However, elemental iron is highly toxic to dogs. Sometimes, adults may mistake silica gel packets for salt or sugar packets. Those packets, usually labeled DO NOT EAT, probably seem out of place next to your delicious snack. 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 your dog has a negative reaction to the color or package issue, his or her sickness may be caused by the freshness packet. 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. It is not uncommon for pets to be poisoned by essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang. Once dried, vitamins and food packaging can be reused in gel packs. Your dogs health will almost certainly necessitate that he be evaluated and treated. 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. Featured Image Credit: multifacetedgirl, Pixabay, 9 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies & Itching (Expert Tips), Dog Tail Language: What Your Dogs Tail Can Tell You. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. Silicone gel, which contains silicon dioxide, is nontoxic to humans and dogs. 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. You may notice labels on silica gel packets that say, "Do not ingest." This is because the material is not considered toxic. The symptoms of a bowel obstruction are very similar to an upset stomach. Silica cat litter with clumping capabilities can be more problematic; as the little mounds form when wet. A: Silica gel is not intended for consumption and therefor receives the label do not eat. Silica cat litter shouldnt pose any hazards if consumed by dogs (or cats, for that matter). If a dye is present, the silica gel will no longer be a clear to white but instead bright orange, blue, pink or green. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Pet Poison Helpline. There is no danger to your dog from the gel beads because they are non-toxic. At Pet Poison Helpline, the most severe cases of iron poisoning from oxygen absorbers have occurred in small dogs (<15 pounds). When used on a cats urine stream, it instantly removes the water and leaves no mess. If you have a pet that has eaten a silica gel packet, take them to the veterinarian if they're not passing stool as you'd expect, they vomit up any food they eat, or if their abdomen appears. My dog ate a freshness packet out of a bag of Links beef jerkey. 30lbs My 25lb dachshund just ate a small silica packet. My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. The plants wont do any long-term harm to either animal. Silica is a desiccant it absorbs moisture to keep items from deteriorating. What happens if a cat eats a silica packet? What about the clumping kind of silica cat litter? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You should also seek emergency attention if your child has severe stomach pain or cant pass gas or stool. However, one is a potential problem. Consuming the amount of silica typically found in a small (1-2-inch packet) probably won't do your canine much harm besides possibly causing minor . The Dangers Of Silica Packets To Dogs - Ask Pet Guru APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If your dog eats beef jerky with an oxygen absorber, it should be treated immediately by your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. What Is the Packet Inside Beef Jerky? The most commonly used dyes are methyl violet and cobalt (II) chloride. Silicon dioxide is also used as a carrier agent in many food seasoning jars, which prevents them from cracking. Dont throw these away: Silica gel bags. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of silica exposure is linked to the development of lung diseases known as silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis (SIRF). 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. What Happens If My Dog Eats Deoxidizer? - Your Pet Shop You know you want to be the de facto snack authority! 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. Depending on the size of your dog and the amount of silica gel they have eaten, it may be necessary for a veterinary visit for further assessment and treatment. There is little risk of obstruction due to the beads not enlarging in the stomach and the packaging being soft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your child has eaten a silica gel packet and vomits several times or cant keep anything down, seek emergency medical attention. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. Because it is not toxic to dogs, the contents of a packet will pass without causing any additional problems. Also, chewing on the cylinder can lead to damage inside your dogs mouth. There are a few exceptions to the rule that dogs should not consume silica gel beads. Youll usually find the little crystal packages nestled in shoeboxes, bags, or included with electronics. These gel pouches may be found in packages of beef jerky, pizza crusts, medicine, or electronics. The full. $11.99 $ 11. Possible Complications. Do Dogs Have Self-Awareness? What happens if you accidentally ate oxygen absorber? Q: Why is it labeled "do not eat"? Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Though silica gel is chemically and biologically inert, the main risk is that packets can potentially cause an obstruction in the intestines if the whole packet is swallowed, especially in small dogs. If the obstruction is not treated, it can be fatal. Clear Acrylic Modern Dog Gates: A Stylish Way to Secure Your Pup at Home, A Female Dogs Ovaries And Uterus Are Removed Through An Incision In Her Abdomen After She Is Spayed, 3 Things To Keep In Mind When Using A Heating Pad In A Dog House, The Cliff House: A Historic Restaurant With A Stunning View, How To Turn A Storage Shed Into A Dog House, To Sweater Or Not To Sweater: That Is The Question, How To Reduce The Amount Of Dog Hair In Your House. