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My puppy ate an oxygen absorber and now has diarrhea. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 22 days old | 20 lbs

My puppy chewed an oxygen absorber package (I attached an image) online it says it contains iron but is not toxic for pets. I called a local vet and they said not to worry however he now has diarrhea (which he never has had before) do we watch and see if it gets better or is this very serious?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2017

Those packets really are non toxic, so the diarrhea is almost certainly unrelated. Did he by any chance eat food that the package was packaged with? It is possible that that is causing diarrhea. I would be comfortable with you monitoring the situation for the next 24 hours and contacting a veterinarian for an exam if he continues to have diarrhea at that point. If her stops eating, starts vomiting, becomes very lethargic, or otherwise seems ill, then it would be appropriate to have an exam sooner.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 8th, 2018

    Usually the content of the packet is non-toxic, so there is no worry there. The problem may be the packet, as it passes through the intestine. Since your puppy is relatively small, it might cause an obstruction. But I see, you say he did not eat the paper. So I do not think you have to worry about any detrimental effect, as the content is not toxic.

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    11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 11th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All these products contain different materials most of which are non-toxic. However, there are some of these materials that are toxic such as elemental iron which may in fact be toxic, especially to the gastrointestinal tract and may result in vomiting. I am concerned that he vomited which is why I think it would be best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. Make sure to take to your veterinarian another one of those packets he ate if possible so that they can read the materials in it. They would be able to at least start on therapy to make him feel better. Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 27th, 2017

    A small dog (15lbs or less) is at risk for iron toxicity. Given Oreo's weight range, he will likely suffer no ill effects. He may have some GI upset in the form of vomiting and/or diarrhea. If the packet contained silica gel or beads, it is non toxic and there is no cause for concern.

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