Calculate an emergency activated charcoal dose for toxin ingestion in dogs.
Enter your dog's weight to calculate the recommended dose.
🚨 Contact your vet or poison control BEFORE administering.
Calculated Dose
Sorbitol cathartic with first dose only. Do not repeat cathartic.
Enter your dog's weight above
⚕️ 🚨 This is an emergency medication. ALWAYS contact your veterinarian, animal emergency clinic, or a veterinary poison control centre (e.g., ASPCA Poison Control: +1-888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline) BEFORE giving activated charcoal. Incorrect use can be harmful.
Activated charcoal is an emergency treatment used to adsorb (bind) ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. It should only be given under veterinary instruction and is most effective when given within 1–2 hours of toxin ingestion.
Single dose (most toxins): 1–4 g/kg of body weight, most commonly 1–2 g/kg as a single oral dose. Multiple-dose protocol (for sustained-release drugs or enterohepatic circulation toxins): 1–2 g/kg initial dose, followed by 0.5–1 g/kg every 4–8 hours for up to 24 hours. A cathartic (e.g., sorbitol) is typically given with the first dose only.
Activated charcoal is most commonly dispensed as a 47.5% (475 mg/ml) aqueous suspension. It may also be available as granules, powder, or capsules (for mixing with water). Ensure the formulation contains only activated charcoal and water — do not use products containing xylitol, sorbitol (except the first dose), or other additives without vet instruction.
Activated charcoal is contraindicated for: corrosive/caustic substances (bleach, acids, alkalis), petroleum products, heavy metals (lead, iron, lithium), alcohols, and xylitol (minimal benefit). Do not give to unconscious, seizing, or obtunded animals — risk of aspiration. Do not use more than once if bowel obstruction or ileus is suspected.
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