New ASPCA Research Warns Pet Parents of Danger from Consumer Cooling Products

NEW YORK - New research from the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), reveals severe cases - and even death - related to ingestion of consumer polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products, including migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and dog beds. The research was conducted in collaboration with Ashley Haugen from The Product Injury Coalition, polymer scientists at Cambridge Polymer Group, and an attending veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets, to summarize case data and analyze gel from associated products. The study examined outcomes for 45 dogs with suspected acrylamide toxicosis, with some exhibiting signs such as vomiting, muscle tremors, unsteadiness on the feet, sensitivity to sound or touch, an increased heart rate, seizures, and death.

Polyacrylamide is a common ingredient in hydrogel products and has traditionally been considered low risk from a toxicological standpoint because polymers such as polyacrylamide have wide safety margins. While packaging may describe these products as nontoxic or medical grade, they may contain extremely high levels of residual acrylamide from the manufacturing process. Acrylamide can be absorbed through the skin, orally, and through inhalation, and is a potent neurotoxin for both pets and humans.

"At ASPCA Poison Control, we are receiving reports of suspected acrylamide toxicosis -leading to severe signs- on a weekly basis. These signs follow ingestion of consumer migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and dog beds with similar hydrogel contents, and the concern has been observed across a wide number of brands," says Dr. Colette Wegenast, senior director of quality assurance at ASPCA Poison Control. "We understand how frightening these situations can be, and we want pet owners to be aware of these products in their home to ensure they know what steps to take to keep their pets safe. If you suspect your pet has ingested any amount of a hydrogel product, please contact your veterinarian or our experts at ASPCA Poison Control."

The ASPCA's research found clinically significant levels of acrylamide in cooling gel products, some of which were between 12,900-51,800 ppm, which are 21-86 times the upper end of 'expected' levels (<1 to 600 ppm) and 8,600 to 34,500-fold higher than specifications for medical-device grade products such as Bulkamid (</+ 1.5 ppm).The elevated levels of acrylamide have the potential to affect humans and animals, making it important to establish limits on acrylamide in polyacrylamide hydrogel products to protect animals and humans.

Experts at ASPCA Poison Control are continuing to investigate these cases and the most effective treatment options. While there is no antidote to acrylamide toxicosis, current treatment is aimed at controlling signs and providing supportive care. If you currently let your pet use a cooling pet pad, it's critical to monitor their use of the product, especially if they tend to chew on things they should not. Additionally, keeping items not intended for pet use, such as migraine caps, eye masks and wraps, out of reach of pets can prevent potential harm.

ASPCA Poison Control is the No. 1 expert in animal toxicology, with a long history of groundbreaking research. As part of the organization's mission to improve the lives of vulnerable animals, the ASPCA offers this lifesaving support line for poison-related emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to both pet owners and veterinarians. ASPCA Poison Control's staff of highly trained veterinary professionals delivers the most accurate, up-to-date advice, uniquely tailored to meet the needs of pets, their owners and the veterinary community that supports them.

For more information about ASPCA Poison Control, visit aspca.org/poison. If you suspect your pet has ingested the contents of a migraine cap, eye mask, wrap, dog bed or a cooling pet pad, please contact your local veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. If your pet is showing neurologic signs, please take them to your closest veterinarian immediately.