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. A package from inside a medicine bottles may have absorbed some medication, which may be toxic. After ingesting it, your dog will probably vomit, and the contents may contain blood. But there are often ways to resolve the issue at home. Theres also the risk of aspiration or using the wrong substance to induce vomiting. Fortunately, this is not a common problem. How to Safely Remove Ticks from Your Dog? And if you ingest a large amount of the silica gel, it might cause an intestinal or bowel blockage which can be life-threatening. In most dried food items, medications and even shoeboxes there is a little packet placed there by the manufacturer to maintain freshness. In fact, vomiting is such a common finding that if a dog does not vomit, its probable that a toxic dose was not ingested. Your What should I do if my dog ate silica gel? Essential Tips Silica packets perform this task superbly. Yes, dogs can eat bananas. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? How much does the dog weigh? If your dog chokes, has difficulty breathing, or has an intestinal obstruction, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, the small amount of charcoal contained in one cylinder isnt enough to do that. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Those sinister-seeming packets actually show up in a lot of places in Amazon orders, food containers and more. Q: What is it? If your cat eats blue cat litter, he or she may be exposed to a substance that increases his or her cancer risk. While silica exposure can be hazardous, it is not commonly inhaled, according to the CDC. How to Help an Abused Dog Recover 8 Tips and Tricks, Answered by Dr. Sharon Butzke, DVM (Vet), Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS (Vet), Have a cat? This mineral can be found in a variety of materials, including quartz, glass, and sand. If your dog hasnt shown any symptoms after eating silica gel packets, its likely not harmful. They arent usually toxic to pets either, but they may cause nausea and vomiting. 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. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? If a person ingests cobalt chloride-coated silica gel, itll likely cause nausea and vomiting. Check what youre pouring out before feeding it directly to your dog. If this is the case you may see abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. In order to keep their customers informed, manufacturers frequently label them as such: Do not consume, Do not consume, and Waste away after use.. Silica gel is not harmful when swallowed. What happens if you eat ageless oxygen absorber? - TimesMojo Keep any packet far away from the kids in your household, and properly dispose of it after youve eaten the beef jerky. Doing this extends the shelf life of dry foods and grains, as well as keeping those goods free of mold and other pathogens. Alternatively, your veterinarian may suggest monitoring at home is all that is necessary. Instead, the child should be struck between the shoulder blades with their thumb and forefinger. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? The porous packet, on the other hand, can be much more dangerous than the gel itself. Symptoms you might notice after your dog eats silica gel include: Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. We dont recommend it. Watch out for these packets and throw them away in a covered trash can. So if your pup has gotten into silica beads from a pharmaceutical product, contact your veterinarian just to be on the safe side. holds close to her heart. Some dogs are more likely to eat inedible objects than others, depending on their age and personality. Fortunately, silica dust is rarely encountered by our furry friends. If they breathe in these particles, they can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pink urine, black stool, and liver damage. Find out how much fiber you need, where to get it, and the best way to increase your daily intake. Her muse, a German shepherd named Guinness, recently passed away. Following the induction of emesis, gastric lavage or whole bowel irrigation may be necessary. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. . You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. The gel doesnt have any nutritious value and has the potential to cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large quantities. Thats why manufacturers often label them with Do not eat or Throw away after using.. 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. If you vomit repeatedly or cant hold down food, seek immediate medical attention. Many packaged products from shoes and electronics to food come with a little packet designed to keep them dry called a silica packet. The packet inside beef jerky is actually an oxygen-absorber. These absorbers contain iron powder, a chemical that reacts with the oxygen in the package and causes the iron powder to rust. Colors of silica gel (usually blue) contain a chemical coating that can be toxic to cats and humans at the same time. What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Silica Gel? How do you remove oxygen from packaged foods? The silica could absorb some of the medication. The beads do not enlarge in the stomach and the exterior packaging is usually soft and presents little risk of injury of obstruction. 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. This comes at no extra cost to you. If your dog has the gel, it should not cause long-term harm. Silica gel is used as a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture, so it can help treat a cat for dehydration. Because of its choking hazards and low nutritional value, it is best to throw away the packets if you see them. If you leavea stray silica packet within the puppys reach, he may chew on it and makea snack out of the little pellets. When a dog exhibits iron poisoning symptoms, it is sometimes mistakenly assumed that he is suffering from severe iron poisoning. Why Do Dogs Hate the Mailman? Learn more. What Happens if You Eat the Packet in Beef Jerky? Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. 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. It is not harmful to dogs to consume silica gel packets because they do not contain any toxic chemicals. A label that says DO NOT EAT has been designated for small children due to the potential choking hazard. 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. There have been reports of people opening the packet and sprinkling it on their food because they think it is a seasoning packet. Your dog will probably chew on it first, breaking it apart before it can be swallowed whole. APCC experts find that when these packets are packaged with food, pets may be more likely to consume them as they retain the smell of the food item. , youve undoubtedly noticed a little white packet in the package. It has small particles that can absorb significant amounts of water. If the oxygen absorber is broken open, dark brown to rust colored material is visible. Oxygen absorber packets are typically about 11 in size and are often found in packages of beef jerky, pepperoni, dried fruits, dog jerky treats, etc. As a result, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 3.20.2023. If any moisture enters a container of beef jerky, the meat can spoil early. What Happens If You Eat The Do Not Eat Packet In Beef Jerky. If your dog ate silica gel, you should contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. what to do if my dog ate an oxygen absorber 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. So, silica gel packets play a key role in the entire food industry, including the beef jerky industry. Trying on your own to get your pup to vomit is not recommended. Oxygen absorbers are small packets that contain an iron powder. Brutlag et al. There are warnings plastered all over the paper that read Do Not Eat. Butinvariably, our pets are likely to miss the memo. 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. If any moisture enters a container of beef jerky, the meat can spoil early. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. Read ourIs Beef Jerky Healthy? By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things jerky. If, however, your dog consumes a large amountof silica, there may be more cause for concern. 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. For this reason, manufacturers label them "Do not eat." If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and . 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. They have to put a disclaimer on the package so children do not eat it and choke on it. Required fields are marked *. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? Silica is something that can have some toxicity to dogs but doesnt usually cause serious health problems. It can be, especially if it contains iron. These silica gel beads are treated in cobalt chloride, which is toxic when eaten. 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. The packet will probably have the scent of the food on it, so your dog will be especially drawn to it. 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. Silica Gel vs. Do not eat ageless oxygen absorber? What is the do not eat packet in noodles? Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. What Happens If You Eat Silica Gel? - Healthline Silica packets are not very harmful for dogs, and are considered to be 'practically' non-toxic. Silica gel is frequently found in boxes that contain electronics or new shoes, as well as purses or medicine bottles. 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. Ingesting the small amount contained within a shoebox or clothing pocketmay not cause any problems at all. Vacuum Packaging. Theyre labeled DO NOT EAT for a reason. What happens if you accidentally eat the packet in beef jerky? Learn More About Silica Gel, A Common Pet Toxin | ASPCA Fortunately, if your dog is affected, the gel shouldnt cause any long-term harm. If your dog is smaller, GI obstruction may be more difficult to deal with. > Why is it labeled "do not eat"? Individuals are advised not to put their fingers in a childs mouth after consuming silica gel packets. . All of these items should be kept away from your pets reach at all times. 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 your dog has bitten off more silica than you think it can chew, let your veterinarian know what happened to see if treatment might be in order. What Happens If You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky - BikeHike While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. I began with the premise that I wanted to write about my experiences as a dog lover who had undergone an epiphany of sorts about dog training and dog behavior. Is ramen healthy without seasoning packet? Why You Should Keep Desiccants Packets in Your Kitchen Yogurt, ice cream, and other milk-based foods may cause stomach upset in pets if they are lactose intolerant. Cobalt chloride is a possible carcinogen (cancer causing chemical), according to IHC World, and it is extremely toxic and a skin irritant. illinoispoisoncenter.org/my-child-ate-Silica-Gel, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Silicon-dioxide#section=Eye-Symptoms, azpoison.com/sites/default/files/poisonology_what_happens_if_i_eat_silica_gel.pdf, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What to Do If You Get Food Stuck in Your Throat. Insecticides or pesticides can also be toxic. Antioxidants found in blackberries help to control free radicals in your dog. Cooking the food in the sealed bag removes the oxygen. Oxygen scavenging system containing a natural free radical scavenger and a transition metal. