Um, is this normal?

Question

My dog, who lives outside, is eating charcoal. If you're wondering why the charcoal is even there, it's because we discard the charcoal from the grill and leave in a compost pile. I just noticed the other day that my dog likes to drop by the pile and pick up a bute of charcoal to eat. Why is she doing this? Does it help to cleanse her immune system or something? Has anyone heard of a dog doing this before? I think she's lost it.

Yes, I am feeding her--my mom actually thinks she's a bit thick. But she may be bored...

Answer 1

Well on animal planet emergency vets sometimes administer charcoal to dogs who have eaten poison to keep the poison from being absorbed in their system.

I found some links to veterinary information about "charcoal" and most of it had to do with administering charcoal for poisoning treatment.

http://www.vetmedpub.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=282243


I dont think would be all that bad for the dog to eat if vets MAKE them eat it. BUt then, the kind the vets use might have been altered or something in some way, it is usually referred to as "activated charcoal" in the articles I've read. I am not sure what "activated" means , or if that makes it different from other charcoal. and who knows what is on the charcoal for your grill. I mean it might have lighter fluid etc soaked in it.

you should call your vet to make sure.

my vet has vet technicians and receptionists that answer little questions like that on the phone all the time. If you are a regular client and get all your shots and stuff at there clinic, they will actually work quite alot with you on the phone. Call and ask.

Answer 2

This is not unusual. I have had dogs over the years and most of them will eat charcoal from time to time. They seem to know what they need and find it. If you will pay close attention the dog probably eats grass as well. There are minerals in charcoal that animals can use. Even humans can and have eaten charcoal. Nothing to be concerned about. It will not harm the dog.

Answer 3

Charcoal is a natural acid reducer in the stomach. You should not let your dog eat it if at all possible because of the chemicals on the wood the charcoal is made of. Try burned toast with a thin layer of peanut butter for your pooch. It will settle his stomach and is way healthier. Dogs get cancer too. Charcoal has carcinogenics added through the firing process.

Answer 4

I never heard of a dog eating charcoal. But it probably not good for the dog. The dog may be bored or maybe you should try feeding it more.

Answer 5

The charcoal isn't cleansing her system. in fact it can potentially be dangerous. she may be eating it because she can smell the dripping from whatevers been cooked over the coals. the charcoal you are cooking with is not the same as the activated charcoal they use to absorb toxins that have been ingested. you should try to put them in a different place because it could cause her to become blocked up in her g.i. tract, or potentially poison her if there is any lighter fluid left in them.

Answer 6

The dog probably smells and can taste the meat grease and everything else from the BBQ, then eats it. I don't think eatign the charcoal will do the dog any good in the long run.

Answer 7

NO! Are you even feeding your dog? Sounds like your dog is either bored or hungry

If those are not it...

Try taking your dog for a walk every day about 30 - 45 minutes, spend time with him

Answer 8

What I am wondering is if your dog is getting into something that is toxic. Charcoal can counteract toxins.

Answer 9

It smells of barbecue so she eats it. Charcoal also helps settle your stomache, but huge quantities sound dangerous.

Answer 10

No but that must look funny. My friends dog eats it's own crap THATS THE PERFECT DOG RIGHT THERE U DON'T HAVE TO CLEAN UP AFTER IT. I don't think that charcol will hert it