If the oxygen absorber is broken open, dark brown to rust colored material is visible. If your beloved pet samples some silica, your best course of action is to keep an eye on her. After ingestion, vomiting (with or without blood) is one of the first signs of poisoning. If you notice anything unusual, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Q: Is it a threat to dogs? If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. After ingesting it, your dog will probably vomit, and the contents may contain blood. If your dog is smaller, GI obstruction may be more difficult to deal with. Those packets, usually labeled DO NOT EAT, probably seem out of place next to your delicious snack. What Happens If My Dog Has Eaten Silica Gel? Hepper is reader-supported. If these symptoms persist or become severe, your veterinarian may order an x-ray or perform surgery to remove the packet. Learn about some possible causes of choking and what you can do, Getting food stuck in the throat can be worrisome. This may include inducing vomiting, x-rays, or hospitalization for observation and treatment. Activated charcoal is not of benefit as it does not readily bind to iron and should not be given. Despite being non-toxic, silica gel can be difficult to avoid for children. Alternatively, your veterinarian may suggest monitoring at home is all that is necessary. The oxygen absorbers contained 42%, 69% and 71% iron with low concentrations of chloride (less than 0.5%), sulfate (less than 0.004%), and phosphorus (less than 0.03%). Alternatively, a quick call to Pet Poison Helpline can readily help determine the pets risk and need for decontamination. A: Silica is a hard porous gel that is made synthetically and utilized because of its high affinity for water. Sometimes called the hot dog of the sea, imitation crab is a popular ingredient in dishes like seafood salads, crab cakes or California sushi rolls, Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass but consuming too much can negatively affect your health. A package from inside a medicine bottles may have absorbed some medication, which may be toxic. What happens if a dog eats a silica packet? - wikidoggia.com But while silica gel performed well, the sponge left out in the open (71F; relative humidity of 40%) lost the most amount of water in the tests. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things jerky. This means it wont break down in the body and cause poisoning. Keep them away from children. A few crystals eaten may lead to constipation, but a large helping of litter can cause intestinal blockages. When I first started writing on Dog Lovers Digest back in 2009, I really had no idea what I was getting into. A label that says DO NOT EAT has been designated for small children due to the potential choking hazard. Silica gel packets are usually 1 x 2 inches and contain multiple small white, clear or opaque beads inside. What Happens if You Eat the Packet in Beef Jerky? Because of its choking hazards and low nutritional value, it is best to throw away the packets if you see them. You should be fine if your dog eats the desiccant on its own after destroying the packet; otherwise, the beads should be fine if they are transparent. What Is Imitation Crab and Should You Eat It? If your dog does eat silica gel cat litter, contact your veterinarian. Q: What is it? talk to a vet online for advice >. However, because of cobalt chloride, a toxic compound found in silica gel packets, there is a chance that these packets will be harmful to dogs. All About Raw Honey: How Is It Different Than Regular Honey? Also, chewing on the cylinder can lead to damage inside your dogs mouth. If you suspect that your pet is ill, please contact Poison Control, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Sous Vide. Swallowing a packet whole is not a common occurrence. While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. If your dog eats them, mild gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as an upset stomach, are possible. My Dog Ate Desiccant: Should I Worry? (Solved & Explained!) 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. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? The dust from the processing and creation of silica is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Keep reading to find out everything that you need to know. 2 It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract and has direct corrosive effects. It may be necessary to dispose of harmful products in sealed trash bins to protect from scavenging behavior or placing locks on cupboards and fridge freezers to protect from unwanted invaders. The dust from the processing and creation of silica is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Amygdlin, a cyanide-like substance, is found in apple seeds, which are extremely dangerous to most living things. As previously mentioned, dogs that are regularly ingesting non-food items may require assessment by your veterinarian for underlying medical or behavioral causes. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. accidentally cooked an oxygen absorber packet what to do if my dog ate an oxygen absorber Providing dogs with plenty of safe toys and chews may be all that is necessary to prevent boredom and scavenging. Heres How Much Protein You Need in a Day to Build Muscle, in museum display cases to preserve the contents. There is little risk of obstruction due to the beads not enlarging in the stomach and the packaging being soft. There is no danger to your dog from the gel beads because they are non-toxic. Ferrous iron is then absorbed in the small intestine where it is oxidized into its ferric iron (Fe3+) form before being released into the bloodstream. Diarrhea and vomiting are a possibility, too. Foods (e.g., packets of dry fruit and beef jerky) Manufacturers frequently label packets "Do not eat" because poison control centers have reported increases in incidences of people . If ingested by dogs, mild gastrointestinal (GI) signs (an upset stomach) are possible. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? When your dog consumes something they shouldnt have or when you are unsure whether or not it is safe, you should consult with your veterinarian. Dogs may be interested in eating silica gel because it smells like the tasty thing it was packaged withtheyre often included in packs of treats to stop them from absorbing moisture and spoiling. She says to go to a vet to have them safely induce vomiting rather than try to do it at home. If your dog has a negative reaction to the color or package issue, his or her sickness may be caused by the freshness packet. If any moisture enters a container of beef jerky, the meat can spoil early. Griffith et al. What Happens If My Dog Eats Deoxidizer? - Your Pet Shop My 25lb dachshund just ate a small silica packet. A big dog eating a single packet of silica gel should be fine, a small dog with the same amount could be at risk. Stay informed! Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide, which is a component naturally found in sand. There is no real danger if your dog ate silica gel cat litter. Some dried or pre-prepared foods come with little packets to keep them from going rancid (a process called oxidization). Silica cat litter with clumping capabilities can be more problematic; as the little mounds form when wet. 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. What to do if your pet eats something poisonous. My dog ate silica gel - Should I be worried? - Dog lover's digest Those little packets of beads are often found in bottles of medication. Serum iron concentration and ALT were elevated. > Why is it labeled do not eat? If there is, see if the packet is labeled, what color the contents are and if the contents can be picked up with a magnet. Sometimes, theres no known reason for a dog to eat silica gelthey just ate it! Because of its ability to absorb, silica gel is commonly used in packaging. If your cat eats blue cat litter, he or she may be exposed to a substance that increases his or her cancer risk. Larger dogs are much less susceptible to iron poisoning unless theyve consumed large amounts of the metal. If your pet has ingested something foreign, you should contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance and assistance. In addition to vitamins, cases of iron toxicity can also come from dogs eating oxygen absorbers (those small silica packets found in things like beef jerky). It is not poisonous if consumed because silica gel is non-toxic. Whilst the silica gel itself is not toxic to dogs, ingestion of significant quantities may result in an upset stomach. Dr. Martinez says the packets found in food are the ones that a dog would most likely eat. The plants wont do any long-term harm to either animal. However, the small amount of charcoal contained in one cylinder isnt enough to do that. The first goal is to determine if the ingested material contains iron. Silica gel is frequently found in boxes that contain electronics or new shoes, as well as purses or medicine bottles. The gel acts as a desiccant, which means that it pulls water out of the air to reduce the likelihood that moisture and mold will damage an item. You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? What are the oxygen packets in beef jerky? You should also seek emergency attention if your child has severe stomach pain or cant pass gas or stool. What happens if you eat the freshness packet in beef jerky? Some silica products are mixed with a moisture indicator, these indicators may be toxic in large doses. Toxic bacteria produce the only toxins that cause cat litter poisoning. The most dangerous aspects of silica gel packets are their color and texture. Possible Complications. You can also throw away any silica packets you come across so your pets and little ones are less likely to find them. If your dog is not passing feces or struggling to defecate it is advisable to contact your veterinarian urgently. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. If your dog acts and eats normally in the following hours, he should not need to be concerned. JA: I'll do all I can to help. Some dogs are more likely to eat inedible objects than others, depending on their age and personality. Message and data rates may apply. Some types of cat litter include clumping, non-clumping, organic, newspaper, and silica-based varieties. We use cookies for our legitimate interests of providing you with personalized content, enabling you to more easily use our website, evaluating use of our website, and assisting with ad reporting functions. If your veterinarian would like you to monitor your dog, you should look for any signs that your dog is not feeling like his normal self. Despite the fact that it is not toxic, it may cause dehydration if swallowed. Silica gel is not toxic to dogs, and most dogs will pass the contents of a packet without any further symptoms. Those sinister-seeming packets actually show up in a lot of places in Amazon orders, food containers and more. Your question: What happens if a dog eats a freshness packet? Try not to get mad at your dog if they gain access to forbidden items as this, unfortunately, can further encourage this behavior. The gel absorbs approximately 30% of its weight in water, allowing it to be used for protection against nearby products even in humid weather. It has small particles that can absorb significant amounts of water. Read our article for advice on what to do if your dog eats silica gel. What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Silica Gel? March 7, 2023 by Kevin Myers. You can make your own sauce at home in a variety of different ways. One such substance is silica gel. A large amount of food, particularly if consumed in large quantities, can upset your stomach. Silica gel packets can often be found in the following: Manufacturers started labeling silica gel packets with more alarming language some even have a skull and crossbones because the Poison Control Centers started to report more incidences of people swallowing the packets on accident. You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. Associate Veterinarian. As a result, it is critical that people be aware of the potential for choking while using these packets and to keep them away from children. It Prevents Rotting. Silica gel will either appear as small, clear, round beads or as small, clear rocks. Help! What are some risks of consuming silica gel packets? holds close to her heart. My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dogs main diet. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell and many of them are very interested in their surroundings. In fact, silica gel might be printed on the packet. What happens if you accidentally ate oxygen absorber? If a dye is present, the silica gel will no longer be a clear to white but instead bright orange, blue, pink or green. This comes at no extra cost to you. I would buy the cheap kind at the gas station, and it always came with a little silica packet inside. Individuals are advised not to put their fingers in a childs mouth after consuming silica gel packets. My Dog Ate Silica Gel. My dog she at one of them absorption packs in beef jerky. It is also used to keep moisture from accumulating in the packaging of a product. Does Silica Gel Works in Breast Implants? The charcoal will not be toxic to your pup. Customer: My dog ate a silica packet that was in a package. If, however, your dog consumes a large amountof silica, there may be more cause for concern. No harmful gases are released during oxygen absorption. Silicon dioxide is also used as a carrier agent in many food seasoning jars, which prevents them from cracking. Pet food and toy manufacturers may use silica gel packets to preserve their products. If you or your child accidentally ingests silica gel, try to help the gel go into the stomach by drinking water. It may cause an upset stomache or loose stools. 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. 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. If your dog noshes on some fertilizer, call your veterinarian and list the ingredients your dog ingested. If your child has eaten a silica gel packet and vomits several times or cant keep anything down, seek emergency medical attention. Vacuum Packaging. Most often, itll pass through your body and exit without any harmful effects to you. If your dog has the gel, it should not cause long-term harm. Natural, non-toxic, and non-irritant substances, such as silica gel, are available. If you are unsure whether the product you are using contains cobalt chloride, please contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222. Cats litter crystals are typically made up of silica gel, which is composed of a combination of sand, oxygen, and water. A: A specific type of prepared charcoal (similar to activated charcoal used in veterinary hospitals) is found in white plastic cylinders inside bags of prepared foodstuffs like dog treats, chews and jerky. It is also dangerous when swallowed and raises your risk of cancer. The silica gel balls or beads contained within these little packets are essentially silicon dioxide, a porous form of sand. Activated charcoal is sometimes used to induce vomiting in dogs to empty their stomachs when theyve eaten something toxic. Ingesting the small amount contained within a shoebox or clothing pocketmay not cause any problems at all. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Free iron in the blood is toxic to the body as it disrupts normal cell function, damaging organs such as the liver, stomach, and cardiovascular system. A 7-month-old female Jack Russell terrier presented for evaluation of vomiting and melena 8-12 h after ingesting 1-2 oxygen absorber sachets from a package of dog treats. It is not harmful to dogs to consume silica gel packets because they do not contain any toxic chemicals. Your pet's condition may be life-threatening. Why You Should Keep Desiccants Packets in Your Kitchen The packet helps keep the devices dry and free of moisture. Spoiled beef jerky can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like stomach pain, headache, nausea and fever. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health. Dogs Food If a dog eats a silica packet, the silica can cause an obstruction in the dog's digestive system. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This article explains the differences between raw and regular honey. If the packet in question contains elemental iron, it will probably be in the form of brown or rust-colored pellets. Q: What is it? Privacy Policy Legal Info, Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day, An Eight-Year-Old Scottie Is the ASPCAs 1,000th Grooming Case, Marijuana Safety and Our Pets: What to Know. The little white packets in beef jerky contain silica gel. . My Dog Ate a Silica Packet: What to Do - Dogster This means that dogs will often gobble up the most bizarre items that may not always be edible, let alone safe for them. If this is the case you may see abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Fortunately, silica is not toxic for dogs, but there are still some risks. But don't stop there subscribe to our social and newsletter below to keep exploring the jerky universe! Small packets of silica gel are unlikely to cause your cat a problem, even if swallowed. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pink urine, black stool, and liver damage. Silica gel beads probably wont cause serious problems other thanminor digestive upset. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If your pet has ingested something foreign, you should contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance and assistance. By This may include signs of an upset stomach such as vomiting, nausea, drooling, and abdominal pain. When a dog exhibits iron poisoning symptoms, it is sometimes mistakenly assumed that he is suffering from severe iron poisoning. What Happens if You Eat Silica Gel? The Risks and Treatments - WebMD For this reason, manufacturers label them "Do not eat." If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and . Myth vs Reality, My Dog Ate Raw Chicken! If you eat a lot of it, the gel is nontoxic, but not harmful. The risk is higher if the iron concentration exceeds 5%. All of these ingredients are very low in nutrition, making ramen noodles an empty-calorie dish. It is also important to consider whether your dog has ingested additional items, such as the item that contained the silica gel packet, since this may lead to additional varied symptoms. Dog poisoned by sachet in jerky treats; diagnosis: Iron intoxication They arent usually toxic to pets either, but they may cause nausea and vomiting. Dog Owners Beware: Pretty Litter Can Be Dangerous To Your Pet If any Pretty Litter is consumed, your dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian. These gel pouches may be found in packages of beef jerky, pizza crusts, medicine, or electronics. From beginners to advanced, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. A silica gel pack can be found in electronic devices, shoes, purses, medicine bottles, and even in socks. The silica gel beads are not poisonous, and will not hurt your dog if ingested. Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage in dogs include: Vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Lethargy Lack of appetite Weakness Dehydration Bloating Abdominal pain Whining Cobalt chloride-coated silica gel can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A stray silica packet is a small, white packet that often comes with new electronic devices. Raw or partially cooked food is sealed in a bag then cooked, usually at or near the desired final cooking temperature.