Myth vs Reality, My Dog Ate Raw Chicken! Why Do Dogs Hate the Mailman? Heres What Science Says! Swallowing a packet whole is not a common occurrence. Theres a chance that a dog will consume the silica gel packets that come with certain food products. This is a drying agent that is packaged in packaging to keep oxygen out of the air. I have a deep understanding of canine behavior, and Im always striving to learn more and perfect my techniques. Although it is not toxic, the gel can be ingested by small dogs, causing them to become ill. How safe is my dog to be around humans? These small pods contain carbon, sodium chloride, and iron powder. You may have wondered whether theyre dangerous or poisonous. They have a limited shelf life in that they can only absorb a limited amount of moisture. So by the time youre getting a silica packet, it might have already absorbed all the moisture it can handlemaking it basically useless. What the beads were packaged with could be cause for concern, though. Worst-case scenario: your pet may have an upset stomach for a bit, but the litter should quickly pass through their system. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? After ingesting it, your dog will probably vomit, and the contents may contain blood. Youd need to administer the contents of thousands of canisters before achieving any therapeutic benefit! Id like to share with cat owners what you should know about silica gel, so they can determine whether or not it is harmful to their cats. 11.17. . Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Smaller dogs or cats are most at risk of having an issue from ingesting it. Some cat owners may be concerned that their pets will consume some of the pellets. If your dog eats large quantities of silica gel this may result in a blockage within the gut. Avocados, which are grown for human consumption, contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. A silica gel pack can be found in electronic devices, shoes, purses, medicine bottles, and even in socks. Despite the fact that it is not toxic, it may cause dehydration if swallowed. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. > Why is it labeled "do not eat"? Cobalt chloride, which is toxic to humans, is also used as a coating on the zirconia gel packets. Some claim that raw honey is healthier than regular. An inert substance, it is desiccant and inert in nature. If consumed in large quantities, it is possible to experience nausea and vomiting. Watch out for these packets and throw them away in a covered trash can. Silica is not toxic for. Because the products can smell like food or treats, animals may accidentally ingest the packets. Because of its corrosive properties, this kind of iron can do considerable harm to the digestive tract. There are warnings plastered all over the paper that read Do Not Eat. Butinvariably, our pets are likely to miss the memo. So, silica gel packets play a key role in the entire food industry, including the beef jerky industry. Some dried or pre-prepared foods come with little packets to keep them from going rancid (a process called oxidization). These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite . If broken open the small black granules are visible. The little white packets in beef jerky contain silica gel. 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. It Prevents Rotting. If any moisture enters a container of beef jerky, the meat can spoil early. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This is unlikely to harm your dog if you only give him a small amount of silica gel. And making the call can give you peace of mind. Home FAQ What Happens If You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky. There is no real danger if your dog ate silica gel cat litter. 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. Whether in a bag of beef jerky or a bottle of vitamins, you have probably seen the little white moisture-absorbing packets filled with silica beads inside. 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. Sous Vide. As a result, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 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. For this reason, manufacturers label them "Do not eat." If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and . Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. If they breathe in these particles, they can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health. . Instead, the child should be struck between the shoulder blades with their thumb and forefinger. It may not have any impact at all. When cobalt chloride is coated in silica gel, nausea and vomiting are more likely. Exposure can also be confirmed with a serum iron level taken 4-6 hours post ingestion. There are a few exceptions to the rule that dogs should not consume silica gel beads. The ingestion of a babys diaper can have serious health consequences for both the pet and the owner. Silica gel beads probably wont cause serious problems other thanminor digestive upset. Because silica gel does not break down in the body, it is not recommended to eat packets containing it. Heres How Much Protein You Need in a Day to Build Muscle, in museum display cases to preserve the contents. If the oxygen absorber is broken open, dark