This dog article will answer the major question, “My dog ate the Do Not Eat packet what should I do?” we will also discuss the function of silica gel, the steps to keep your dog safe, and the bad effects of consuming silica gel for your dog.
My dog ate the Do Not Eat packet what should I do?
If your dog has eaten the do not eat packet, you shouldn’t worry about it because it has silica gel. Silica gel is not toxic for your dog. However, if your dog has consumed too much silica gel it can cause diarrhea, dehydration, choking and intestinal blockage in your dog.
What are the bad effects of silica gel on your dog’s health?
Following are the bad effects of silica gel on your dog’s health:
Stomach upset
If your dog has consumed too much silica gel it can cause stomach upset in your dog. Stomach upset is a milder problem, and it can be treated with little to no therapy. Only changing the diet and administering certain antibiotics will keep your dog safe and healthy.
Following are the major clinical signs of stomach upset in your dog:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weakness
Choking
Consuming too much silica gel can cause choking in your dog. Choking is the obstruction of the esophagus in your dog. The esophagus lies in contact with the trachea, so if the pressure is applied to the esophagus, it can also shift to the trachea which can cause respiratory problems and tracheal collapse under extreme pressure.
Following are the major clinical signs of choking in your dog:
- Gagging
- Unable to vomit
- Head towards the ground
- Loss of appetite
- Severe pain
Intestinal blockage
The next problem is the intestinal blockage in your dog. If luckily the silica gel has passed the esophagus it can stuck in the intestine, because it is narrower than the esophagus. The intestine is the major organ of digestion and absorption.
If there is a blockage in the intestine, it can lead to little to no absorption of food which can lead to weak and emaciated bodies.
Following are the major clinical signs of intestinal blockage in your dog:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Little to no feces
- Vomiting
- Hard abdomen on palpation
Constipation
The last problem is constipation. It is due to the silica gel in the large intestine, which absorbs all the water of the intestine, and leads to constipation in your dog.
Constipation is a severe condition in your dog, you should be treating your dog as it is extremely painful.
What is the function of silica gel?
Silica gel is added to the food and the non-food items because it will absorb moisture and also block the entry of oxygen into the product packaging. Certain types of products require no moisture, and if the moisture touches them, they are spoiled.
Certain non-food items such as shoes are also water sensitive, so they need to be packed securely that is why silica gel is added to such products.
What can you do if your dog eats too much silica gel?
You shouldn’t panic in this situation as we have discussed that the silica gel is not poisonous to your dog. But it is not healthy for your dog. If your dog has eaten too much, you should observe your dog for 24 hours to see any abnormal signs in your dog.
If you do not suspect any abnormal signs your dog might be okay. Your dog might pass the silica gel in the feces without any worries.
If your dog does show some clinical signs such as less interest in food, weakness, and lethargy, you should take your dog to the vet. Your vet will perform an ultrasound of the abdomen and the thoracic cavity to see any blockage. Your vet might also go for x-rays to see any blockage in your dog.
If your vet does see any obstruction, he will suggest you surgically remove it. If there is no blockage, your vet might prescribe general medicines to treat your dog.
How can you keep your dog safe?
If you brought home packaged products immediately discard the package and the Do Not Eat packet of the product. You should also keep an eye on your dog so that it doesn’t eat it from the trash can. Do not allow your dog to smell the products.
Conclusion
In this dog blog, we answered the important question, “My dog ate the Do Not Eat packet what should I do?” we also covered the function of silica gel, the steps to keep your dog safe, and the bad effects of consuming silica gel for your dog.
References
https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/mums-harmful-dogs-5904.html
https://www.cuteness.com/article/happens-dog-eats-silica-gel
