What Are the Do Not Eat Packets?
The small packets labeled “Do Not Eat” that come in things like beef jerky, shoes, and electronics serve an important purpose. They contain a desiccant – usually silica gel – that absorbs moisture and keeps the products dry.
Silica gel is a granular, vitreous, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate. The granules have an extremely large surface area for adsorbing water vapor.
The packets are included to prevent food spoilage and damage to products from excess moisture. Silica gel is safe for most people and pets if ingested, but the packets pose a potential choking hazard, especially for small children and animals. The “Do Not Eat” warning is there to prevent accidental choking incidents.
While silica gel itself is non-toxic if swallowed, the packets also often contain cobalt chloride as an indicator. Cobalt chloride is toxic if consumed in large quantities. Thus, the packets should not be eaten.
Signs Your Dog Ate a Do Not Eat Packet
There are several possible signs that may indicate your dog has ingested a do not eat packet:
Upset stomach – Your dog may seem uncomfortable, whine, or have abdominal pain. He may not want to eat or drink normally.
Excessive drooling – More drooling than usual can be a sign of oral irritation or nausea.
Vomiting – Your dog may vomit, sometimes repeatedly, if the packet has irritated his stomach or intestines.[1]
Diarrhea – Loose stools or diarrhea can occur if the packet caused gastrointestinal upset.
Lethargy – Your dog may seem more tired than usual or unwilling to move around if he is not feeling well.
Some dogs may show several of these signs within hours of ingesting a packet. The severity can range from mild to severe depending on the individual dog. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms after your dog has eaten a packet.
Dangers of a Dog Eating a Do Not Eat Packet
Eating a do not eat packet can be dangerous for dogs in several ways. Three key dangers are choking hazards, gastrointestinal obstruction, and toxic ingredients 1.
First, the plastic packet itself poses a choking hazard if swallowed whole. The rigid plastic could become lodged in the throat or esophagus on the way down. This would lead to choking, gagging, or trouble breathing 3.
Second, the packet could cause a gastrointestinal obstruction if it does not pass easily through the digestive tract. The plastic may get stuck in the stomach or intestines, blocking proper digestion and absorption of food. Signs of GI obstruction include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating.
Finally, some do not eat packets contain silica gel packets, which absorb moisture. Silica gel contains trace amounts of cobalt chloride, a potentially toxic substance if ingested in large quantities. However, most dogs will not eat enough silica gel for it to cause poisoning. Still, it’s best to avoid exposure.
Overall, do not eat packets create a sizeable choking risk and potential GI issue if swallowed by dogs. Pet owners should keep these items away from pets.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Packet
If you see your dog eat a silica gel packet or suspect they’ve swallowed one, it’s understandably scary, but try to remain calm. According to the ASPCA, these packets are not highly toxic to dogs, but you should still contact your vet immediately.
Your vet may recommend bringing your dog in right away for an examination. Be sure to bring the packet with you if you still have it, as the contents label can help identify any specific risks. The vet will likely induce vomiting if the packet was very recently swallowed. They may also recommend giving your dog water to drink and feeding them a small meal to help pass the packet through their system.
According to PetMD, mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea may occur after a dog eats a packet, but serious illness is unlikely. Your vet will monitor your dog closely and provide any needed supportive care. Call them again if any concerning symptoms develop.
While scary in the moment, most dogs recover fully after eating silica gel packets. Still, take action quickly by contacting your vet so they can advise you on the next steps.
First Aid for Choking
If your dog is choking, it’s critical to act quickly to clear the airway obstruction. The first step is to open the mouth and look for any foreign object lodged in the throat. You may be able to remove it safely with your fingers if you can grasp it.
According to https://firstaidforpets.net/choking-dog-help/, if you cannot see or grasp the object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by placing your hands on both sides of the rib cage and pushing sharply inward and upward 3-4 times. This helps dislodge obstructions.
If your dog collapses, quickly place him on his side on a firm surface. Open the mouth and pull the tongue forward so it does not block the airway. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If absent, begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Give rescue breaths if you are able.
Call emergency veterinary services immediately if choking persists or your dog loses consciousness. Timely first aid can save your dog’s life.
Emergency Veterinary Care
If your dog ate a silica gel packet and is showing signs of distress, you should take them to the vet immediately. The vet will likely induce vomiting if it was a recent ingestion to try and remove the packet before it can cause an obstruction. According to the ASPCA, a veterinarian may administer 3% hydrogen peroxide orally to induce vomiting [1].
