New Warning for Pet Parents: Possible Danger from Cooling Pet Beds and Headache Wraps

Our experts at ASPCA Poison Control want to warn pet parents about severe and unexpected signs that are being reported following exposures to certain headache wraps and cooling pet pads that contain hydrogel.

In cases of ingestion, ASPCA Poison Control has noted unexpected signs of muscle tremors, unsteadiness on the feet, sensitivity to sound or touch and an increase in heart rate. Seizures and deaths have also been reported. Many pets will exhibit vomiting; however, that is expected when a pet ingests a non-food item.

Although these products are said to contain nontoxic polymers such as polyacrylamide and polyacrylate, it is suspected that these products may contain acrylamide, a byproduct of manufacturing. Acrylamide has been detected in similar products such as water beads and is a potent neurotoxin for both pets and humans.

Actions to Take

If you currently let your pet use a cooling pet pad, please 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 headache wraps, out of reach of pets can prevent potential harm.

If you suspect your pet has ingested the contents of a headache wrap or a cooling pet pad, please contact your veterinarian or our experts at ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435. If your pet is showing neurologic signs, please take them to your closest veterinarian immediately.

At ASPCA Poison Control, our experts continue to investigate these cases to determine the cause and the most effective treatment.