10% OFF ALL ORDERS OVER $75 - CODE: NEWYEAR. 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. It is not poisonous if consumed because silica gel is non-toxic. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This material is magnetic which allows for quick differentiation between packets containing iron and those containing silica gel or charcoal. What are some risks of consuming silica gel packets? Yes, dogs can eat bananas. 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. For this reason, manufacturers label them "Do not eat." If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and . talk to a vet online for advice >. Learn more. 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. Fortunately, most are harmless and require minimal or no veterinary care. Colors of silica gel (usually blue) contain a chemical coating that can be toxic to cats and humans at the same time. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or bleeding are some of the side effects that should be investigated. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? This is unlikely to harm your dog if you only give him a small amount of silica gel. Some dogs may be more interested in eating inedible items than othersit will depend on their age and personality. What are the oxygen packets in beef jerky? 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. It may not have any impact at all. Alternatively, your veterinarian may suggest monitoring at home is all that is necessary. Also, chewing on the cylinder can lead to damage inside your dogs mouth. If your dog exhibits signs of mild dehydration, your veterinarian will most likely order you to bring him to the veterinarian. 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. Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. Silica cat litter shouldnt pose any hazards if consumed by dogs (or cats, for that matter). At Pet Poison Helpline, the most severe cases of iron poisoning from oxygen absorbers have occurred in small dogs (<15 pounds). Serum iron concentration and ALT were elevated. 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. But don't stop there subscribe to our social and newsletter below to keep exploring the jerky universe! 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. Read our article for advice on what to do if your dog eats silica gel. Although silica gel is nontoxic, we advise not eating the beads. Ingesting the small amount contained within a shoebox or clothing pocketmay not cause any problems at all. In general, however, silica is not considered to be particularly toxic to animals and is not known to cause any major health problems. The plants wont do any long-term harm to either animal. The chemical inertness of silicate gel is due to its low carbon content. Because silica gel does not break down in the body, it is not recommended to eat packets containing it. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. She says to go to a vet to have them safely induce vomiting rather than try to do it at home. 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 eats silica bead packets, he should show symptoms of intestinal obstruction. If your dog hasnt shown any symptoms after eating silica gel packets, its likely not harmful. 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. Unless a large dog ingested several oxygen absorbers or ingested unusually large ones, poisoning is much less likely. 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. Chives are members of the Allium family (which also includes onion, garlic, and leeks), and they are poisonous to cats and dogs. Does Silica Gel Works in Breast Implants? It is placed in products to control the humidity and prevent degradation. The beads inside may be clear or might be dyed red or green, but unless your dog ingests very large amounts of them, there will generally be no ill effects. Q: Is it a threat to dogs? As a result of eating raw eggs, dogs skin and fur may suffer from biotin deficiency. Home FAQ What Happens If You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky. 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. Brutlag et al. He might vomit some today if his stomach is really upset. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things jerky. How do you remove oxygen from packaged foods? 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. One time, I was eating beef jerky and left the silica packet on the counter. Eating silica gel shouldnt make you sick. If you suspect that your pet is ill, please contact Poison Control, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. However, if a cat eats a lot of silica gel, it may suffer from constipation or diarrhea. Have more questions about how jerky might affect your health or diet? Here are the 12 best vegan protein powders. 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. Diarrhea and vomiting are a possibility, too. 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. Activated charcoal is not of benefit as it does not readily bind to iron and should not be given. Iron Oxygen Absorber Dog Your dog will probably chew on it first, breaking it apart before it can be swallowed whole. 3.20.2023. While silica beads are inert and nontoxic, your pup may experience mild gastrointestinal upset after ingestion. If your dog swallows it, it can block theintestines, especially in smaller dogs whosedigestive channels are narrower and therefore more prone to obstructions. This prevents oxidization (rancidity) of the food and preserves freshness 1. Effect of Deferasirox on Iron Absorption in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in a Human Model of Acute Supratherapeutic Iron Ingestion. These absorbers are packets filled with iron powder that oxidize and absorb oxygen when exposed to it. If you have a small dog or your pup has consumed a large amount of the stuff, consult your veterinarian. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers health. If the contents are dark in color the owner should place a magnet over the black powder, if it isnt magnetic, the product is likely non-toxic charcoal and, again, the owner can monitor at home. If your dog ingests silica gel, it should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dr. Elaine Martinez, medical director for VCAs new Santa Monica Main Street Hospital, says that while the silica itself is not a serious issue, the packet can cause an intestinal blockage, which can be very dangerous. Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Teething or playful puppies are likely to seek out and chew on items that are not intended for them, and if they ingest those items, they may be ill. As a result, silicon dioxide, a porous material, is what silica gels are made of. In rare instances, manufacturers use silica gel thats coated with cobalt chloride, a toxic compound. 