Can I give my dog activated charcoal?

Activated Charcoal can be extremely useful for pet poisoning emergencies. It’s a true life saver. But can dog owners utilize it at home, or should this treatment be left to the professionals?

Pet parents can, in fact, prevent harmful absorption of toxic substances. When time is critical, activated charcoal could be the difference between life and death for your beloved dog.

Many folks, dog owners included, are intimidated by things they aren’t familiar with. Activated charcoal is a good example of this. It’s important to become comfortable with at least the basics.

Can I Give My Dog Activated Charcoal? Answer: Yes, it reduces toxic effects

It’s smart to keep a quality supply on hand just in case.

You can administer activated charcoal to your dog, when necessary. Of course, a vet should be involved when a pet’s life is on the line. The FDA has approved activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, for veterinary medicine. Human use has declined, but this treatment remains well utilized by vets and for dogs in particular.

Learn more but if your dog has a medical emergency, right now, then get veterinary help immediately.

Video: Dog devours activated charcoal like a champ

Detoxification Agent 101

Activated charcoal is a detoxification adsorbent. It comes in powder form or tablets. There are many brands including Toxiban, CharcoAid and Liqui-Charcoal-Vet Aqueous Suspension. We recommend a 100% natural USA-sourced activated charcoal.

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Treatment is administered by mouth, with water, using a syringe. Sometimes it requires a stomach tube. Once introduced, activated charcoal will pass through your dog’s body and begin absorbing toxins.

How It Actually Works

Substances in your dog’s intestines and stomach, including vitamins and minerals, will get attached to activated charcoal’s fine-sized particles. The process works due to the vast surface area of this type of charcoal.

A 25-gram dose, for example, covers a surface area of approximately 5 football fields! It’s amazing. You can’t actually see it with the naked eye. Trust that activated charcoal can save your dog’s life in certain scenarios.

Activated Charcoal Dosing

Depending on the product you have, each dose may be slightly different. A general rule of thumb is 5 grams of activated charcoal for each 10 pounds of your dog’ body weight.

It’s best to talk with your vet to ensure that you’re providing a correct amount. Do this before an accident ever occurs.

It is Sometimes Ineffective

Activated charcoal works to reduce toxicity, but there are situations where it likely won’t work. Examples are ethanol, lithium, cyanide, methanol, arsenic or alcohol. A different treatment is needed if a dog has consumed those poisons.

Even when used properly, activated charcoal depends upon timing. The quicker you employ its use, the higher the chances it will successfully reduce deadly absorption. Sometimes even an emergency vet visit is too late.

Activated charcoal has to be given soon after exposure.

Emergencies Require Help

If you have an urgent situation then stop what you’re doing. Now isn’t the time for researching activated charcoal. Focus on getting your dog urgent vet assistance. The following are key contacts:

$35 for expert advice and staffed 24-hours, Poison Pet Hotline: 1-800-213-6680

$65 for the ASPCA’s National Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

Video: Birchbox ~ September 2016 Walmart Haul, Activated Charcoal & Dogs

Conclusion on Activated Carbon

With enough knowledge, you can give a poisoned pet dog activated charcoal. It reduces toxic effects through absorption, especially when time is a critical factor. Administering activated charcoal doesn’t eliminate the need for professional help. By all means, when necessary, utilize this life-saving treatment but also involve a vet for your dog’s sake.

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