Activated Charcoal 30 Capsules
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a black, odourless, flavourless powder that has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments. Today, it is used to treat drug overdoses, an emergency anti-poison remedy and for natural detox. Some are used to help filter water and even prevent hangovers.
Why you need a vet’s advice:
- Risk of Aspiration: If a dog is drowsy, sedated, or vomiting, they can easily inhale charcoal into their lungs, causing severe inflammation and pneumonia.
- Wrong Product: Over-the-counter tablets might not be the right concentration or form; vets use specific suspensions and may use a tube to bypass the airway risk.
- Contraindications: It doesn’t work on certain toxins (like bleach) and can worsen conditions like dehydration or high sodium levels.
- Dosage is Critical: The amount is based on weight and the substance ingested, requiring professional calculation.
What to do if you suspect poisoning:
Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Do not wait.
Follow their instructions exactly. They will guide you on whether activated charcoal is needed and how to safely administer it or if you need to go in right away.
Activated charcoal can be good for dogs, primarily as an emergency treatment for poisoning by binding to toxins in the gut to prevent absorption, acting like a “universal antidote” for accidental ingestion of harmful substances. It’s also used in some treats for digestive issues like gas, bloating, and bad breath, but this should be used cautiously to avoid masking serious underlying problems, and always under vet guidance for poisonings.