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. The risk of poisoning is highest in dogs weighing less than 15 pounds. The most dangerous aspects of silica gel packets are their color and texture. Small packets of silica gel are unlikely to cause your cat a problem, even if swallowed. Q: What is it? Youll usually find the little crystal packages nestled in shoeboxes, bags, or included with electronics. Your dog may have some digestive issues like stomach upset and possibly even vomiting and diarrhea. 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. Even though silica gel is biologically and chemically inert, the main risk with packets is that they can obstruct the intestines if swallowed, especially if the packet is whole. It is also used to keep moisture from accumulating in the packaging of a product. If your dog does eat silica gel cat litter, contact your veterinarian. 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. As previously mentioned, dogs that are regularly ingesting non-food items may require assessment by your veterinarian for underlying medical or behavioral causes. Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. First ask how much was ingested and if there is any left. If you regularly eat beef jerky, youve undoubtedly noticed a little white packet in the package. Natural, non-toxic, and non-irritant substances, such as silica gel, are available. While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. All of these items should be kept away from your pets reach at all times. If you or your dog eat the packets labeled do not eat, the gel contained within them will not be toxic. 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. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite are all possible symptoms of this condition. 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. Even if your dog accidentally consumes a few beads, it will not harm him because the silica gel is not intended to be consumed. This action makes silica packets the ideal solution for keeping beef jerky fresh over long distances and time periods. Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide, which is a component naturally found in sand. As a result, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 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. If your dog ingests silica bead packets, monitor him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Q: What is it? If this is the case you may see abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. 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. Because the products can smell like food or treats, animals may accidentally ingest the packets. Smaller dogs or cats are most at risk of having an issue from ingesting it. Why you should never throw away silica packets? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Do I need to be worried? Drinking a few sips of water after eating can also help with any discomfort your child may have. Oxygen scavenging system containing a natural free radical scavenger and a transition metal. Symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage in dogs include: Vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Lethargy Lack of appetite Weakness Dehydration Bloating Abdominal pain Whining These small pods contain carbon, sodium chloride, and iron powder. 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. Toxic bacteria produce the only toxins that cause cat litter poisoning. You may be wondering if the packet itself can lead to complications if your dog swallows it whole. Instead, the child should be struck between the shoulder blades with their thumb and forefinger. Theyre high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. 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. Those packets, usually labeled DO NOT EAT, probably seem out of place next to your delicious snack. Canva There is no real danger if your dog ate silica gel cat litter. If your dog has symptoms, contact your veterinarian to see if further treatment is advised. You can encourage them to bring any packets they see to you to throw away. Call your vet if you have concerns about your pets digestive or oral health. 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. If you are referring to a silica gel pack (like the kind used to keep moisture out of things like beef jerky or dog treats), then you're in luck. From beginners to advanced, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All of these ingredients are very low in nutrition, making ramen noodles an empty-calorie dish. . Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. 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. 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. 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 danger lies with the cylinder. Many packaged products from shoes and electronics to food come with a little packet designed to keep them dry called a silica packet. The porous packet, on the other hand, can be much more dangerous than the gel itself. friends steer clear of silica gel packets. One such substance is silica gel. Vacuum Packaging. It has small particles that can absorb significant amounts of water. Another thing dogs may get into from time to time isactivated charcoal or carbon. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. A big dog eating a single packet of silica gel should be fine, a small dog with the same amount could be at risk. These gel pouches may be found in packages of beef jerky, pizza crusts, medicine, or electronics. Silicone gel, which contains silicon dioxide, is nontoxic to humans and dogs. A: No true toxicity risk exists from exposure to silica gel packets. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet? If your dog ate silica gel, you should contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. See additional information. How Do the Silica Gel Packets in Beef Jerky Work? And if you ingest a large amount of the silica gel, it might cause an intestinal or bowel blockage which can be life-threatening. Toxicological Effects: Chronic inhalation of finely divided iron powder may cause chronic iron poisoning and pathological deposition of iron in the body tissue. This means that dogs will often gobble up the most bizarre items that may not always be edible, let alone safe for them. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A: The charcoal is not intended to be consumed and therefor labeled do not eat. 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. If the air surrounding a silica gel packet becomes too dry, the packet releases moisture back into the air. Those little packets of beads are often found in bottles of medication. And making the call can give you peace of mind. This comes at no extra cost to you. Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use, are not edible (choking hazard) and non-toxic. If you notice anything unusual, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director at ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, says if your dog eats a silica packet to monitor him for vomiting and abdominal discomfort.