When it comes to ensuring the health and safety of our pets, every pet owner wants to be equipped with the best possible tools. Activated charcoal has long been a staple in cases of pet poisoning, traditionally used to absorb toxins or poisons that are eaten to prevent them from harming our 4-legged family members. However, not all activated charcoal products are created equal.
Understanding Activated Charcoal
Hang in there, we’re about to get scientific for just a minute…
Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that binds to toxins, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. The bound toxin is safely carried through your pet’s body and out the other end without harm.
While conventional activated charcoal products have been used in veterinary hospitals for a long time, they come with several limitations that are completely mitigated by ReadyRESCUE™.
So, how is ReadyRESCUE™ different from the rest?
Safety and Additives
Conventional activated charcoal often includes additives like sorbitol that reportedly aids toxin elimination. However, this can lead to dangerous blood-electrolyte disturbances in pets, which can critically impact your pet’s health and their after-care. That’s why ReadyRESCUE™ is sorbitol free, making it safe for pet parents to administer at home.
Density and Administration
Conventional activated charcoal typically has very low density (0.08-0.16 g/ml), which means that your pet needs to consume A LOT in order to get the appropriate dose. This not only makes administration challenging (think force-feeding your dog multiple bottles), but also increases the risk of complications such as vomiting and aspiration pneumonia. Due to the advanced structure of ReadyRESCUE™’s carbon spheres, it’s much more dense (0.55 g/ml), about 4-7 times more dense to be exact. This efficiency allows for smaller, more manageable doses (¼ or ⅛ the volume).
Cleanliness and Ease of Administration
If you know anything about conventional activated charcoal, you know that it’s messy. Either in powder or liquid form, it can stain and spill easily during administration- stain pets, floors, furniture, you, etc (see comparison image below). Designed as clean, hard spheres that are simple to administer with a small amount of food, ReadyRESCUE™ eliminates mess and stress for both pet and owner.
Potential for Complications
The powdered form of conventional activated charcoal can lead to intestinal impaction once the intestinal fluids absorb and leave a large residue of dry powder behind. ReadyRESCUE™’s unique formulation of small, condensed carbon spheres elliminates the risk of gastrointestinal blockages, making it a safer choice for at-home treatment.
Dosing Recommendations
Unfortunately, many conventional activated charcoal products have misleading dosing recommendations, making it impossible for pet parents to administer an effective amount (some charcoals on the market recommend a dose that is 8 times less than ReadyRESCUE™ and the accepted medical dose). With a clear chart of precise doses crafted by veterinary specialists, ReadyRESCUE™ is easy to administer, effectively binding toxins and mitigating poisoning risks.
Product Longevity
Conventional activated charcoal generally has a shorter shelf life of 1-2 years in comparison to ReadyRESCUE’s 5 year shelf-life. Pet parents can safely store ReadyRESUE™ in their first aid kit for long periods of time, knowing that it will be ready for quick use when emergencies strike.
The Value of ReadyRESCUE™
Understanding these differences is crucial, as the first few moments after poisoning and intoxication are critical. For pet owners committed to providing the best care in emergency situations, ReadyRESCUE represents the next level of preparedness. Its superior safety profile, ease of administration, effective dosing, and long shelf life not only make it a more convenient choice but also a potentially lifesaving one.Choosing ReadyRESCUE means choosing peace of mind, knowing you're providing the best possible care for your pet in times of need.