Pet food and toy manufacturers may use silica gel packets to preserve their products. 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They arent usually toxic to pets either, but they may cause nausea and vomiting. I was so freaked out that I took her to the vet. Brutlag et al. Natural, non-toxic, and non-irritant substances, such as silica gel, are available. Learn more. There are a few exceptions to the rule that dogs should not consume silica gel beads. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The pet should be given supportive care until the serum iron level results are returned. If you opened one of the white packets, youd likely find a few dozen clear gel beads containing silica gel, a desiccant formed from silica and water. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. In people who are chronically exposed to/inhaling silica, such as a employee in a mine or factory, a progressive debilitating disease called silicosis can develop. Remove any remaining silica gel packets and put them away in a secure location. Although silica gel isnt likely to harm you, this isnt a license to eat a lot of it. If youve come home to find your dog has torn apart a packet of silica gel and eaten the contents, youre not alone! They have to put a disclaimer on the package so children do not eat it and choke on it. If you accidentally cook oxygen absorber packets, dont worry theyll still work! It is unregulated in most countries as silica gel is inert and not toxic. While its not fun to worry about accidentally ingesting silica gel, know that it does happen and by all indications, you, your child, or pet will be OK. Last medically reviewed on February 13, 2020, Silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica, is a natural compound made of two of the earths most abundant materials: silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2), Choking occurs when an object, a piece of food, or a liquid blocks a persons throat. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? These silica gel beads are treated in cobalt chloride, which is toxic when eaten. The packet carries a do not eat label because its not intended for consumption. Amygdlin, a cyanide-like substance, is found in apple seeds, which are extremely dangerous to most living things. These packets absorb oxygen to prevent or slow down the oxidization process. These small pods contain carbon, sodium chloride, and iron powder. Fortunately, silica is not toxic for dogs, but there are still some risks. Many packaged products from shoes and electronics to food come with a little packet designed to keep them dry called a silica packet. Those little packets saying do not eat that you find inside packages, new handbags, and dried goods contain silica gelan inert substance that acts as a desiccant. Vacuum Packaging. Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. Types of Cysts on Dogs and How to Treat Them, Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs: Symptoms and Prognosis, How to Easily Bathe A Dog with the Latest Dog Bathing Tools, 2016 Reader Survey Sweepstakes Official Rules, Dogster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Editors Choice Awards 2022 Dogster Approved. Here's what you can try and when to seek. No harmful gases are released during oxygen absorption. If your dog swallowed a large object, it could become lodged in the esophagus as it comes up. Silica gel packets Packed in products like vitamins and new clothes to protect against spoilage, silica gel packets are commonly ingested or chewed by dogs. Fortunately, this is not a common problem. If the product is labeled silica or if the contents of the package are white/clear beads, the owner can monitor at home and no treatments are needed. Possible Complications. Worst-case scenario: your pet may have an upset stomach for a bit, but the litter should quickly pass through their system. Associate Veterinarian. Silicone gel, which contains silicon dioxide, is nontoxic to humans and dogs. If your dog exhibits signs of mild dehydration, your veterinarian will most likely order you to bring him to the veterinarian. Silicon dioxide is also used as a carrier agent in many food seasoning jars, which prevents them from cracking. Silica gel, desiccant and oxygen absorber packetscan be found in shoe boxes and handbags as well as things made of leather to keep them dry while they are packaged. Our team is made up of professional pet trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Because of its choking hazards and low nutritional value, it is best to throw away the packets if you see them. When you purchase items like shoes, medicine, or electronics, you may notice little silica gel pods in the packaging, inviting your dog to make a snack out of them. Call your vet if you have concerns about your pets digestive or oral health. Little packets of silica gel are placed within many different products, such as food, clothing, and electrical items, as they help absorb water vapor, thus preventing products from getting damp and becoming damaged or soiled. If the entire product was ingested consider taking a radiograph to look for metal dense object in the stomach. Anyone whos ever made beef jerky knows that keeping it dry is essential for maintaining its long shelf life. In most dried food items, medications and even shoeboxes there is a little packet placed there by the manufacturer to maintain freshness. Swallowing a packet whole is not a common occurrence. If the dose is large enough to cause poisoning, severe metabolic acidosis, shock and hepatic toxicity can develop 1 -5 days after the exposure. 3.20.2023. Ingesting the small amount contained within a shoebox or clothing pocketmay not cause any problems at all. Puppies that are teething or playful dogs are likely to seek out items to chew and may inadvertently ingest that item without realizing that it is harmful to them. Sometimes, adults may mistake silica gel packets for salt or sugar packets. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Let Dogster answer all of your most baffling canine questions! Beef jerky contains a few potentially harmful ingredients, some of which are not limited to: If you swallow a large amount at the same time, you may vomit or become nauseated. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Dr. Martinez says that dogs eating silica packets is actually not very common considering how many products have silica gel packets in them. Some animals are more sensitive to silica than others, and exposure to high levels of silica can be harmful or even fatal. Silicon dioxide is produced as a result of quartz crystals in silica gel. Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use, are not edible (choking hazard) and non-toxic. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. If a pet gets into and ingests a silica gel packet, an oxygen absorber or a desiccant, mild stomach upset is all that is typically seen, says Dr. Wismer. > Why is it labeled "do not eat"? There have been reports of people opening the packet and sprinkling it on their food because they think it is a seasoning packet. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. Larger packets can be more problematic because they are larger and contain more silica, making them more likely to get hung up in your dogs intestinal tract. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health. Keep them away from children. If your dog chokes, has difficulty breathing, or has an intestinal obstruction, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. . As far as that silica drying packet in the jerky bag, even if he did eat that it wouldn't be a huge deal.
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