New research from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), highlights the risk of acrylamide toxicosis in dogs that ingest polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products, including cooling pet beds, migraine caps, eye masks, and wraps.

The study examined outcomes in 45 dogs with suspected acrylamide toxicosis. Reported clinical signs included vomiting, muscle tremors, ataxia, sensitivity to sound or touch, tachycardia, seizures, and death. The research was conducted in collaboration with The Product Injury Coalition, Cambridge Polymer Group, and a veterinarian from VEG ER for Pets.

Although polyacrylamide polymers are reportedly generally considered low risk, hydrogel products may contain residual acrylamide, a potent neurotoxin. Researchers detected acrylamide concentrations of 12,900 to 51,800 parts per million (ppm) in some cooling gel products—21 to 86 times the upper end of expected levels and substantially higher than specifications for certain medical-grade products.

There is currently no antidote for acrylamide toxicosis. Treatment focuses on controlling clinical signs and providing supportive care, while the ASPCA continues to investigate cases and potential treatment options.

Veterinary professionals should consider potential ingestion of hydrogel products when evaluating patients with compatible neurologic signs and counsel clients to keep these products out of pets' reach. Further, veterinary practices can help educate owners about the risks of exposure and closely supervise pets with cooling beds or pads, particularly those prone to chewing.

Check out some tools and tips about acrylamide exposure in dogs and cats from the ASPCA.

If ingestion is suspected, clients should contact their veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Animals displaying neurologic signs should receive immediate veterinary attention.

For more information, visit the ASPCA website.