It’s no surprise that dogs snoop around and are interested in almost everything that surrounds them. Sometimes their inquisitive nature can put their own life in danger, especially when they’re left unaccompanied. If we’re unfortunate enough, our dogs may even ingest some potential harmful toxins during those times. As an initial response to the situation, we tend to call or see our trusted vets to determine the problem and get our dogs treated immediately. But if you’ve already suspected that it is indeed intoxication, you can just have your dog treated at home by the use of activated charcoal.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about activated charcoal for dogs.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal, also known as “activated carbon”, “absorbent charcoal” and “carbon black”, is a form of carbon that has been activated, achieved through a heating process at high temperatures in the presence of gas—a process that’s called “thermal decomposition” or “pyrolysis”.
Is Activated Charcoal Safe for Dogs?
Truth be told, the use of activated charcoal is not yet approved, so beware. However, due to the increasing reports of the positive effects it usually results in, particularly in the medical field, it’s been widely recognized to be an alternative solution to health issues— and many considering it to be safe for dogs. In any case, ToxiBan, MedChar, ActiDose and CharcoCaps are four of several brands that manufacture activated charcoal. We recommend that you conduct your own research regarding a certain brand before using it on your dog. Moreover, it is important to let your trusted vet know to give you some approval and prescription, whether your dog really needs to take activated charcoal instead of other solutions.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal for Dogs
Activated charcoal is primarily used to alleviate intoxication. However, it cannot treat all kinds of harmful or deadly toxins.
Here are some toxin ingestions which the activated charcoal can alleviate. It may include but not limited to the following:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Organophosphate or carbamate insecticides
- Pyrethrins
- Strychnine
- Rodenticides
How to Give Activated Charcoal to Dogs
Activated charcoal is a substance that comes in various different forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders and granules. Normally, it is administered through the mouth, which dogs can be able to swallow up with water or by the use of a syringe, especially if they’re too sick.
- 4 tablespoons of activated charcoal powder or granules to a cup of water.
But if your dog is well-rounded and healthy and they can manage to swallow up tablets or capsules, you can administer using this guideline.
- For dogs under 5 pounds, 1/4 tablet or capsule;
- Around 5-12 pounds, 1/2 tablet or capsule;
- Around 12 – 25 pounds, 1 tablet or capsule;
- Around 25 – 50 pounds, 2 tablets or capsules;
- Around 50 -100 pounds, 3 tablets or capsules;
- Around 100 -150 pounds, 4 tablets or capsules;
- Over 150 pounds, 8 tablets or capsules.
Side Effects of Activated Charcoal For Dogs
When administered incorrectly, activated charcoal may potentially lead to life-threatening risks. It should only be given to your dog under the recommendation of your trusted vets. If your dog starts showing some ailing indications of side-effects, they might need to undergo some treatments or take additional medications to treat minor symptoms.
Here are some potential side-effects of activated charcoals, particularly if administered incorrectly. It may include but not limited to the following:
- Hypernatremia
- Aspiration
- Pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal impediment
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
The Final Word on Activated Charcoal For Dogs
Activated charcoal is completely safe for dogs to alleviate intoxication and other health conditions. However, we need to administer it correctly, so that it won’t result in some alarming side-effects—putting our dogs’ lives at risk.
Moreover, we need supervision from our trusted vets to support the idea of using activated charcoal instead of other potential therapeutic solutions.
