Cooling Gel Mats and Dogs: What the New ASPCA Research Found
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October 2026. Gel cooling mats are a popular summer and road-trip buy. New research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and announced by the ASPCA on October 5, 2026 is a reason to look at them more carefully.
What the research found
- The study looked at 45 dogs with suspected acrylamide poisoning linked to consumer polyacrylamide hydrogel products: migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and some dog beds.
- Some gel products tested contained 12,900 to 51,800 ppm of acrylamide, 21 to 86 times the upper end of expected levels.
- Acrylamide is a neurotoxin. It can be absorbed through the skin, by mouth or by breathing it in.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control says it now receives suspected cases with severe signs every week.
- Labels such as "nontoxic" or "medical grade" did not guarantee safety.
Signs of poisoning
Vomiting, muscle tremors, wobbliness, sensitivity to sound or touch, a racing heart and seizures. In severe cases it can be fatal. There is no antidote; vets treat the symptoms.
What to do
- Supervise dogs on gel cooling pads, especially chewers. Remove any pad that is torn or leaking.
- Keep human gel masks, caps and wraps out of reach.
- If you think your dog chewed or swallowed any hydrogel product, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
- If your dog shows neurologic signs like tremors or seizures, go to the nearest vet immediately.
Cooler alternatives on the road
Shade, airflow and water do most of the work: park in the shade, keep the car's air on, offer water at every stop and use a raised cot that lets air move under your dog. And never leave a dog in a parked car on a warm day.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Houndmile does not sell gel cooling mats.