brown to rust colored material is visible. Fortunately, silica is not toxic for dogs, but there are still some risks. This lab test can often be run quickly and inexpensively at a local human hospital. Your email address will not be published. APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The most dangerous aspects of silica gel packets are their color and texture. Non-toxic, not poisonous, they do pose a choking hazard. Silica cat litter shouldnt pose any hazards if consumed by dogs (or cats, for that matter). If your dog ingests an entire packet of silica gel, there is a possibility that it could become lodged in hisdigestive tract, causing a blockage. Following emesis, the pet owner should attempt to identify the contents of the packet or bring the pet and the remaining product, the emesis, or a duplicate of the product, if available, to the clinic. If your dog noshes on some fertilizer, call your veterinarian and list the ingredients your dog ingested. It has small particles that can absorb significant amounts of water. 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. If your dog eats them, mild gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as an upset stomach, are possible. Colors of silica gel (usually blue) contain a chemical coating that can be toxic to cats and humans at the same time. Some types of cat litter include clumping, non-clumping, organic, newspaper, and silica-based varieties. By Many packaged products from shoes and electronics to food come with a little packet designed to keep them dry called a silica packet. 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 you regularly eat beef jerky, youve undoubtedly noticed a little white packet in the package. Learn about some possible causes of choking and what you can do, Getting food stuck in the throat can be worrisome. It is usually best to wait a few seconds before giving your dog a drink of water because the skin on his face will appear to be pinched. I was so freaked out that I took her to the vet. If your dog ate silica gel, you should contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Byun et al. One time, I was eating beef jerky and left the silica packet on the counter. Silica gel is not harmful when swallowed. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? If curiosity gets the better of you (please dont let it) or you accidentally eat silica gel, watch for symptoms like stomach ache, vomiting, nausea and constipation. But don't stop there subscribe to our social and newsletter below to keep exploring the jerky universe! Keep reading to find out everything that you need to know. If your dog hasnt shown any symptoms after eating silica gel packets, its likely not harmful. If the owner does not have a magnet, the powder is magnetic or the product was swallowed whole, it should be assumed that iron may have been ingested and further action is needed. The purpose of these little packets is to either reduce moisture in the packaging or to absorb oxygen. A: Silica is a hard porous gel that is made synthetically and utilized because of its high affinity for water. Lethargy and diarrhea may also be seen. There have been reports of people opening the packet and sprinkling it on their food because they think it is a seasoning packet. 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. These granules are not magnetic (as compared to iron). If your cat eats blue cat litter, he or she may be exposed to a substance that increases his or her cancer risk. Cobalt chloride-coated silica gel can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed. A: Silica is a hard porous gel that is made synthetically and utilized because of its high affinity for water. Heres What to Do (Vet Answer), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care, Beagle Pain Syndrome: Causes, Signs, and Care Guide. Your dog may have some digestive issues like stomach upset and possibly even vomiting and diarrhea. While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide, which is a component naturally found in sand. Silica gel usually comes in small white packetstypically the size of sugar packetsand can be found in the packaging for many items such as shoes, bags, coats, electronics, medications, vitamins, food and cat litter. What are the oxygen packets in beef jerky? Ingestion of silica gel beads may result in the symptoms of an upset stomach, especially if a large amount is eaten relative to your dogs sizefor instance, if a small dog eats a large packet of silica gel. An "overdose" of beef jerky will likely cause some diarrhea in the next day or so and I would expect Joey to drink a lot of water over the next several days. Eating silica gel shouldnt make you sick. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Nicole Cosgrove. Drinking a few sips of water after eating can also help with any discomfort your child may have. 