New York – October 06, 2026 -- The ASPCA is warning pet owners after new research found that polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products -- including migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and dog beds -- can cause severe acrylamide poisoning and death in dogs if ingested.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, were based on a study of 45 dogs with suspected acrylamide toxicosis. Affected animals showed vomiting, muscle tremors, unsteady gait, sensitivity to sound or touch, elevated heart rate and seizures; some cases were fatal.
Acrylamide levels far exceeded expected safety thresholds
Researchers from Cambridge Polymer Group, working with the ASPCA, Ashley Haugen of The Product Injury Coalition, and a veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets, tested gel from implicated products. Some cooling gel samples contained acrylamide at 12,900 to 51,800 parts per million -- 21 to 86 times higher than the expected upper limit of under 1 to 600 ppm, and up to 34,500 times higher than specifications for medical-device-grade hydrogel products such as Bulkamid.
ASPCA Poison Control fields severe cases on a weekly basis
"At ASPCA Poison Control, we are receiving reports of suspected acrylamide toxicosis -- leading to severe signs -- on a weekly basis," said Dr. Colette Wegenast, senior director of quality assurance at ASPCA Poison Control. She noted the issue spans a wide number of brands and urged owners to contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control immediately if a pet ingests any amount of a hydrogel product.
Packaging labels of "nontoxic" or "medical grade" can be misleading
Polyacrylamide has long been considered low-risk due to its wide safety margin as a polymer. But products labeled nontoxic or medical grade may still contain high levels of residual acrylamide left over from manufacturing. Acrylamide is a potent neurotoxin that can be absorbed through skin contact, ingestion or inhalation, affecting both pets and humans.
No antidote exists; supportive care is the only treatment
There is currently no antidote for acrylamide toxicosis. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and supportive care. The ASPCA advises owners to closely monitor pets using cooling pet pads, particularly dogs prone to chewing, and to keep products not intended for pets -- such as migraine caps, eye masks and wraps -- out of reach.
Pet owners who suspect ingestion should contact their local veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, and seek immediate veterinary care if a pet shows neurologic signs.