It isn’t unusual for dogs to accidentally consume charcoal during BBQ season. Sadly, charcoal can cause a range of adverse reactions in dogs. They cannot digest it properly, and charcoal often contains a range of chemicals—some of which can be toxic. Therefore, you should keep an eye on your dog whenever charcoal is available and do not allow them to eat it.
Luckily, a small amount of charcoal won’t harm most dogs. However, some dogs may consume so much that a blockage occurs. Because they cannot break down charcoal, it will simply move through their intestinal system undigested. Most dogs can pass it fine if a small amount of charcoal is consumed.
Dogs that eat a lot of charcoal may end up with too much for their system to pass, creating a blockage. Blockages are serious and require veterinary attention. However, they aren’t the only adverse reactions that may develop after your dog eats charcoal.
Potential Adverse Reactions to Charcoal
Intestinal Blockages
If your dog consumes too much charcoal, it can block their intestines. When this occurs, veterinary attention is required. Some blockages can pass through by themselves, but those that don’t are potentially deadly. Your vet will need to remove the obstruction through surgery in most cases. Otherwise, the obstruction can prevent your dog from eating or digesting food and block the blood supply. Necrosis can occur, which leads to sepsis and death.
Here are some clinical signs indicating your dog may have a blockage:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Lethargy
- Straining to defecate
Toxic Materials
The charcoal you purchase isn’t always just charcoal. Often, it includes added chemicals such as sodium nitrate, which is toxic to dogs, to make it burn more easily. The toxins can kick in rather quickly and require veterinary care. Therefore, if you notice any signs of toxicity, you should visit the vet right away.
The signs can vary, depending on the toxin. However, you should call your vet immediately if you notice brown gums, a fast heart rate, weakness, increased breathing, or digestive upset.
When your dog consumes charcoal, we recommend looking at the bag for a complete list of the contents. If anything besides charcoal is listed, be sure to write it down. Next, call your vet or the pet poison control hotline for information on what to do next. Depending on the toxin and amount consumed, you may or may not need to take your dog to the vet.
Burns
Hot charcoal can burn a dog’s mouth or esophagus, causing varying amounts of damage. Burns can cause open wounds in the mouth, leading to the potential for secondary infections. Practically all dogs need antibiotics to prevent infections when the mouth is moderately damaged. They will also need pain relief and veterinary monitoring.
Furthermore, depending on the severity of the burns, your dog may be unable to eat normally. Your vet may recommend an alternative feeding method or hospitalization. The treatment and prognosis largely depend on the burns’ severity and how fast treatment is received. Dogs that don’t get treatment and develop infections will have a worse prognosis.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Charcoal?
If your dog consumes charcoal, you should move them away from it. You don’t want them eating more, as this can lead to a toxic buildup of chemicals and intestinal blockages. If you know your dog is a fan of charcoal, keep them away from the grill whenever you’re using it.
Try to figure out how much charcoal your dog consumed next. You should also check the bag for information on other additives. Write down any information you see from a quick look at the bag and the remaining charcoal pile. You’ll need this information if you contact your vet or pet poison control.
Be sure to give your dog plenty of water. This will help wash your dog’s mouth, soothe burns, and support the kidneys. Most toxins are filtered through the kidneys or liver, which require lots of water to do their job correctly.
Next, call your vet or the pet poison control hotline. The hotline is not free, but it’s a good option to have available. If your vet doesn’t recommend bringing the dog in immediately, stay on the lookout for any negative signs. These include vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or other signs of distress. When in doubt, we recommend getting your pet looked at by a vet.
Summary
Charcoal is not safe for dogs to eat. However, plain charcoal is not toxic, either. Still, consuming too much charcoal can cause an obstruction, which requires veterinary attention. Many charcoal brands also include added chemicals, some of which may be toxic. For this reason, we highly recommend giving your vet a call if your dog consumes any charcoal.
Always take your dog to the vet for burns and other distressing signs.
You may also want to read:
- My Dog Ate an Ink Pen! Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)
- What Do I Do If My Dog Swallowed Toothpaste? Vet Approved Advice
Featured Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay
