How to Make a Dog Throw Up: Our Vet Explains Important Safety Tips

Dogs often ingest substances and objects that are dangerous to them. These may include poisons, cleaning products, toxic foods, medications, and objects like clothing or toys. One of the most effective ways to rid the stomach of harmful substances is by inducing vomiting.

However, you should always seek guidance from a veterinarian before giving your dog anything to make them throw up. In certain situations, vomiting can do more harm than good, so it is always crucial to receive professional help and guidance before administering anything at home.

Preparation: How Can I Safely Induce Vomiting in My Dog?

If you believe that your dog has ingested a harmful substance, contact your veterinarian right away. You can also seek professional guidance by contacting a poison control center, such as the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control. They have toxicology experts on staff to best give advice on your situation.

Local veterinarians may first direct you to one of the poison control centers to open a case file to best treat your pet. Waiting times may vary if you call these centers, and there may be a consultation fee, though of course, it is well worth the payment. Both centers are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to help with animal-related poisoning cases.

Transporting your dog to the closest available emergency center is also recommended, especially if you are uncomfortable or unsure if you should make your dog throw up. Remember, always consult with a veterinarian first, as they can best advise you on the situation and direct you on how to induce vomiting at home if it is safe to do so.

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How to Make a Dog Throw Up

1. Check With Your Vet

If your veterinarian determines that your dog will benefit from induced vomiting at home, unexpired 3% hydrogen peroxide will be recommended ¹. Most households have this in their medicine cabinets or first-aid kits, so this solution is likely readily available.

2. Give the Appropriate Dosage

Deciding how much peroxide to give your dog is based on various factors. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose based on your dog’s weight, which is generally ½ to 1 ml per pound (e.g., a 5-lb. dog can be given 1 tsp.). Your dog will likely not be keen on drinking the hydrogen peroxide, and if you can’t pour it down their throat with the measuring spoon, you’ll need to squirt it in with the syringe.

3. Monitor Your Dog

Hydrogen peroxide irritates the digestive tract and starts working around 10–15 minutes after it is given orally and swallowed. Some dogs may vomit for up to 45 minutes afterward. Stay with your dog throughout this process, both to comfort them and to ensure that they don’t eat the vomit or anything in it. Take caution not to give too much hydrogen peroxide or a higher concentration of it (no higher than 3%), as it can be harmful to your dog.

4. Check In With Your Vet Again

Let your vet know what happened after the vomit session, including how much your dog threw up, what the vomit looked like, if anything was contained in it, and whether your dog is exhibiting any other signs, such as diarrhea or weakness. They may ask you to bring your pet to the clinic and even collect a sample of the vomit for them to analyze.

When Is It Not Safe to Induce Vomiting in a Dog?

There are instances where it is not safe or unnecessary to make your dog throw up. Do not induce vomiting if your veterinarian advises against it. Sharp objects and certain chemicals, such as battery acid or corrosive materials, can severely injure the esophagus when it is vomited, which can be fatal.

Brachycephalic breeds—dogs with shortened muzzles, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs—may be prone to aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when foreign substances like vomit are inhaled in the lungs. These breeds should get veterinary care instead of being made to vomit at home.

Dogs that are lethargic, unconscious, or seizing are also prone to aspiration pneumonia and should not be induced at home. Instead, seek emergency care right away. Time is of the essence, and vomiting may not even be helpful if several hours have passed since the ingestion occurred, though your veterinarian will determine this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make A Dog Throw Up Without Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is the only substance that veterinarians generally approve of for owners to give their dogs at home, and even then, it’s not always recommended. You will need to talk with your vet before doing anything. If they say that you can induce vomiting but you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, they will likely tell you to take your dog straight to your regular or emergency clinic.

What Methods Should I Not Use to Induce Vomiting?

For safety reasons, do not use baking soda to make a dog vomit, and also avoid salt, mustard, and syrup of ipecac. Another method you may see recommended is to put your finger down a dog’s throat; do not do this. These methods can be dangerous and harmful to both you and your dog.

What Are Toxic Substances That My Dog Can Encounter?

The top 10 dog toxins, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, include:

Conclusion

Always consult with your local veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or a pet poison control center before inducing vomiting in your dog at home. It may not be recommended or even useful, depending on what your dog ingested and when. Also, if you have a multi-pet household, know that vomiting should never be induced in cats at home, and they should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

See Also: 

• What Causes Dogs to Collapse After Vomiting? Our Vet Explains 5 Possible Causes
• Why is My Dog Throwing Up Black or Dark Red Vomit? Important Health Facts

Featured Image Credit: antoniodiaz, Shutterstock