Activated Charcoal and Your Pets

Contents

Activated Charcoal has amazing benefits your precious pets!

Activated Charcoal has amazing benefits your precious pets!

With the holidays just around the corner, there are plenty of foods floating around the house.

If you are not careful, your pet may eat some foods that will put them in serious danger.

Take note of these foods that your pets should never consume in this article.

In our previous articles, we discussed that activated charcoal is a tool for detoxification.

It is also used in hospitals to treat poison and overdose cases.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice for pets.

You need to do your homework and talk to your veterinarian to see if activated charcoal is right for your pet.

1. Chocolates or Caffeine

Dark chocolates contain methylxanthines which can cause panting, diarrhea, vomiting, and abnormal heart rhythms.

With enough methylxanthines, it could lead to seizures and death.

2. Xylitol

Xylitol is a popular artificial sweetener in the ketogenic community due to the low glycemic index.

However, when your pet consumes this product, it releases insulin which may cause liver failure and brain damage.

3. Onion and Garlic

For pets, garlic and onions can cause GI irritation.

4. Salty Snacks

Pets may get their paws on your favorite chips and pretzels when you are not paying attention.

When they consume too much of it, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death.

5. Medications

Pets may also get into your medicine cabinet if you’re not careful to keep them locked.

6. Rat Poison

If you are dealing with rats, make sure the rat poison you use is only accessible by rats, not by your pets.

Call your vet immediately if your pet has been eating any of the foods that I mentioned above and is showing signs of discomfort.

Activated charcoal is most effective when used within 1 hour to exposure to toxins.

Toxins bind itself to the charcoal and it does not get released into the system.

Note: Activated charcoal cannot neutralize every toxin.

A note from the ASPCA: If your pet has eaten any of these foods mentioned above, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Sometimes we may not need to wait until a catastrophe to begin taking activated charcoal.

If your dog has bad breath, try this Annie’s Organic Activated Charcoal Natural Dog Biscuits

The ingredients are the following: Oat flour*, VET DETOX activated charcoal powder, organic eggs*, organic extra virgin olive oil*, organic fresh parsley**, peppermint oil*, and milk*. Preserved with natural vitamin E — (* Certified USDA Organic) (** Fresh from the garden).