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. Some silica products are mixed with a moisture indicator, these indicators may be toxic in large doses. Try not to get mad at your dog if they gain access to forbidden items as this, unfortunately, can further encourage this behavior. You should contact your veterinarian with an update if your pets condition and symptoms are worsening, especially if you notice lethargy or that your dog cannot keep food or water down. It is found in a wide range of materials, including sand, rocks, and building materials. How to Safely Remove Ticks from Your Dog? Sometimes, adults may mistake silica gel packets for salt or sugar packets. Call your vet if you have concerns about your pets digestive or oral health. Based on these findings, the oxygen absorbers most likely contained metallic iron powder, which would be consistent with the term reduced iron. Q: What is it? Some canines also develop metabolic acidosis, which makes the body more acidic. It is usually nontoxic to ingest, but some people have gotten sick from it. You may have wondered whether theyre dangerous or poisonous. Active packaging is an innovative approach to maintain or prolong the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality, safety, and integrity. If the packet in question contains elemental iron, it will probably be in the form of brown or rust-colored pellets. Check what youre pouring out before feeding it directly to your dog. 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. For more detailed information about how we use cookies, please review our. In a dog that is used to drinking water, you should notice a quick return to its original hydration level. Because of its ability to absorb, silica gel is commonly used in packaging. Read our article for advice on what to do if your dog eats silica gel. Silica cat litter with clumping capabilities can be more problematic; as the little mounds form when wet. Manufacturers should never package beef jerky or any food product with silica gel packets containing pink or blue beads, so please be vigilant, and dont eat beef jerky thats packaged incorrectly. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Sugar can make bananas unsuitable for dogs in large quantities. They can cause minor digestive problems, but the symptoms usually go away on their own. You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. knows that keeping it dry is essential for maintaining its long shelf life. Dogs have some tolerance to silica, though it can cause some toxicity and some health issues. Silicon dioxide, an oxygen-rich molecule, is present in the solution. Before making any changes to your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routine, consult with your veterinarian. DIY methods are usually much more of an ordeal for your dog than whats done by a professional. Most of the cases involved children under 6. Q: What is it? Some animals are more sensitive to silica than others, and exposure to high levels of silica can be harmful or even fatal. However, one is a potential problem. Amygdlin, a cyanide-like substance, is found in apple seeds, which are extremely dangerous to most living things. In fact, vomiting is such a common finding that if a dog does not vomit, its probable that a toxic dose was not ingested. In case you were hoping to save some money by saving the charcoal in these canisters for use in the clinic, think again. Ive been working with dogs since I was a child and have been dedicated to helping them learn and grow ever since. The blockage may occur anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract, including within the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. 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. The dust from the processing and creation of silica is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. 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. They are magnetic, which is how you can tell them apart from dyed silica and other types of oxygen absorbers. Our Vet Explains What to Do, How To Tell If a Cat Has a Broken Leg (Vet Answer), My Dog Ate a Toothpick! Silica is a desiccant it absorbs moisture to keep items from deteriorating. (https://youtu.be/53QBE7A1-gE). Silicone gel, which contains silicon dioxide, is nontoxic to humans and dogs. We dont recommend it. Most owners will call to report that their dog ingested the packet inside of a container. Q: Why is it labeled do not eat? What Happens If You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky. However, if a cat eats a lot of silica gel, it may suffer from constipation or diarrhea. If your dog is not passing feces or struggling to defecate it is advisable to contact your veterinarian urgently. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pink urine, black stool, and liver damage. If the packet is swallowed whole, the silica gel is biologically inert and chemically inert, so the main risk is that packets can obstruct the intestines. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Help! JA: I'll do all I can to help. Blockages can quickly become life-threatening, so if you suspect a problem, you should contact your vet, who may need to operate on your dog to save their life. The charcoal will not be toxic to your pup. Your dog may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea if he or she consumes a large amount of food. Canines will eat just about anything left lying around. Of course, our pets often ignore such things and might eat these packets anyway. While silica gel may have some scary warnings on its label, the gel is nontoxic unless you eat a lot of it. If ingested by dogs, mild gastrointestinal (GI) signs (an upset stomach) are possible. If a dye is present, the silica gel will no longer be a clear to white but instead bright orange, blue, pink or green. These absorbers are packets filled with iron powder that oxidize and absorb oxygen when exposed to it. Learn more. Silica gel is excellent at maintaining a level of dryness. These gel packets are used as desiccants (drying agents) and are frequently labeled with the message Do Not Eat silica Gel. silica gel has the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, depending on how much it is consumed. