The ASPCA has issued a warning regarding the dangers of consumer polyacrylamide hydrogel products, commonly found in items like migraine caps and cooling pads for dogs. Their research, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, shows that ingestion of these products can lead to severe neurological symptoms and even death in dogs. Reports of suspected acrylamide toxicosis are now received weekly by ASPCA Poison Control.
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The study analyzed outcomes for 45 dogs suspected of having acrylamide toxicosis after ingesting products such as migraine caps, eye masks, and dog beds containing hydrogel. Dogs exhibited a range of symptoms including vomiting, muscle tremors, ataxia, hyperesthesia, tachycardia, seizures, and death. This investigation was conducted in collaboration with Ashley Haugen from The Product Injury Coalition, polymer scientists at Cambridge Polymer Group, and a veterinarian from VEG ER for Pets.
The findings reveal alarming levels of acrylamide in some cooling gel products, with residual amounts ranging from 12,900 to 51,800 parts per million (ppm). These figures are significantly higher than the expected levels of under 600 ppm, and 8,600 to 34,500 times greater than what is deemed safe for medical-grade polyacrylamide, which should be 1.5 ppm or less.
Although polyacrylamide is generally considered low risk due to its large safety margins, acrylamide—the toxic monomer resulting from the manufacturing process—is harmful. Even products labeled as "nontoxic" or "medical grade" can contain high levels of acrylamide. It is a potent neurotoxin that can be absorbed orally, through the skin, or inhaled.
Dr. Colette Wegenast, senior director of quality assurance at ASPCA Poison Control, advises pet owners to consult a veterinarian or contact ASPCA Poison Control if they suspect their pet has ingested any hydrogel product.
For veterinarians, there is currently no antidote for acrylamide toxicosis. Treatments focus on managing clinical symptoms and providing supportive care. ASPCA Poison Control continues to explore effective treatment methods. When diagnosing dogs with gastrointestinal signs and subsequent unexplained neurological symptoms, consider hydrogel ingestion as a potential cause. Veterinary staff are also advised to wear nitrile gloves when handling exposed items, as acrylamide can be absorbed through the skin.
Pet owners should supervise pets using cooling products and store human items, like migraine caps and eye masks, well away from their reach. If a pet shows signs of neurological distress, such as tremors or seizures, immediate veterinary attention is essential. The ASPCA emphasizes that "nontoxic" labels may not reflect the actual ingredient levels, highlighting the need for awareness regarding these products, especially as summer cooling items are likely to remain in homes until next year.