A common reason why antacids are safe to give to pets and humans is stomach upset. If your dog vomits after eating it, give it three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide orally every ten minutes for three days. By removing the oxygen absorber packets from dog treats, you can keep your dogs safe. Youre thinking, just what in the *bleep* is in those damn bags anyway? Oxygen absorbers, in addition to poisoning a dog, can kill it. Oxygen absorbers are small packets that are inserted into food containers to remove oxygen. No, it is not toxic. Oxygen absorbers are those small packets that come in a wide range of products. Packets Are Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline A clean room can prevent bacteria and fungi from growing and keep oils from becoming rancid by removing oxygen. If your dog does start to choke, you should take them to the vet immediately. Small dogs have been the victims of the most severe cases of iron poisoning brought on by oxygen absorbers. Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use, non-toxic, and non-edible because they are not edible. Food packaging oxygen absorbers are used to prevent color changes and infestations. The silica gel is a type of desiccant that is made up of water and silica. Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. The patient arrived too late to have successfully decontaminated the GI tract, so enemas and oral milk of magnesia were given to precipitate iron as insoluble iron hydroxide. Food spoilage can occur in a variety of ways due to oxygen. Has your dog eaten an oxygen absorber? If the dog ripped the packet before swallowing it, the consequences could be serious. If your dog has symptoms of intestinal obstruction, call the vet immediately. If you find value in what I do, please consider a donation of your choosing. A: Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. If your dog exhibits convulsions, he or she is more likely to die. Food contains bacteria, yeast, and molds, which are commonly found in it. Dogs who have ingested iron compounds may appear to be intoxicated with beer. All opinions remain our own. Furthermore, it can be used to extend the shelf life of perishable food. Unfortunately, oxygen absorbers that contain iron are toxic to cats and can cause iron poisoning. Despite the fact that iron levels in goods like oxygen absorbers and instant hand/foot warmers were not thought to be toxicologically significant until recently, this was not the case. Oxygen Absorbers - Animal Poisons Helpline Mollie Morrissette, the author of Poisoned Pets, is an animal food safety expert and consumer advisor. By utilizing that property, Ageless is able to provide an oxygen-rich environment for your dog in a way that is both quick and efficient. Your fur baby could become dehydrated from persistent vomiting and diarrhea. silica gel packets do not contain any toxic chemicals. Iron powder is one of the absorbers used in this product. After this, your fur baby may need surgery to remove the packets safely. They are primarily used to improve product safety and extend shelf life. No waiting for appointments or office hours. When ingested, typically by dogs, iron poisoning may ensue. Although ageless oxygen absorber packets are technically safe to dogs, small dogs are especially vulnerable to intestinal obstruction when the entire packet is swallowed. 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. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Iron can be poisoned in dogs by eating oxygen absorbers found in pet treats. Before you change your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routine, consult with your veterinarian. I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix. Activated carbon is also used to remove odors, as it acts as a gas absorbent. Iron is an important mineral for dogs and is necessary for proper oxygen transport in the blood. When you purchase some foodstuffs and other items that need to stay dry, they often come with a small packet that reads do not swallow but unfortunately, your dog cant read. Find me on: An example is the Antarctic ice fish, which lives at depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters) below the surface of the ocean where the ambient pressure is too low for the oxygen in its blood cells to dissolve. One of the first symptoms of poisoning is vomiting (with or without blood after ingestion). Food packaging oxygen can discolor and alter the texture of food, for example. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. My name is Ken and Im one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. There is a label on the packet that expressly forbids consumption of oxygen absorbers. Vitamin K also plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. They may also give your dog medicine to relieve irritation of the digestive tract. If he/she does eat something harmful, get help immediately from either a pet sitter or friend and take your dog to the vet. Iron oxygen absorbers are little packets that can be found in most dry foods for dogs in order to keep them bacteria-free and ensure longer shelf life. Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use due to their non-toxic nature, non-edible nature, and ability to be eaten. It is not a good idea to incinerate silicate gel bags. The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical care after eating an oxygen absorber. We know the product is irradiated what happens when it, whatever it is, is nuked? As soon as you realize your dog has consumed an oxygen absorber, keep a close eye on them and look out for any signs for a few months. