How to Make a Dog Throw Up (And When Not To)

Posted by By Mukesh Pathak 9 Min Read

Introduction

As a dog owner, it’s natural to worry when your furry friend gets into something they shouldn’t. Dogs are curious by nature and sometimes end up eating things that can be harmful or toxic. In such cases, inducing vomiting may be necessary to prevent further harm. However, it’s crucial to know how to make a dog throw up safely and understand when it’s appropriate to do so. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and steps to take, ensuring you make the right decision for your dog’s health.

1. Why You Might Need to Make Your Dog Throw Up

Inducing vomiting can help prevent toxic substances from being absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream, potentially saving their life. Common reasons to make a dog throw up include:

A. Ingestion of Toxic Foods or Substances

  1. Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues.
  2. Grapes and Raisins: Can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
  3. Xylitol: A common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and candies that can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia.
  4. Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications meant for humans can be harmful to dogs.

B. Swallowed Foreign Objects

  1. Small Toys: Dogs may swallow small toys that can cause blockages.
  2. Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause obstructions or tears in the digestive tract.
  3. Clothing or Socks: Dogs sometimes chew on and swallow clothing items, which can lead to digestive blockages.

C. Accidental Ingestion of Household Chemicals

  1. Cleaning Products: Certain household cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can cause harm if ingested.
  2. Antifreeze: Contains ethylene glycol, which is sweet-tasting but highly toxic to dogs.
  3. Rodenticides and Insecticides: These chemicals are designed to kill pests but can also be deadly for dogs.

2. When Not to Make a Dog Throw Up

While inducing vomiting can be a lifesaving measure, there are situations where it may do more harm than good. Knowing when not to induce vomiting is equally important.

A. Ingestion of Sharp or Caustic Objects

  1. Sharp Objects: Items like needles, glass shards, or bones that can tear the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Caustic Substances: Acids or alkaline substances (e.g., bleach or drain cleaner) can cause burns, and vomiting may cause further damage to the throat and mouth.
  3. Petroleum-Based Products: Gasoline, kerosene, or motor oil can lead to aspiration pneumonia if vomited up.

B. If the Dog Is Unconscious, Lethargic, or Having Seizures

  1. Risk of Aspiration: Vomiting while unconscious can lead to the inhalation of vomit into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.
  2. Seizures or Severe Weakness: Dogs that are having seizures or are extremely weak should not be made to vomit, as they cannot protect their airway.

C. If More Than Two Hours Have Passed Since Ingestion

  1. Limited Effectiveness: Once food or substances have moved past the stomach, vomiting may not be effective in removing the toxin.
  2. Digestive Absorption: After two hours, most substances may have already started being absorbed into the bloodstream, reducing the benefit of inducing vomiting.

D. Underlying Health Conditions

  1. Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs with short snouts, like pugs and bulldogs, are at a higher risk of aspiration and should not be made to vomit without veterinary guidance.
  2. Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions (e.g., megaesophagus or laryngeal paralysis) may have a higher risk of complications from vomiting.

3. How to Make a Dog Throw Up Safely

If you determine that inducing vomiting is necessary and safe, follow these steps to do it correctly:

A. Contact a Veterinarian First

  1. Get Professional Advice: Call your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435), for guidance.
  2. Follow Instructions: A veterinarian can provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested and your dog’s size, breed, and health status.

B. Use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

  1. Appropriate Concentration: Only use 3% hydrogen peroxide; higher concentrations are too strong and can cause damage.
  2. Correct Dosage: Administer 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight, with a maximum of 3 tablespoons (45 ml) for larger dogs.
  3. Administer Safely: Use a syringe or turkey baster to squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the back of the dog’s mouth.
  4. Wait and Monitor: After administering hydrogen peroxide, wait about 10-15 minutes for vomiting to occur. If your dog doesn’t vomit, you can repeat the dose once, but do not give more than two doses.

C. Alternatives to Hydrogen Peroxide (Under Veterinary Guidance)

  1. Salt Water: Can be used in some cases, but only under strict veterinary guidance due to the risk of salt poisoning.
  2. Syrup of Ipecac: Less commonly used and should only be administered if specifically instructed by a vet.
  3. Apomorphine: A medication administered by veterinarians to induce vomiting.

4. What to Do After Your Dog Throws Up

Inducing vomiting is just one step in managing potential poisoning. After your dog has vomited:

A. Collect a Sample

  1. Containment: Collect a sample of the vomit for your vet to analyze, which can help identify the ingested substance.
  2. Keep Any Packaging or Evidence: If you know what your dog ingested, bring the packaging or a sample of the substance to the vet.

B. Monitor Your Dog Closely

  1. Observe for Additional Symptoms: Continue to watch for signs of poisoning, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or tremors.
  2. Check Hydration: Ensure your dog is drinking water, but do not allow them to drink excessively.

C. Follow Up with Veterinary Care

  1. Schedule a Vet Visit: Even if your dog seems fine, a vet visit is essential to rule out any internal damage or ongoing effects of poisoning.
  2. Blood Tests and Monitoring: The vet may perform blood tests to check for organ damage and monitor your dog’s vital signs.

5. Preventing Accidental Ingestion

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of ingestion. Here are some tips to prevent your dog from ingesting harmful substances:

A. Dog-Proof Your Home

  1. Secure Trash Cans: Use dog-proof lids or store trash in a secure location.
  2. Store Medications and Chemicals Safely: Keep them in cabinets or areas that your dog cannot access.
  3. Keep Foods Out of Reach: Store toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, and anything containing xylitol in high or locked cupboards.

B. Educate Your Family and Visitors

  1. Inform Everyone About Dangerous Foods: Make sure that anyone in your home knows not to feed your dog harmful foods.
  2. Supervise Playtime: Ensure that toys are appropriate for your dog’s size and cannot be easily swallowed.

C. Be Cautious with New Plants

  1. Identify Toxic Plants: Research any new plants before bringing them into your home or garden.
  2. Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Opt for non-toxic plant varieties to keep your dog safe.

D. Regular Vet Check-Ups

  1. Routine Health Checks: Regular visits to the vet can help catch potential health issues early.
  2. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have the numbers of your vet and a pet poison control hotline accessible at all times.

Conclusion

Knowing how and when to make your dog throw up can be a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. However, it’s equally important to recognize situations where inducing vomiting could be harmful. Always consult with a veterinarian before attempting to make your dog vomit, as they can provide guidance specific to your dog’s situation. Prevention remains the best approach, so take steps to dog-proof your home and educate yourself on common toxins. With the right knowledge and quick action, you can help protect your dog and ensure their safety and well-being.