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Those little packets of beads are often found in bottles of medication. If the air surrounding a silica gel packet becomes too dry, the packet releases moisture back into the air. Your dog may have some digestive issues like stomach upset and possibly even vomiting and diarrhea. A post shared by Dos Pediatras en Casa (@dospediatrasencasa). blog for more information. A few crystals eaten may lead to constipation, but a large helping of litter can cause intestinal blockages. In the US, the FDA recognizes that it is safe to use and does not require approval for use with food in amounts of less than 2% when added directly to food. Some claim that raw honey is healthier than regular. 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. Learn about some possible causes of choking and what you can do, Getting food stuck in the throat can be worrisome. Nicole Cosgrove. Active packaging is an innovative approach to maintain or prolong the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality, safety, and integrity. If your pet has ingested silica gel, please contact your veterinarian or APCC for more information. These cookies do not store any personal information. Most of the cases involved children under 6. The beads do not expand in the stomach, and the packaging is usually soft and unlikely to obstruct the intestines. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. Here are the 12 best vegan protein powders. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. The dust from the processing and creation of silica is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Because silica gel does not break down in the body, it is not recommended to eat packets containing it. 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. Drinking a few sips of water after eating can also help with any discomfort your child may have. Spoiled beef jerky can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like stomach pain, headache, nausea and fever. 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. Dog poisoned by sachet in jerky treats; diagnosis: Iron intoxication There is no doubt that silica exposure is hazardous, but consuming the FDAs recommended level of silica appears to pose no harm. 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. When discarding packets, keep them tightly sealed in outdoor trash cans. The risk of poisoning is highest in dogs weighing less than 15 pounds. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell and many of them are very interested in their surroundings. Spoiled beef jerky can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like stomach pain, headache, nausea and fever. If your dog atedesiccant like silica beads, the beads themselves arent as much of aproblem. My Dog Ate a Silica Packet: What to Do - Dogster It is usually nontoxic to ingest, but some people have gotten sick from it. Oxygen-absorbers that dont have elemental iron probably wont harm your dog. The dust from the processing and creation of silica is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Now if it were to be ingested in a large quanity (such as multiple packets) then there could be greater intestinal problems. The use of silica gel has the potential to cause intoxication, dehydration, and intestinal obstruction. It is an ingredient found in cat litter and is commonly used. Because of its ability to absorb, silica gel is commonly used in packaging. Silica gel is excellent at maintaining a level of dryness. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the animal in question and the amount of silica that it is exposed to. If you accidentally cook oxygen absorber packets, dont worry theyll still work! Keep them away from children. Ive been working with dogs since I was a child and have been dedicated to helping them learn and grow ever since. Dr. Wismer says while these products arent too much of a cause for concern, any incident should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. If youve ever dropped your phone in the sink, you might have used rice, a natural desiccant, to absorb the water trapped in the devices cracks and crevices. What are the oxygen packets in beef jerky? She says to go to a vet to have them safely induce vomiting rather than try to do it at home. All About Raw Honey: How Is It Different Than Regular Honey? This article explains the differences between raw and regular honey. Diarrhea and vomiting are a possibility, too. We avoid using tertiary references. Based on these findings, the oxygen absorbers most likely contained metallic iron powder, which would be consistent with the term reduced iron. If your dog ingests silica gel, it should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Myth vs Reality, My Dog Ate Raw Chicken! Prevention is always better than cure and therefore we must keep potentially harmful items like Silica gel away from our dogs and out of reach. Silica packets perform this task superbly. A silica gel pack can be found in electronic devices, shoes, purses, medicine bottles, and even in socks. Heres What Science Says! Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage in dogs include: Vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Lethargy Lack of appetite Weakness Dehydration Bloating Abdominal pain Whining What the beads were packaged with could be cause for concern, though. At the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center(APCC), our poison control experts field calls from pet parents whose furry friends have eaten every type of forbidden substanceimaginable. If the dose is large enough to cause poisoning, severe metabolic acidosis, shock and hepatic toxicity can develop 1 -5 days after the exposure. In rare instances, manufacturers use silica gel thats coated with cobalt chloride, a toxic compound. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health.