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! silica gels are commonly labeled with the phrase Silica Gel Do Not Eat because they are desiccant (drying agents), which means they should not be consumed. What is an ageless oxygen absorber? If ingested by dogs, mild gastrointestinal (GI) signs (an upset stomach) are possible. When it comes to oxygen absorbers, the ingredient list is frequently absent from the outer package, making it difficult for animal health professionals to decide on the best course of action. Customer He currently takes denosyl due to his liver not able to process the copper in dog food. When oxygen absorbers are depleted of iron, this can result in iron poisoning. The goal of the first test is to determine the presence of iron in the ingested substance. Iron toxicity should be addressed as soon as possible after ingesting a dangerous dose of iron for the best chance of recovery. The oxygen causes the iron to rust, creating that orangey-red crust on an iron surface. AGELESS has been shown to reduce oxygen levels in food, making it an important addition to the food industry. Small dogs are usually the most toxic. Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. If this is not possible, the person should call 911 and seek emergency medical care. So, if your dog ate desiccant, what should you do? You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten an oxygen absorber that contains iron: If your dog shows any of these or other symptoms, call the vet immediately. Make sure all products are out of reach of your dog and remove anything that may be poisonous to him/her whether it has been eaten or not. A small amount of plastic in your stomach can cause nausea and stomach aches but should not cause permanent damage. Your fur baby may also need supplemental oxygen. If your dog ingests an oxygen absorber from beef jerky, its not likely to cause any serious problems. This effect can occur not only in humans but also in animals. Silicon dioxide is also used as a bleaching agent in food seasoning jars. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! If a dog eats an oxygen absorber packet, the chemical reaction inside the packet will produce heat, and the packet will become extremely hot. Some say its just harmless silica, others swear its got something magnetic in it. Oxygen absorbers contained in pet treats can cause iron toxicity in dogs. My Dog Ate Desiccant: Should I Worry? (Solved & Explained!) The withdrawal of silica gel from the stomach can result in a variety of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the case of the poisoned pup, the active ingredient in the sachet was iron. What is a deoxidizer packet? - AnswersAll We present a case of canine ingestion of an oxygen absorber from a bag of dog treats that resulted in iron intoxication necessitating chelation therapy. Always remember to remove any oxygen absorber packets from dog treat containers, especially the ones that contain iron. Dry eyes, mouth, and nose Skin loses elasticity Weakness Bright red gums Increased heart rate Heavy breathing There are two easy methods to check for dehydration in your dog, one by testing their skin and the other by checking their gums. The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (Content) are for informational purposes only. Oxygen absorbers are commonly used in packages of dried or dehydrated foods (e.g., beef jerky, dried fruit) to prolong shelf life and protect food from discoloration and decomposition. Iron poisoning can occur when dogs ingest iron-containing supplements. Not that you need one, but, now you have one more reason to be scared sh**less of anything from China. Left untreated, iron toxicity can cause death in dogs. These little packets are intended to reduce moisture in the packaging or to absorb oxygen. When iron levels in oxygen absorbers fall, it can be harmful to ingest. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ageless oxygen absorber dog is effective in treating any medical condition. Skin test Pinch your dog's skin between their shoulders and gently lift it a couple of inches. In the meantime, try to keep your dog calm and still to avoid any further problems. An oxygen absorber is a small packet of iron granules found in dehydrated or pre-prepared foods. If you or a loved one eat a packet of "DO NOT EAT" stuff, play it safe and call Poison Control. If you believe your dog ate an iron oxygen absorber, never induce them to vomit! Get Our #1 Easy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Vet-Approved), 100% Free!!! Check out BeefJerky.com for a wide variety of gourmet beef jerky flavors. Although having plastic in your stomach can cause nausea and stomach aches, it should not cause permanent damage. However, if you have intestinal problems or take medications that prevent your body from processing iron, eating foods containing iron could cause problems. Do not eat packets dog ate? It is not a good idea to throw away silicate gel bags. The color of an old or expired product, the particulate nature of it, and the difficulty in feeling the product from the outside indicate oxygenation. For future reference, if your dog ate an entire packet the pet's saliva can mix with it and form a firm gel. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. Is the info on the packages? Click to get it NOW! As you know, dogs are drawn to eating many non-food items. Furthermore, oxygen absorbers can cause the product to spoil faster when released from the environment. My dog ate a packet of oxygen absorbers after eating Jack Daniels beef. If the packet is not removed from the dogs mouth, the heat will continue to build up and could potentially cause burns to the dogs mouth and throat. Carbon dioxide is soluble in water, so any iron compound that is not soluble such as rust will remain in the body after ingestion. Trouble is, knowing Chinas frightening history of counterfeiting you-name-it and downright spooky industrial processing plants; we can only hope it actually is iron and not some freak mixture of lord-only-knows. If your dog eats a moisture pack, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Iron poisoning can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and bleeding at a young age. A successful oral decontamination attempt was impossible due to the late arrival, but enema and oral milk of magnesia were given as a measure of convenience to help the GI tract precipitat iron as insoluble iron hydroxide. