When & How to Safely Induce Vomiting in Dogs: Expert-Backed Tips

Sanskrit16

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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If you think your dog has ingested something harmful, like a toxin or foreign object, making it vomit can prevent serious illness and even death. This may sound like your go-to solution, but there are situations when it isn’t safe for your dog. In this article, we'll explain when it’s okay to make your dog throw up at home and walk you through how to do it properly. We’ll also discuss when to avoid making a dog vomit (and what you should do instead). Take a deep breath—we're here to help.

Things You Should Know

Induce vomiting within 2 hours if your dog swallowed antifreeze, chocolate, or grapes. Never make a dog throw up after ingesting a sharp object.
Measure out 1 tsp (5 ml) of [1] for every 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog's body weight.
Use a dropper to put the peroxide on the back of your dog’s tongue. You can also soak a cotton ball in peroxide and squeeze it into your dog's mouth.

What do I do if my dog ingests something harmful?

Call a vet or animal poison control center if your dog ingests a toxin or object. For your dog’s safety, only attempt to induce vomiting at home under extreme circumstances. Call an emergency hotline to confirm the circumstances and provide as much information as possible so they can instruct you on what to do next. Be ready to explain: What your dog ingested and how long it’s been Your dog’s current symptoms Your dog’s size and breed If you don’t know who to call, try the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. You can also live chat with a vet using the AskAVeterinarian website.

When is it safe to make a dog vomit at home?

Induce vomiting within 2 hours if your dog ingests antifreeze or chocolate. After 2 hours, the toxin will be in your dog’s intestines and vomiting will no longer be effective. If your dog is within the 2-hour time frame, call an emergency pet hotline to confirm inducing vomiting is the right move. You can keep them on the line for guidance during the process, too. You can also consider inducing vomiting if your dog swallows: Grapes or raisins Aspirin Toxic plants, such as azaleas and daffodils Rat poison Human medicines

When is it too dangerous to make a dog vomit?

Avoid making a dog vomit if it has swallowed a sharp object. Making a dog throw up a sharp object may cause additional internal injuries. There are a few other situations when inducing vomiting is too dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Never induce vomiting if your dog is: Having a seizure or recently had a seizure Lethargic Unresponsive or unconscious Already vomiting If your dog is in one of these situations, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

How to Make a Dog Vomit at Home

Feed the dog a small meal if it hasn’t eaten in the last 2 hours. This may sound counterintuitive, but feeding your dog a little food actually increases the chances of vomiting and makes the vomit a little easier for your dog to pass. A small portion of canned food or a slice of toast will do the trick. If your dog refuses to eat, don’t waste time trying to force it. Move your dog to a quiet area that will allow for easy cleanup.

Measure out 1 tsp (5 ml) of [2] per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog's body weight. If your vet or poison control center says it’s okay to induce vomiting, you can safely give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide to make it throw up. Use a measuring spoon to measure the right amount. Measure carefully. Giving your dog too much peroxide can cause additional health problems.

Use a dropper to put the hydrogen peroxide in your dog's mouth. Draw up the hydrogen peroxide into an ear or eye dropper or a syringe. Drop the measured amount of hydrogen peroxide as far back on your dog’s tongue as you can. If you don't have a dropper or syringe, check your kitchen for a baster. Failing that, soak a cotton ball in peroxide and squeeze it into your dog's mouth.

Encourage your dog to walk around. Moving around will make the contents of your dog’s stomach mix with the hydrogen peroxide. Walk your dog for a few minutes to jumpstart the process. If your dog isn’t up to walking, gently shake or move its belly.

Wait 10-15 minutes for your dog to vomit. Vomiting usually begins quickly after a dog ingests hydrogen peroxide—usually within 10 minutes. If your dog does not vomit after 10-15 minutes, give it a second dose of hydrogen peroxide. If your dog hasn’t thrown up after 2 doses of hydrogen peroxide, do not administer any more. Seek emergency assistance.

Are there other ways to induce vomiting in dogs?

3% hydrogen peroxide is the only safe way to make a dog throw up at home. You may have heard about other ways to force your dog to throw up, but they aren’t safe. You could cause more harm than good or even seriously injure your dog if you try to use any of the following to induce vomiting: Your hands or fingers Ipecac Baking soda Salt Olive oil