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Silica gel is a desiccant, or drying agent, that manufacturers often place in little packets to keep moisture from damaging certain food and commercial products. Do I need to be worried? In dogs, silica gel is not toxic and is safe to use; most dogs will not notice any additional symptoms after eating the packet. Unfortunately, children can mistake a packet for food, candy, or a chew toy and eat the silica gel or the entire packet. Effect of Deferasirox on Iron Absorption in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in a Human Model of Acute Supratherapeutic Iron Ingestion. Silica gel will either appear as small, clear, round beads or as small, clear rocks. Q: Is it a threat to dogs? If you notice any symptoms, you can contact your vet to find out what your next steps, if any, should be. Theres also the risk of aspiration or using the wrong substance to induce vomiting. If your dog acts and eats normally in the following hours, he should not need to be concerned. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. It is placed in products to control the humidity and prevent degradation. Silicon dioxide is produced as a result of quartz crystals in silica gel. . The bottom line: Silica gel packets are not meant to be eaten, sodont. Oxygen-absorbers that dont have elemental iron probably wont harm your dog. The silica could absorb some of the medication. If ingested by dogs, mild gastrointestinal (GI) signs (an upset stomach) are possible. If the obstruction is not treated, it can be fatal. They are not toxic, so any portion that he ate should pass with no problems. If this is the case you may see abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Raw or partially cooked food is sealed in a bag then cooked, usually at or near the desired final cooking temperature. How Do the Silica Gel Packets in Beef Jerky Work? This material is magnetic which allows for quick differentiation between packets containing iron and those containing silica gel or charcoal. My 25lb dachshund just ate a small silica packet. 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. The chemical inertness of silicate gel is due to its low carbon content. Its an Oxygen-Absorber. The beads do not expand in the stomach, and the packaging is usually soft and unlikely to obstruct the intestines. My dog ate it and started throwing up all over the place. Insecticides or pesticides can also be toxic. Silica gel will not change or permeate the food its packed with. If you leavea stray silica packet within the puppys reach, he may chew on it and makea snack out of the little pellets. But there are often ways to resolve the issue at home. However, no true toxicity risk exists from the charcoal or external canister. The blue gel becomes cloudy as soon as it comes into contact with water. Chemical, physical properties, toxicity The packaging of the absorber usually consists of paper and polyethylene. Dandelion may be a good herb to consider if your dog is suffering from digestive problems. The danger lies with the cylinder. Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use, are not edible (choking hazard) and non-toxic. The beads do not enlarge in the stomach and the exterior packaging is usually soft and presents little risk of injury of obstruction. For this reason, manufacturers label them Do not eat. If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention. They have to put a disclaimer on the package so children do not eat it and choke on it. 3.20.2023. Fiber intake depends on age, gender, and sex. Toxic bacteria produce the only toxins that cause cat litter poisoning. Desiccants can be found in packages of jerky and pill bottles. If your dog ate the freshness packet and became ill, it is most likely the result of a bad reaction to the dye or an issue caused by the packet. Ingestion of silica gel beads may result in the symptoms of an upset stomach, especially if a large amount is eaten relative to your dog's size - for instance, if a small dog eats a large packet of silica gel. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. What happens if I eat silica gel? Antioxidants found in blackberries help to control free radicals in your dog. Dr. Martinez says the packets found in food are the ones that a dog would most likely eat. However, because it wont break down, the gel or packet and gel can cause choking. Serum iron concentration and ALT were elevated. Remove any remaining silica gel packets and put them away in a secure location. Because of its choking hazards and low nutritional value, it is best to throw away the packets if you see them. 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 .