Important First Aid Information

    Stemming from my experience with the indirect poisoning of one of my dogs, I now keep activated charcoal in the house.  

  The curious nature of our best friends may put them in danger of being poisoned.

    Over 90 percent of poisonings occur in or around the home and may cause death or severe disability to victims.  It is imperative the treat the pet within one hour of the ingestion of the toxic substance with activated charcoal.  The charcoal will absorb the substance and prevent it from leaving the stomach and entering the body.

    Activated charcoal comes in powder, granules, liquid and tablets.  Personally, I have chosen to keep the liquid form on hand as it is the easiest for me to administer to the dogs and cats in my home.  When a pet ingests a poison, the activated charcoal is given orally to absorb the poison, medications or the other toxic substance and helps to prevent it from entering the pet's bloodstream and doing extensive harm.  Activated charcoal is made up of continuous layers of almost pure carbon that trap and absorb harmful substances in the stomach rendering them harmless.

ASPCA Poison Control for Animals

1 (888) 426-4435 - available 24/7

    If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, remain calm and call the Animal Poison Control hotline immediately and give the representative the following information:

• Pet's age
• Pet's weight
• The type of poison or medication ingested (if known)
• Time ingestion occurred
• The specific symptoms you are witnessing
• Has your pet vomited?
• What other conditions does your pet have?

When seeking medical attention in the case of poisoning, I strongly urge you to first call the ASPCA Poison Control hotline BEFORE contacting your vet.  Many vet offices are very busy and your vet may not be able to speak with you immediately.  Every moment counts when treating poisoning victim.  After you have given your pet initial treatment, do contact your regular or local emergency vet office.

Activated Charcoal dosage guidelines:

Liquid (also known as "suspension") - dogs and cats, 5 - 10 ml per pound of body weight; horses or other large animals, 2 - 6 ml per pound

Granules - dogs and cats, 1 - 2 grams per pound; horses or other large animal, .35 - .9 grams per pound.  

(To make a thin suspension from granules, mix 1 portion of activated charcoal to 7 parts cold water, mixing vigorously for 30 seconds.)