Phase 4 is when the dog will determine if the dog is safe from a fatal outcome. Results indicate the contents contained 50-70% total iron. 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. That means it is made of iron, which I believe to be the case. This article will explain in detail what an iron oxygen absorber is, what will happen to your dog if he eats one, and what to do to help your best friend through these troubled waters. However, you can be sure to get the truth here on Poisoned Pets, because digging up stuff to rake the pet food industry over the coals with is my favorite thing to do. My dog ate an oxygen-bearing packet. These areas are always cold, which could lead to the formation of a frozen mass that would be difficult to remove if your dog ate it. 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. 2012 Mar;8(1):76-9, Brutlag AG, Flint CT, Puschner B; PMID: 22190175 [PubMed indexed for MEDLINE]. If your dog does start to choke, you should take them to the vet immediately. Silica gel is not poisonous, but some other desiccants can be. The first step is always to contact a vet to get the appropriate medication prescribed. The toxicity risk from taking silica gel packets is not as high as previously thought. If your pet is small and the packet is plastic and on the larger size, there is a small risk that it could get stuck in their stomach or intestines and cause a blockage, however this is not very common. The highest serum iron concentrations in people and dogs are linked to significant toxicosis. However, if the packet is large enough, it could cause an obstruction in the dogs digestive system. Youre thinking, just what in the *bleep* is in those damn bags anyway? 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. What happens if my dog ate Deoxidizer? The AGELESS product is made with safe ingredients that all meet FDA safety requirements. There is a significant difference in shelf life between products with a high oil content (for example, nuts, seeds, and whole grains) and products without oil. If you must place an oxygen absorber in these locations, then do so only after calling your veterinarian first to make sure it is safe for your pet to eat food from these places. Can you eat sweet potatoes if you're diabetic? All opinions remain our own. But what happens if a dog eats an oxygen absorber? The four stages will occur in every case of iron toxicosis, even if not every single symptom of each stage manifests itself. This is especially dangerous if the dog has eaten one of his/her medications. Because oxygen absorber sachets are frequently found in pet treat bags, calls to the helpline about ingestion of these packets are not uncommon. Here are some other facts about death by food: In chemistry, oxygen absorption involves the chemical reaction between metallic iron and carbon monoxide to form ferric oxide (rust) and carbon dioxide. An oxygen absorber is a porous paper pouch filled with iron salts, sodium chloride (table salt), or activated charcoal. There are a few symptoms that can accompany diarrhea and vomiting. Small dogs have been the victims of the most severe cases of iron poisoning brought on by oxygen absorbers. If you give a dog an excessive amount of a vitamin then he/she could suffer from vitamin overload. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What happens if my dog eats an oxygen absorber? Iron can be poisoned in dogs by eating oxygen absorbers found in pet treats. The beads do not enlarge in the stomach, and the packaging is usually soft and less likely to obstruct the stomach. The adverse consequences of too much iron are known as iron toxicosis or iron toxicity, and they appear in four stages. Despite the fact that they are non-toxic and do not pose a threat to humans, they do pose a choking hazard. As a result, it will not cause poisoning in the body. Theyll have a brownish powder inside them and you can further test them by applying a magnet. Simply remove all the moisture and oxygen. Before purchasing beef jerky, make sure it is clearly labeled, and avoid eating any packets with pink or blue beads. Iron is an important mineral for dogs and is necessary for proper oxygen transport in the blood. Our AGELESS product is made from all-natural ingredients that have been approved by the FDA. This also removes its bleaching properties. If your dog ate an oxygen absorber, it would probably be fine. Many food products include small packets that help keep them fresh, such as Ageless Oxygen Absorbers. The ongoing manifestation of symptoms needs to be appropriately treated by the vet. With the first two, your dog may experience vomiting or diarrhea, but the iron variety is potentially corrosive and if your dog has eaten this then you definitely want to get them to the vet right away. If your dog has eaten an oxygen absorber, it is important to seek professional medical help immediately as they can be very dangerous. OxyFrees oxygen absorber/scavenger technology is at the forefront of the industry. Does respiration increase or decrease pH? Iron poisoning is diagnosed in your dog in four stages. In the future, its best to keep these and other packets out of your dogs reach. If the packet was completely eaten by your dog, check in the house to see if you have another one of the same products in order to check the packet inside. That said, if the packet contains iron (easily tested with a magnet), then you want to get the vet involved right away. When giving your dog Hydrogen peroxide, do not give it too much; instead, make sure it does not vomit or bleed. The Third Stage When the temperature is too high, enzyme reactions speed up. When a chemical reaction occurs, oxygen in jerky bags is depleted before being absorbed. Instead, use a HACCP plan to control the situation. The jury is still out on this one, so its probably best to err on the side of caution and keep them away from your dog. Oxygen Absorbers - Animal Poisons Helpline Iron is a key component of an oxygen absorber. Food Absorbers can extend the shelf life of your food by preventing oxidation and insect damage. If the blood SI level is higher than the TIBC, iron toxicity can be diagnosed. 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. Silica packets are not very harmful for dogs, and are considered to be practically non-toxic. Although having plastic in your stomach can cause nausea and stomach aches, it should not cause permanent damage. They will also treat other symptoms as they arise. A: Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. Are you worried that the Ageless Oxygen Absorber will make your dog sick? While Ageless Oxygen Absorbers are safe when used as directed, what happens if a dog eats one of these packets? There is a label on the packet that expressly forbids consumption of oxygen absorbers. 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. For the following few months, you must keep a close eye on your dogs health since intestinal strictures and blockages can occur even if your dog showed no symptoms in the first place. The goal of the first test is to determine the presence of iron in the ingested substance. Don't Panic! Five Items Pet Parents Shouldn't Worry About The silica gel packets that come with some of the food products may entice a dog to consume them. If your dog has swallowed a silica packet, consult a veterinarian for advice. AGELESS, an oxygen absorbing agent, absorbs oxygen from a sealed container, causing it to deoxidize, which has a concentration of no more than 0.1 oxygen per liter. A Dog Ate An Oxygen Absorber Packet: What Happens Next? Instead, Poisoned Pets' advocacy work is funded by private individuals, not the pet food industry, nor any other private or public institution. If at-home decontamination is appropriate, the pet owner may induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide and then give 1-3 teaspoons of aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (Alternagel or Milk of Magnesia) to reduce the systemic absorption of iron. The effects of oxygen in food can be reduced in this manner, allowing it to be preserved. JustAnswer has no warranty or representation about any experts qualifications, nor does the website or services it provides. If your dog consumes a desiccant packet labeled Silica Gel Do Not Eat, he or she may experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Carbon dioxide is soluble in water, so any iron compound that is not soluble such as rust will remain in the body after ingestion. In rare cases, more serious problems can occur, such as difficulty breathing or low blood sugar levels. If you believe your dog ate an iron oxygen absorber, never induce them to vomit! 2. If you intend to keep dry, home-packaged food for 3 months or longer, an oxygen absorber should be included in the container. As the packets absorb oxygen, the iron inside turns to iron oxide. Iron is synthesized differently in various ways, but this influence is influenced by many other factors, including pH, binding components, transporter proteins, and reducing enzymes. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes.