Silica gel beads probably won’t cause serious problems other than minor digestive upset. 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.
Larger packets can be more problematic because they are larger and contain more silica, making them more likely to get hung up in your dog’s intestinal tract. The packet will probably have the scent of the food on it, so your dog will be especially drawn to it. Keep in mind that your dog is more likely to eat a gel packet that came with a food item. Your dog will probably chew on it first, breaking it apart before it can be swallowed whole. Swallowing a packet whole is not a common occurrence. If your dog ingests an entire packet of silica gel, there is a possibility that it could become lodged in his digestive tract, causing a blockage. There are warnings plastered all over the paper that read “Do Not Eat.” But invariably, our pets are likely to miss the memo. You may be wondering if the packet itself can lead to complications if your dog swallows it whole. What About If My Dog Ate Silica Gel Packet? And making the call can give you peace of mind. While your dog may not require any treatment, it’s never a bad idea to consult someone with some expertise in this area. If, however, your dog consumes a large amount of silica, there may be more cause for concern. If you can’t reach your vet, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline. If you’re concerned about the symptoms, it’s not a bad idea to contact your veterinarian just to get a professional’s opinion on what to do.
Your dog may have some digestive issues like stomach upset and possibly even vomiting and diarrhea. Ingesting the small amount contained within a shoebox or clothing pocket may not cause any problems at all. If you notice any symptoms, you can contact your vet to find out what your next steps, if any, should be. If your beloved pet samples some silica, your best course of action is to keep an eye on her. Silica is something that can have some toxicity to dogs but doesn’t usually cause serious health problems.įortunately, if your dog is affected, the gel shouldn’t cause any long-term harm. If you leave a stray silica packet within the puppy’s reach, he may chew on it and make a snack out of the little pellets. You’ll usually find the little crystal packages nestled in shoeboxes, bags, or included with electronics.Ĭanines will eat just about anything left lying around. Silica is a desiccant - it absorbs moisture to keep items from deteriorating. Silica gel most frequently appears in tiny packets - about 1″x1″ or slightly larger. You may be wondering what happens when your dog swallows a packet of silica gel or consumes the iron or charcoal granules commonly found in many pre-packaged items. If you have a small dog or your pup has consumed a large amount of the stuff, consult your veterinarian.
and automatically connects you to experts at your nearest poison control center.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.Ĭonsuming 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 digestive upset. The free, confidential number works in any part of the U.S. If you're still worried, contact your local poison control center by calling 1-80, says Liz Barta, a nurse and health education specialist at APDIC. The silica beads will pass through their system without being absorbed. But if your child isn’t choking and is eating and drinking without a problem, then there’s no need to go to the emergency room or hospital, he adds. If your child is choking after accidentally swallowing silica beads, then call 9-1-1, Boesen says. “The main concern they pose is that they are a choking hazard.” “They are not toxic or posionous in any way,” confirms Keith Boesen, director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC). They're made of silica, a nontoxic agent used in certain containers of medication, dietary supplements, and vitamins to absorb moisture and keep the pills dry. The good news is that although those packets are stamped with the phrase “DO NOT EAT,” the beads inside aren’t actually poisonous. Are those beads toxic? And what should I do? She tore it open and put some of the beads in the packet in her mouth. My two-year old daughter got a hold of the little packet that comes in her pill container.