Silica gel usually comes in small white packets—typically
the size of sugar packets—and can be found in the packaging for many items such
as shoes, bags, coats, electronics, medications, vitamins, food and cat litter.
APCC experts find that when these packets are packaged with food, pets may be
more likely to consume them as they retain the smell of the food item. Silica
gel packets are used as a desiccant (drying agent) to prevent moisture damage,
and are often labeled with the message “Silica Gel Do Not Eat.” If eaten,
silica gel can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and
diarrhea—depending on the quantity consumed. Some silica gel packets may be
fairly large, and if ingested, could potentially cause obstruction in the
intestinal tract. Fortunately, this is not a common problem.
If your pet has ingested silica gel, please contact your
veterinarian or APCC for more information.
APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related
emergency—24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have
ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA
Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
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