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Most dried fruits and vegetables at home should not be stored for extended periods of time. If your dog eats them, he or she may experience mild gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as stomach upset. The Pet Poison Helpline has received the most serious instances of iron poisoning from oxygen absorbers in tiny dogs (less than 15 pounds). The active ingredientreduced irondoesn't absorb well in the gastrointestinal system, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. AGELESS, a free-oxygen absorbing agent, absorbs oxygen in a sealed container and creates a deoxidized environment, where oxygen concentrations are low or zero. The packet can cause intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs. Some people say that their dogs have eaten them without any problems, while others report that their dogs have become sick or even died after eating them. Should I be a con? Symptoms of vitamin poisoning can range from muscular tremors and seizures (as seen with vitamin D) to abdominal edema and shock (as seen with iron toxicity), poor haircoat and paralysis (rarely seen but caused by vitamin A), and convulsions followed by sleepiness as seen with Vitamin K is essential for blood clot formation. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the dog is less than 15 pounds, it is more likely to be poisoned than a large dog. Desiccant is one of many materials used to make small packets so that moisture cannot damage the contents of the container. If you give a dog an excessive amount of a vitamin then he/she could suffer from vitamin overload. The images help the vet find where the oxygen-absorbing packets are located. Whole grains, peas, and beans do not have a high sensitivity to oxygen. It is very irritating to the GI tract and has direct corrosive effects. It is not safe to consume them on a regular basis, despite the fact that eating one frequently will most likely not harm you. OxyFrees oxygen absorber/scavenger technology is at the forefront of the industry. And if a dog . Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Supplier Error Blamed in Poisoned Purina ProPlan Prescription Dog Food Recall, JBS, Worlds Largest Pet Food Ingredient Supplier, Caught Using Child Labor, USDA Certified Organic Pet Food: A Regulatory Mess, A Hippies Guide to Shopping For Sustainable Pet Food, Mars Petcares Sustainable Seafood Pet Food Campaign Sounds Great Until You Do a Little Digging. Oxygen absorbers should be used to remove oxygen from vacuum sealed foods. The use of oxygen absorbers and silica gel packets in food packaging, such as beef jerky or pet treats, can result in iron poisoning. Silicon dioxide, which is nontoxic to humans and dogs, is a component of silica gel. Oxygen absorbers in commercial products are not harmful to humans. The signs and effects of iron toxicity may require further treatments, including surgery, weeks later, especially in the latter stages of toxicity. Would that be helpful for me to give to him just in case. Does respiration increase or decrease pH? Oxygen scavengers are completely safe to use, are not toxic, and can be eaten in moderation (choking hazard). Heck, come to think of it could it be contaminating the jerky treats with something horrible? Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. Can you eat sweet potatoes if you're diabetic? 2. A silica gel packet typically has one to two inches of beads inside and is labeled with a white, clear, or opaque string. This case demonstrates that iron intoxication can occur following the ingestion of such products. Treatment depends on the vets diagnosis. Give useful details such as the dogs age, medical history, and past health difficulties if any. The dog ate the oxygen absorber packet in the bag of jerky treats he received about an hour and a half ago. Make sure they drink plenty of water and keep an eye on the signs of dehydration, such as weakness or lethargy. The packets of oxygen absorbers clearly state that they should not be consumed. Silica gel packets can be harmful to dogs, and they should be seen by a veterinarian if they experience any of the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, throat irritation, stomach pain, and nausea. Youll both be happier for it! This could take one or more days, depending on the severity of your canine companions condition. Typically, it will be one of 3 types - silica gel, charcoal, or iron. The Ageless Oxygen Absorber is a small packet thats found in a wide range of food products. What Happens If Your Dog Eats The Do Not Eat Packet In Dog Treats? The purpose of these little packets is to either reduce moisture in the packaging or to absorb oxygen. Iron poisoning from oxygen absorbers has been the most severe in small dogs. AGELESS contains no toxic elements and has passed acute toxicity tests administered by public institutions. And if your fur baby is dehydrated, the vet may give him an IV with fluids to rehydrate your furry companion. It is very unlikely that either you or your pet will consume the sachets contents accidentally. As a result, oxygen can be eliminated from the body in order to preserve food. The adverse consequences of too much iron are known as iron toxicosis or iron toxicity, and they appear in four stages. Ingestion of a toxic amount will typically cause vomiting right away, but if you suspect that your dog has eaten one of these then get them to the vet NOW. When looking at an old or expired product, look for its red rusty color, particulate nature, and difficulty in absorbing the smell from the outside. Oxygen absorbers are commonly used in packages of dried or dehydrated foods (e.g., beef jerky, dried fruit) to prolong shelf life and protect food from discoloration and decomposition. And if your dog has eaten more than one packet, its best to call the vet right away. Are oxygen absorber packets harmful? The packets contain iron and some other chemicals. We just accidentally baked some trader joes flatbread and didn't notice the oxygen absorber went in the oven with it. You may also experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. The drug pepcid is available in the human food chain and can be used to treat gastroenteritis in dogs. However, a dog may eat one of these packets because hes curious about it. It is important to wash your hands after handling an oxygen absorber and to keep them out of reach of children.