Sometimes dogs get into things they shouldn't. For example, occasionally, puppies or dogs eat toxic foods, chemicals, or entire indigestible objects. When this happens, your dog may need to vomit up the product it ate to prevent further problems.
But, before searching for “How to induce vomiting in dogs,” online, it's just as important to know when not to make your dog vomit. In some cases, making your dog vomit can make things worse.
So when should (or shouldn't) you try to help your dog vomit? How do you do it? We provide a step-by-step guide on when and how to make a dog throw up.
When (and When Not) to Make Your Dog Throw Up
First, call your veterinarian or the nearest open emergency clinic immediately if your dog gets into something it shouldn't. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, you can also contact animal poison control or a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Your vet will advise you on the next best steps. They will recommend whether you should come in to have them treat your dog or if it's appropriate to try inducing vomiting at home.
Vet care to induce vomiting
If vomiting is required, your veterinarian will give your dog medication (typically apomorphine) in the hospital to help induce vomiting. When administered by a veterinarian, this medication is typically the safest way to make your dog vomit up the toxic substances they've ingested.
When to Avoid Making Your Dog Throw Up
It's not always safe or effective to make your dog throw up – even in an emergency. In some cases, vomiting can do more harm than good.
Chemicals
If your dog has ingested certain chemicals (like bleach or Drain-O), do not try to make your dog throw up. These chemicals can often cause more damage to the esophagus and mouth if they are vomited back up.
Sharp or solid objects
Do not induce vomiting if your dog has eaten batteries or a sharp, solid object (like glass or plastic) because it can cause trauma to the esophagus if vomited up. Some items that dogs accidentally ingest are harmless and may not need to be treated.
It's always best to call your veterinarian if your dog eats something unusual. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your dog needs treatment and, if so, the best way to treat him.
Problems swallowing or breathing
Do not try to make your dog vomit if they are having problems breathing, difficulty breathing, or lack a gag reflex. If your dog vomits and cannot swallow properly, he could choke on his vomit and breathe it into his lungs. This can cause dangerous and expensive complications (including potential fatal pneumonia).
Health conditions
If your dog is hyperactive, prone to seizures, or has had recent surgery (mainly abdominal), it may not be appropriate to make them vomit.
Intoxication
If your dog is intoxicated or otherwise impaired, vomiting should not be induced. Additionally, most toxicities need additional treatment, such as IV fluids and activated charcoal.
Timing
If your dog ingested something more than 2 hours ago, it is probably too late to get the substance out of his stomach. Typically, two hours after ingestion, the substance has been absorbed or has moved from the stomach to the small intestines.
When this happens, making your dog throw up will not help. If you do not know when your dog ingested the substance, it may still be beneficial to induce vomiting, but don't be surprised if nothing comes up.
What to use to make your dog vomit
If your vet has recommended you try to make your dog vomit, they will give you instructions about what to use and how much. Usually, your vet will recommend hydrogen peroxide (3% solution).
According to Dr. Jennifer Coates of PetMD, the following instructions can be followed to safely make your dog vomit in an emergency1. The amount of hydrogen peroxide to give is 1 milliliter (ml) per pound of body weight. For reference, one teaspoon is equal to approximately 5 ml, so 1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds of body weight. You may repeat the dose once more if your dog does not vomit within 15 minutes.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to make a dog throw up?
Once you've administered the hydrogen peroxide, your dog should start vomiting in about 10-15 minutes.
How long will my dog vomit after giving hydrogen peroxide?
After administering the correct amount of hydrogen peroxide, your dog may spend up to 45 minutes vomiting. As much as possible, try to keep them calm and comfortable.
What should you do after you make your dog vomit?
After making your dog vomit, observe them to make sure they seem ok. If you notice signs of diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, or uncharacteristic behavior, call your vet right away.
Even if your dog seems fine afterwards, you should also set up a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and everything has passed out of their system.
How to Induce Vomiting in Dogs: Step by Step
You've called your vet. You've gotten the green light. Now take a deep breath.
- Give them a snack: Give your dog a small meal if they haven't eaten for 2 hours. This can make it more likely they will vomit.
- Check your solution: Double check that your hydrogen peroxide is 3%. Higher concentrations aren't safe for your dog.
- Measure your dose: Measure the amount your dog needs with a syringe or teaspoon. Use your vet's recommended dose, which will likely follow the rule of thumb: 1 ml per pound of body weight (with a max of 45ml or 3 tablespoons, for a dog weighing 45 pounds or more).
- Administer vomiting agent. Give your dog the amount of hydrogen peroxide you've measured out. It can be helpful to use a turkey baster or feeding syringe to reach the back of their mouth. Be careful that your dog doesn't inhale the medication but swallows it.
- Observe and collect. Stay with your dog while they vomit to ensure they don't try to eat anything they've brought up. Try to keep the vomit in a bowl or basin. Your vet may want you to bring a sample to your follow-up appointment.
- Care and comfort. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure there are no complications or reactions like vomiting for longer than 45 minutes, lethargy, bloating, or stomach bulging (which could indicate a gastric ulcer).
- Follow up. Set up an appointment with your vet to ensure everything has passed out of their system properly and without complications.
Pets Best Emergency Vet Care
Remember, in an emergency, timing is critical. When in doubt, call your vet.
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1Coates, J. (2015, July 26). How to...Make a Dog Vomit. Retrieved from PetMD: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2013/may/how-to-make-a-dog-vomit-30304