ACTIVATED CARBON » Discussions


How is activated charcoal administered to your dog

  • Carrie Ge
    Host
    November 9, 2020
    Activated charcoal, or carbon, is a medicine frequently utilized in dogs that have ingested something poisonous or have overdosed. The coconut carbon pellets has the ability to absorb toxins, neutralizing them, and is a widely used, first instance therapy administered by your veterinarian or ER vet.



    There are certain limitations, however, and if the ingested item is corrosive, such as alkalis and strong acids, including ethanol, ethylene glycol, boric acid, or petroleum-based products, giving activated charcoal won’t help your pet.



    If the situation calls for it, the vet may wish to induce vomiting as the first line of treatment – this removes toxins from the stomach and can be followed by dosing with activated charcoal.



    The administration of activated charcoal is dependent upon the seriousness of your pet’s symptoms. If your pet is displaying no clinical signs, activated charcoal can be added to water to your dog to consume. For dogs with moderate to severe symptoms, your vet will administer activated carbon pellets via an orogastric tube straight into the stomach.



    If the toxins are already being processed by your dog’s liver, the charcoal is likely to be administered several times in a 24 hour period over a few days.



    Often, in severe cases, sorbitol is given alongside the charcoal. Acting as a laxative, it accelerates the removal of the charcoal, with the toxins bound to it, from the animal’s body.Your pet’s recovery is dependent, not only on the toxin ingested but also upon the speed any treatment is given.