My dog ate an iron oxygen packet. What should I do right now?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Iron oxygen sachets can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract and has direct corrosive effects. After ingestion, vomiting (with or without blood) is one of the first signs of poisoning. i would recommend taking Wyatt to the vet urgently in order to get him treated, emesis induction will be the first step of treatment.

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on June 7th, 2019

  If he only punctured the packet, it is likely he did not ingest enough to pose a serious risk of iron toxicity. Monitor him for vomiting in the next several hours. One of the most common early signs of iron toxicity is vomiting (with or without blood). If Toulouse doesn't vomit, he "should" be fine. Symptoms may appear anywhere between 1 and 5 days of ingestion and may include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea (with or without blood), tremors, panting or elevated heart rate. If you have more than one packet of jerky, open a new bag, remove that oxidizer packet and weigh it on a gram scale then weigh the punctured one to see if there is an appreciable amount missing. See your veterinarian or have him seen at the nearest veterinary ER if necessary.
  

  

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• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 9th, 2019

  Hello. If there are no GI signs over the next 6 hours, then there will probably be no problems from the iron in the packets. Most of these packets convert from iron to oxide the longer they are in the air, so essentially become harmless with time. If Shera does develop vomiting & diarrhea, she may need to be assessed for iron ingestion. Your vet can usually request iron levels or Total Iron Binding Capacity at a regional lab or even a local hospital, if necessary. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 26th, 2019

  The quantity ingested is very small. Generally this type intoxication can cause mild to moderate signs, like vomiting, diarrhea sometimes hemorrhagic, lethargy, abdominal pain, shock, panting and tremors.
  If you notice any of these signs an immediate check up would be required.

  

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