Is Charcoal Bad for Dogs? 8 Answers That Confirm the Ugly Truth!

We all know how crazy can dogs be sometimes, right? So that`s why we needed an answer to one question today: Is charcoal bad for dogs?

Actually one question is probably not enough. We probably should also go for a few related issues to have a better understanding of the whole picture.

There`re lots of weird things out there that our canine companions eat. Sadly, charcoal represents one of those things – in fact, it`s a rather common “item” on their list of strange things they choose to eat.

Why Do Dogs Eat Charcoal?

Typically, our little pal`s consume charcoal when it`s used for a barbeque – those juicy pieces of stake will tempt any canine to eat even the weirdest things out there.

Other times, canines may consume charcoal due to a medical condition known as Pica, which makes some pets eat non-food substances. One of the most common forms of pica in canines is called coprophagy, a technical name that describes the eating of feces.

Both pica and coprophagy can lead to issues for animals, at times even leading to underlying conditions.

Is Grill Charcoal Bad for Dogs?

So, your dog ate charcoal – that is grill charcoal from a barbeque you just made. Now you are wondering if that was actually bad for your pooch.

Eating ashes or grill charcoal seems like the worst idea ever. If an obstruction to the intestines of your dear canine doesn`t harm the little fella`, there are other unsafe toxins that can potentially lead to serious illnesses in your dog. – Read this!

Some of these harmful toxins might include petroleum, sodium nitrate, potassium, borax, sulphur oxides or lighter fluids. As the grill charcoal will burn, there`ll be other compounds forming in that particular ash and may lead to dangerous outcomes in your pet.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Ashes?

Obviously, your dog consuming ashes isn’t going to be fun for them. Even ashes resulted from non-hardwoods when dipped in water can lead to serious caustic substances.

If your little fella` has ingested an unknown amount of wet ashes, your canine may experience acute alkalosis.

Although not quite common, ash eating has been recorded among pets. All ashes have to be covered out of the licking range of your canine companion.

If it should happen for your dog to eat ashes, take them to your nearest veterinarian clinic as soon as possible. Immediate care might prevent life-threatening health issues and possible expensive surgical interventions.

What Is the Difference Between Charcoal and Activated Charcoal?

Both, charcoal & activated charcoal, are substances extracted from carbon and acquired by burning organic carbon at increased temperatures.

There`s a big difference between charcoal and activated charcoal in that the first one is acquired in the absence of oxygen by simply burning wood, while activated charcoal is acquired burning materials rich in carbon at very high temperatures, along with other various substances.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal represents a frequent medication used to treat intoxication in canines. The goal here is to absorb the actual toxin which the canine may have taken in to reduce the negative effects. – More like this!

This kind of treatment is used commonly and is actually the very first option of treatment quite frequently for particular intoxications. This particular treatment can be given by at your veterinarian clinic.

Can Activated Charcoal Hurt a Dog?

It`s quite possible for activated charcoal to lead to vomiting in canines. On the other hand, it`s also possible for a dog not to experience this specific negative effect or any for that matter.

Such negative effects could include eye irritations, constipation, black feces or diarrhea. If misused, activated charcoal can lead to other serious signs as well.

How Much Charcoal Should I Give My Dog After Eating Chocolate?

In this case, you could try giving activated charcoal to your dog, but only as a last resort. This might aid your little pal to prevent the absorption of the chocolate`s toxic substances from their intestines.

A normal dose would consist of 1 g of charcoal combined with 5 ml of water for each 2.2 lbs of the body weight of your canine.

Note: Keep in mind that this is only an option as a last resort, and you should still seek for your veterinarian`s advice.

Can Activated Charcoal Kill Viruses?

It`s believed that activated charcoal has been used since ancient times to treat various illnesses, which also include poisoning. One of the first recordings is around 1500s in Ancient Egypt, but there are records that native Americans also used it.

Activated charcoal is believed to have wonderful benefits when wanting to get the mold out. Activated charcoal will also bind viruses and bacteria quite well.

Overall

So, is charcoal bad for dogs? Yes, of course! Your pooch should never be allowed to go near your grill when doing barbeque outdoors with your family or friends.

One moment of not paying attention could put your furry companion in great jeopardy, which obviously isn`t something that you want!