If you enjoy cooking on a charcoal grill, use charcoal for composting, or have charcoal around for a variety of other uses, your dog may want to investigate this black, flammable substance from time to time. We pet parents always want to take our dogs to family events, such as barbecues, but sometimes we get distracted and don’t keep an eye on our furry friends. his leaves. That can be very dangerous for your dog friend.
This is why we should keep dangerous items away from dogs, especially when those items are used around food that could lure your puppy into giving something that shouldn’t be in his mouth. But what if your dog eats some charcoal? What should you do?
Here are a few facts about dogs and charcoal that every pet parent should know.
Is charcoal toxic to dogs?
First of all, charcoal itself isn’t toxic to dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Dr. Lauren Pastewka, Director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Paradiseadvises, “Coal contains lighter fluids or other fire irritants that can be toxic and potentially fatal if consumed as a result of the petroleum products used.”
In addition, charcoal that remains hot after use can cause further injury to the dog. “Hot coal can burn a dog’s mouth and tongue, making them extremely painful and possibly leading to a secondary wound infection,” says Dr. In addition, the burn can cause swelling of the tongue and throat, making it difficult to breathe.”
So the danger your dog faces from ingesting coal depends a lot on the type of coal used, the amount, and whether it is still hot. That said, you should still call your vet if your dog has eaten any charcoal, just to be on the safe side. “If you suspect your pet has ingested charcoal, determine what kind of charcoal is in it, monitor your pet closely for signs of illness, and contact the authorities,” says Dr. veterinarian immediately.”
Is activated charcoal safe for dogs?
With all the dangers dogs face when ingesting charcoal, you may be wondering about a substance that can appear in some dog foods called “activated charcoal.” This is especially common in dental treatment for dogs, but veterinarians can also use it to treat dogs when they ingest something toxic.
Dr. Pastewka notes that activated carbon differs from regular charcoal “in that it is further refined, resulting in a more porous material with a significantly higher surface area.” Activated charcoal “binds to toxins through a process called adsorption, allowing them to pass through the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream,” and that can be particularly helpful in getting rid of these toxins. toxic from the dog’s body.
Activated charcoal will not pose a hazard to pets if it is consumed in safe, veterinarian-approved amounts. Always follow instructions when handling food containing this substance and never give your dog activated charcoal without your veterinarian’s instructions. If you notice signs of abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea, stop giving your dog activated charcoal immediately.
Side effects for dogs eating charcoal
The symptoms your dog may experience after eating charcoal can vary depending on the type they ate and the amount.
Symptoms may include:
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- stomach-ache
- Mouth and throat sores or burns
- Skin irritation
- Weak
- Head shaking
- gastrointestinal obstruction
Dr. Pastewka notes: “Common charcoal is difficult to digest and can cause irritation as it passes through the digestive tract. Larger pieces have the potential to cause intestinal obstruction and require surgery to remove.”
What should you do if your dog eats coal?
If your dog eats charcoal, contact your veterinarian. This is absolutely necessary if your dog eats any charcoal that has a burning irritant or if they eat large amounts of charcoal. Your dog will need urgent care in these cases.
Information to tell your veterinarian:
- What symptoms, if any, your dog is displaying
- What kind of charcoal did your dog eat?
- How much coal did your dog eat?
- How big can the pieces of coal
- Whether the coal is still hot when your dog eats it
Pastewka says, “Your veterinarian should be able to give specific instructions based on your individual pet’s history and the type of charcoal involved.”
If your vet or emergency vet is not available, you may want to call ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435. Note that you may be charged for the call.
Of course, the best way to keep your dog safe is to prevent them from being exposed to coal in the first place. Always keep the substance out of the dog’s reach in the future. If you cook with charcoal, watch your dog carefully, dispose of the charcoal properly, and store it away from prowling dogs.
