What is charcoal good for and what are the common pet owner's misconceptions? The question of course is what is charcoal? But first let's get to know what charcoal is. Charcoal is made from the ash of over dried meat and woods like cedar, cherry, pumpkin, and oak. Charcoal is a by-product of wood processing byproducts. It is a by-product because it is difficult to get it from trees or from the forest itself. It is made into many forms like charcoal pills, charcoal chips, coals, and even decorative ashtrays. Charcoal is an alkaline neutralizer and is not poisonous. However, it can cause an upset stomach in pets especially when ingested high temperatures. Dogs can certainly ingest charcoal if they are given the wrong kind or size of it. They can also consume small parts of the bark of live embers. Some breeds of dogs like Dobermans are highly susceptible to being affected by charcoal. Some dog breeds that are less sensitive to charcoal include Chow Chows and German Shepherds. If you have a dog of any of these breeds, you should keep it away from live charcoal or anything that contains it. There are a number of other reasons why your dog might be allergic or sensitive to charcoal. One cause of an adverse reaction is eating charcoal briquettes. Briquettes can cause blockage of the intestines as well as stomach ulcerations. So it is important that any kind of charcoal is stored in a secure place and properly disposed of after use. If you believe that your pet has a sensitivity to charcoal or any other ingredient in pet foods, you should contact your veterinarian. Do not assume that your pooch is fine if he is eating okay. Your veterinarian will need to do an investigation to see if there is an allergy to any kind of protein source. It is not unusual for allergies to cause upset stomachs and vomiting in dogs and cats. It is common to hear about new studies that suggest the presence of toxins in some brands of dog food. Many owners may assume that a brand that has been around for years is safe, but research has shown that some brands are more dangerous than others. The most common toxin found is activated charcoal. When a dog eats charcoal he can develop a choking hazard. However, dogs do not normally choke on powdered animal bones. Dogs will sometimes eat charcoal out of boredom or if it is a treat during a visit to the vet. Dogs can also become very sick if they ingest large amounts of charcoal. Dogs who drink water in the form of charcoal flavored drink can develop mineral deposits. The mineral deposits can be very dangerous for pets. You should always make sure your pet has access to fresh clean water. To make sure your dog is not ingesting dangerous minerals you should remove any bone meals from the grill. Be careful when using charcoal on your grill, as there can be a number of hazards. Carbonate chemicals and metals can cause irritation to the esophagus. Many dogs eat cooked meat that has had ingredients added to it such as bleach. These compounds can cause a burning sensation to the esophagus and create inflammation. Even if the dogs are not allergic to the substance itself, they can develop an allergy to the acidic chemicals that are present. This is charcoal bad for dogs because it can cause esophagitis. Long term exposure to concentrated charcoal may also contribute to the formation of ulcers. The presence of heavy metals and salt can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. This will cause bleeding and ulcers to appear in the lining. This is charcoal may lead to hemorrhoids or bleeding in the anal region. If your dog has developed symptoms of poisoning from ingested charcoal or if there is a concern about poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not use this solution to treat your pet's diarrhea because the problem could be much more serious. If you have questions about charcoal and your dog's health, contact your veterinarian and get proper advice. He or she may be able to help you determine if charcoal is bad for canine health or if your pet has been poisoned. There are several different products on the market for treating diarrhea in dogs, but this should not be one of them. Using charcoal briquettes to treat symptoms of poisoning or diarrhea may result in your pet developing symptoms that can lead to more serious conditions. Veterinarians are well trained in the treatment of digestive disorders and can recommend the best course of action for your pet.