If vomiting is not successful or it has been several hours since ingestion, the vet may perform an endoscopy to try to locate and remove the packet from the stomach or intestines. In some cases, surgery may be required if the packet has already moved into the intestinal tract and is causing a blockage. The vet will also administer IV fluids and monitor your dog closely for signs of improved digestion or any continued obstructions [2].
It’s crucial to get veterinary care immediately if your dog ingests a silica gel packet, as intestinal obstructions can become life threatening fairly quickly. With prompt treatment, the prognosis is often good and most dogs recover fully after the packet is removed. However, delays in treatment increase the risks of complications from the obstruction.
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Packets
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting into and eating silica gel or other “do not eat” packets:
Proper storage out of reach – Make sure to store any products containing silica gel packets up and completely out of your dog’s reach. A high shelf, locked pantry or cabinet your dog can’t access are good places to keep these items.
Training ‘leave it’ – Work on training your dog the ‘leave it’ command. When they go for an item they shouldn’t have, firmly tell them ‘leave it’ and redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy or treat. With consistent training, they will learn not to mess with certain items.
Distraction with toys – Keeping interactive toys around the house can help distract your dog from going after things like silica packets. Food puzzles, Kongs, ropes and balls give them an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instincts.
For more tips, check out this comprehensive guide on teaching your dog the ‘leave it’ command.
Long Term Consequences
Ingesting packets labeled “do not eat” can potentially lead to some long term health consequences for dogs, even if there are no immediate symptoms. Two main areas of concern are potential gastrointestinal damage and future bowel obstructions.
The contents of the packets, often silica gel, can be abrasive on the lining of the stomach and intestines. Over time, this irritation could lead to ulcers or other damage in the GI tract that makes it difficult for dogs to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. If left untreated, this can result in chronic gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, the plastic and foil of the packets can also be abrasive and damaging to the intestinal linings if dogs regularly ingest them.[1]
Perhaps the biggest long term risk is that the plastic packets can get lodged in the intestinal tract and cause a future bowel obstruction. The shape, size and texture of these small packets means they can get stuck in the narrower regions of the intestines. Even if a packet initially passes through with no problem, scar tissue or damage from previous ingestion may cause that packet to get stuck down the road, potentially leading to a life threatening blockage requiring surgery.[2]
There is also some concern that dogs who make a habit of eating inedible objects may have underlying behavioral issues like anxiety, boredom, or pica that should be addressed to prevent repeat incidents. Consulting with a veterinary behaviorist can help determine if medication or training is needed for habitual inedible eaters.[3]
Safer Alternatives
Instead of regular beef jerky, there are some safer alternative treats you can give your dog that may help avoid issues with preservatives or choking hazards from packets. Here are some options to consider:
All natural treats. Look for jerky treats that are made with all natural ingredients and without artificial preservatives or additives. There are a number of different brands of natural jerky and meat strips made with ingredients like grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, or wild caught salmon. Going all natural avoids some of the potential risks.
Single ingredient treats. Sticking to single ingredient treats like freeze-dried meat pieces or dehydrated sweet potato chews can be a good alternative to heavily processed jerky with multiple ingredients. The simpler the treat, the less risk of intolerances or reactions.
DIY jerky. You can also consider making your own homemade jerky or dehydrated meat treats [1]. This allows you to control exactly what ingredients go into it. Look for recipes using lean meats and spices.
Talk to your vet about the best options if your dog has proven prone to trying to eat packaging. They may have specific treat recommendations to help keep your dog happy and safe.
When to Call the Vet Again
In most cases, dogs will pass packets like silica gel or oxygen absorbers without incident. However, you should contact your veterinarian again if your dog experiences any of the following:
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Persistent vomiting – If your dog continues to vomit more than 24 hours after ingesting a packet, contact your vet. The packet may have caused an intestinal blockage or other issues.
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Lethargy longer than 24 hrs – Lethargy and tiredness after eating a packet is normal initially. But if it persists more than 24 hours, contact your vet for examination.
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No bowel movement – Your dog should pass the packet within 24 hours. If there’s no bowel movement at all, the packet may be obstructing intestines.
In these cases, your vet may want to examine your dog or prescribe medications to help pass the packet. Persistent issues could require surgery to remove an intestinal obstruction. So contact your vet promptly if any concerning symptoms last more than 24 hours after your dog eats a silica gel or oxygen absorber packet.