My dog ate it and started throwing up all over the place. If ingested by dogs, mild gastrointestinal (GI) signs (an upset stomach) are possible. Silicone gel, which contains silicon dioxide, is nontoxic to humans and dogs. If, however, your dog consumes a large amountof silica, there may be more cause for concern. Q: Is it a threat to dogs? The blue gel becomes cloudy as soon as it comes into contact with water. A big dog eating a single packet of silica gel should be fine, a small dog with the same amount could be at risk. Even a trace amount of iron can be extremely dangerous for dogs. 5,423 Satisfied Customers. But of course, its better to handle these kinds of packages with care and keep them away from your pets. Brutlag et al. Because its a choking hazard and has no nutritious value, its best to throw away the packets away if you see them. Even if it will not break down, it may cause choking if used with the gel or packet. If your dog noshes on some fertilizer, call your veterinarian and list the ingredients your dog ingested. 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. Dogs Food If a dog eats a silica packet, the silica can cause an obstruction in the dog's digestive system. Food and other products must be kept dry by using desiccants, or drying agents, such as silica gel. 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. Your dogs prognosis is best if he receives prompt medical treatment for these problems. Because of its choking hazards and low nutritional value, it is best to throw away the packets if you see them. If the air surrounding a silica gel packet becomes too dry, the packet releases moisture back into the air. These silica gel beads are treated in cobalt chloride, which is toxic when eaten. It is found in a wide range of materials, including sand, rocks, and building materials. How To Prevent Dogs From Chewing or Eating Things They Shouldnt? If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. As long as you are not breathing in a lot of crystalline silica, it appears to be safe. When I first started writing on Dog Lovers Digest back in 2009, I really had no idea what I was getting into. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The most dangerous aspects of silica gel packets are their color and texture. 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. Silica packets perform this task superbly. If a dye is present, the silica gel will no longer be a clear to white but instead bright orange, blue, pink or green. 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. Administration of oral aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (Alternagel or Milk of Magnesia) may prevent some systemic absorption of iron by precipitating elemental iron into an insoluble form. 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. Smaller dogs or cats are most at risk of having an issue from ingesting it. While silica gel may have some scary warnings on its label, the gel is nontoxic unless you eat a lot of it. In order to keep their customers informed, manufacturers frequently label them as such: Do not consume, Do not consume, and Waste away after use.. While your dog may not require any treatment, its never a bad idea to consult someone with some expertise in this area. Here's what you can try and when to seek. In a dog that is used to drinking water, you should notice a quick return to its original hydration level. This action makes silica packets the ideal solution for keeping beef jerky fresh over long distances and time periods. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Keep them away from children. Larger dogs are much less susceptible to iron poisoning unless theyve consumed large amounts of the metal. The purpose of these little packets is to either reduce moisture in the packaging or to absorb oxygen. Oxygen-absorbers that dont have elemental iron probably wont harm your dog. Best to stick with good old activated charcoal. We will look at whether silica gel is toxic to dogs, what to do if they ingest it, and how to prevent dogs from eating inedible items in the first place. 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. One such substance is silica gel. What are the oxygen packets in beef jerky? Beef jerky for dogs has all of the benefits of beef jerky - lean protein that's good for joint health and easy to store - but doesn't pose as a health risk for your dog. The use of silica gel has the potential to cause intoxication, dehydration, and intestinal obstruction. A post shared by Dos Pediatras en Casa (@dospediatrasencasa). He might vomit some today if his stomach is really upset. Q: What is it? Ramen Noodles without the seasoning packet will free you of MSG and other concerning preservatives. Raw or partially cooked food is sealed in a bag then cooked, usually at or near the desired final cooking temperature. And making the call can give you peace of mind. Customer: My dog ate a silica packet that was in a package. knows that keeping it dry is essential for maintaining its long shelf life. Its also wise to make sure your feline and canine friends steer clear of silica gel packets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are the 12 best vegan protein powders. 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. $11.99 $ 11. Chewing up these little forgotten items is a common pastime for canines. Dont throw these away: Silica gel bags. The packet helps keep the devices dry and free of moisture. 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. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health. If it was ingested whole the owner should be asked if there is another package in the home so a duplicate of the product can be evaluated. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Sometimes cats can get mild tummy upsets but nothing more. When your child consumes silica, it may cause them to have a dry mouth; if your child consumes the substance, you should provide them with water to prevent a dry mouth. Silica gel packets are usually 1 x 2 inches and contain multiple small white, clear or opaque beads inside. Theres a chance that a dog will consume the silica gel packets that come with certain food products. Does Silica Gel Works in Breast Implants? So, silica gel packets play a key role in the entire food industry, including the beef jerky industry. Theres also the risk of aspiration or using the wrong substance to induce vomiting. 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. 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? These absorbers are packets filled with iron powder that oxidize and absorb oxygen when exposed to it. If you leavea stray silica packet within the puppys reach, he may chew on it and makea snack out of the little pellets. The first goal is to determine if the ingested material contains iron. Q: What is it? The porous packet, on the other hand, can be much more dangerous than the gel itself. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. Active packaging systems can be divided into active scavenging systems (absorbers) and active-releasing systems (emitters). The cooking and cooling process removes oxygen from the package. When I was a kid, I used to love beef jerky. 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. What the beads were packaged with could be cause for concern, though. > Why is it labeled "do not eat"? Possible Complications. 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. Some dried or pre-prepared foods come with little packets to keep them from going rancid (a process called oxidization). When a dogs color does not return to normal within three seconds, it is dehydrated. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Your dog will probably chew on it first, breaking it apart before it can be swallowed whole. You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. If your dog exhibits signs of mild dehydration, your veterinarian will most likely order you to bring him to the veterinarian. You can encourage them to bring any packets they see to you to throw away. Active packaging is an innovative approach to maintain or prolong the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality, safety, and integrity. 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. 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. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? What Happens If You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky. Dr. Martinez says that dogs eating silica packets is actually not very common considering how many products have silica gel packets in them. If your dog consumes a large amount of silica gel packets, he may exhibit additional symptoms. Canines will eat just about anything left lying around. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. For this reason, manufacturers label them "Do not eat." If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and . An accidental ingestion of silica gel can result in an intoxication, dehydration, and bowel obstruction. An oxygen absorber, even if consumed by a dog, may require medical attention. 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%).