If your dog has ever tried chewing the corner of a cooling mat, you probably worried about them swallowing a piece. But what about the gel inside?
A new warning from ASPCA Poison Control warns that certain gel-filled products could cause serious poisoning if dogs break through the outer material and ingest their contents.
And the concern goes well beyond pet cooling mats.
What researchers discovered
On October 2, 2026, a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined 45 cases of suspected poisoning in dogs exposed to household products containing polyacrylamide-based hydrogel.
The products included migraine relief caps, gel eye masks and therapeutic wraps. When researchers analyzed samples, they found unexpectedly high levels of residual acrylamide, a chemical used to manufacture polyacrylamide that can be toxic to the nervous system.
Affected dogs experienced vomiting, tremors, loss of coordination and seizures. Some cases were fatal.
These were selected cases reported to a poison control service, so the findings don't establish how frequently poisoning occurs or whether all similar products present the same risk.
On October 5, ASPCA Poison Control followed up with a broader warning for pet owners.
The household products worth checking
ASPCA's warning specifically includes pet cooling mats and cooling beds, along with reusable hot-and-cold packs, gel eye masks and therapeutic wraps.
Some of these products may even be labeled nontoxic or medical grade, descriptions that don't necessarily mean their contents are safe for dogs to swallow.
ASPCA also warns that certain gel products contain superabsorbent beads that can expand after ingestion and potentially cause intestinal blockages.
Importantly, the research doesn't show that resting on an intact cooling mat causes poisoning. The concern is when a dog chews through a product and gains access to its filling.
What dog parents should know
Dogs who chew bedding or destroy toys deserve particular caution around gel-filled products.
ASPCA recommends keeping these products out of reach, supervising dogs around cooling mats and checking for punctures or leaks. If gel spills, keep pets away, wear nitrile gloves during cleanup and save the packaging for your veterinarian.
Warning signs can include vomiting, tremors, unsteady walking, unusual sensitivity to sound or touch, and seizures. Neurological symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.
In the U.S., ASPCA Poison Control is available at 888-426-4435 (consultation fees may apply).
If you suspect your dog has chewed through or swallowed part of a gel-filled product, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control service promptly, even if your dog seems fine. Don't wait for symptoms.
