Charcoal tablets for dogs are part of the repertoire of every first aid kit for fur noses. They can provide important help with diarrhea and many poisonings. In order to ensure that their full effect can develop, the correct dosage is crucial. Everything about the administration and its effects can be read here.
What is activated charcoal and what are charcoal tablets?
- Charcoal tablets are activated charcoal in tablet form.
- Activated carbon is a porous carbon with an extremely large internal surface.
- In terms of structure, activated carbon is similar to a sponge.
- Medicinal charcoal tablets are plant-based, which are charred.
- Activated charcoal removes poisonous substances from the gastrointestinal tract that were orally ingested by the dog.
How do charcoal tablets work for dogs?
The medicinal charcoal has a large inner surface. This allows it to bind toxins and bacteria and helps excrete them naturally. The dog does not absorb the charcoal tablets in his body, they are secreted together with the toxins. This can significantly reduce the symptoms of poisoning.
Charcoal tablets for dogs – dosage
The exact dosage is a prerequisite for charcoal tablets to be effective. The amount differs depending on the situation. If the dog owner assumes poisoning, the dosage is significantly higher than in the case of mild diarrhea. Please note the concentration of activated charcoal per tablet. It is possible that a tablet contains as little as 250 mg of activated charcoal. In order to get to 1 gram of activated charcoal, the dog would have to take four tablets. For large breeds of dogs, powder administration is a suitable form, otherwise, a large number of tablets will be required.
The approximate guideline value is 0.5 g – 1 g activated charcoal per kilogram of body weight.
It is best to get dog owners fully informed in advance about the correct dosage for an emergency from the vet. This can determine the exact amount with the help of the package insert for the charcoal tablets or the activated charcoal in powder form.
Dog diarrhea: charcoal tablets help
The possible causes of diarrhea in dogs are numerous. In addition to poisoning, which is explained in the next paragraph, the dog may react with diarrhea to:
- Too fast feed changeover,
- Medication,
- Stress and insecurity,
- Infections,
- Parasite infestation, for example, worms or Giardia,
- Intestinal inflammation,
- And much more.
Charcoal tablets can help with diarrhea if the four-legged friend otherwise looks healthy. Does the dog’s diarrhea persist over a longer period of time and is the dog still limp? Then going to the vet is essential.
Charcoal tablets for dogs in case of poisoning
Very clear: In the event of poisoning, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible. Any suspicion of ingesting poisonous bait, rat poison, or a poisonous food such as chocolate must always be checked by a veterinarian. Charcoal tablets are only suitable as a first-aid measure for dogs. When dosed correctly, they neutralize the toxin from the gastrointestinal tract and flush out harmful substances.
In the event of poisoning, it is important to act quickly. Charcoal tablets are helpful in the time between the incident and arrival at the veterinarian’s office.
Dog owners should not lose any time here and give the dog the charcoal tablets immediately. There is more about administration in the next paragraph.
How do I give charcoal tablets to my dog?
Almost every dog owner knows the dilemma with the tablets and the fur nose. Few dogs can be given medicine without any problems. But there are a few tricks that can make this critical moment a little less stressful.
Has too much time passed since the ingestion of the toxins and the dog has no appetite? Then there is no point in administering the tablets with all your might.
In this case, do not waste time and go to the vet or a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible. This ensures that the treatment is carried out faster and also saves your four-legged friend unnecessary stress.
Keep Calm:
Quick action is undoubtedly required. But it is just as important to remain calm – even if it is an emergency. Because stress and panic are easily transferred to the beloved four-legged friend. If a dog suspects that something is wrong, it is more likely that the pills will be refused. A short inhalation and exhalation already work wonders and help to keep your composure.
Quick access:
In emergency situations, it is an advantage to have the medicine at hand. This saves dog owners long searches and gains valuable time. A useful place is the first aid kit for the dog, which is always placed in the same place in the home. For even faster action, the correct dosage is already adapted to the dog before the incident.
Hiding the charcoal tablets in treats:
Are you the proud owner of a four-legged pill refuser? Then you probably already know a few tricks to outsmart your own furry friend. This depends on the dog’s preferences. Some would even swallow pills for liver sausage, while others belong to the cheese faction. If treats are coated on the tablets, the dog is more likely to ingest them.
With larger dogs, due to a large number of tablets, it makes sense to have a full bowl with a delicious sauce. To do this, crush the tablets a little or use powdered carbon straight away.
