I found my dog eating silica gel, what can I do?

Question

He's a really small dog, he's about 8-10 pounds and he's a Yorkshire terrier, he's a puppy of 9 months of age. I found him eating a silica gel package, luckily only one, but what should I do and what hazards are there for him eating Silica gel?

Answer 1

I got this from the ASPCA poison control page:


Silica Gel
Did You Know…The statement “DESSICANT- DO NOT EAT” commonly found on
the little packets of silica gel contained in medications, leather goods, certain pasta products and vitamins is not really as ominous as it sounds?

Silica gel is used to absorb moisture in many different products, and is usually packaged in plastic cylinders or paper packets. Silica gel is also used in certain cat litters for the same purpose. While it is indeed true that it is not meant for consumption, with most ingestions silica gel produces only mild stomach upset which typically resolves with minimal to no treatment. If very large quantities are eaten, however, such as with ingestions of multiple packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter, intestinal obstruction is a possibility- especially in very small animals.

Since you said he didn't ingest much, even though he is small, hopefully your pooch should be fine! For peace of mind, you can call a 24 hour emergency clinic, they usually give advice over the phone.

=]

Answer 2

Keep an eye on your Pet to make sure he's not getting lethargic, vomiting, etc. Silica gel is toxic for both people and pet's to eat. If he starts getting very sick he needs to be taken to the ER immediately.

Answer 3

Call poison control and ask their advice...it's what we would do at the vets office where I work. Their number is 1-800-282-3171. It's a free call.

Answer 4

your going to have to get him to the vet and they will most likely make him vomit......he could get poisoned and/or get a blockage and then you'll end up paying for a surgery

Answer 5

Get him to drink a little vinager to make him vomit, next take him to the vet ASAP.