Acrylamide Exposure in Dogs and Cats

ASPCA Poison Control is warning veterinarians and pet owners about severe signs reported after acute ingestion of hydrogel from migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and cooling pet pads. Wraps may be intended for various body regions such as fingers, hands, wrists, ankles or knees, and are often marketed for hot/cold compression therapy. Packaging may describe the gel as nontoxic or medical grade.

Cold & Hot Pack Toxicity

ASPCA Poison Control investigations have identified acrylamide exposure in some polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products, including reusable cold packs, hot packs, migraine wraps and cooling pet beds. While many traditional cold and hot packs are considered low-risk when ingested, ingredients and formulations vary, and some hydrogel products have contained unexpectedly high levels of residual acrylamide associated with neurologic and other serious clinical signs.

When a dog or cat ingests a cold pack, hot pack, reusable gel pack or cooling pad, identify the product and ingredients when possible. Retain the product and packaging for toxicology evaluation and contact ASPCA Poison Control for guidance.

Reported Symptoms

Signs include vomiting, ataxia, tremors, hyperesthesia, hypotension, and tachycardia. Seizures and death have been reported.  Although these products contain nontoxic polymers such as polyacrylamide, the signs are suspected to be due to high residual levels of acrylamide monomer, which is used to manufacture polyacrylamide and is a potent neurotoxin in animals and humans. A recent report by ASPCA toxicologists, the Product Injury Coalition, Cambridge Polymer Group scientists and a veterinarian from VEG describes suspected acrylamide toxicosis in 45 dogs following exposures to these consumer products. Gel was analyzed from three associated products, and high acrylamide levels were detected in all three, with one exceeding 50 mg/g.

Mechanisms of Acrylamide Toxicity & Precautions

Acrylamide is absorbed through dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure, so nitrile gloves are recommended when handling the hydrogel from these products or bathing pets. The exact mechanisms of acute toxicity are not fully elucidated, but oxidative stress is suspected to contribute. There is no known antidote; however, antioxidants such as pyridoxine, N-acetylcysteine, silymarin, and vitamin C may help. Treatment aims to control the signs and provide supportive care.

Help & Information

At ASPCA Poison Control, our toxicologists continue to investigate these cases to determine the most effective treatments and to increase awareness and prevention. Please contact us, for the most up-to-date treatment information at 888-426-4435, if you suspect that a patient has been exposed to the contents of one of these products. 

Report adverse events to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at https://www.saferproducts.gov/IncidentReporting or the FDA at https://contact.fda.gov/report-problem.