How to Make a Dog Throw Up

We’ve all been there. Our dog eats something they’re not supposed to — a human medication, your other dog’s medication, or a toxic food like chocolate or raisins — and our first thought is, “How do I make my dog throw up?” Knowing how to safely make your dog vomit — and when not to — is crucial. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call a veterinarian immediately. Here’s what you need to know before taking action.

In This Article

• • Deciding When to Induce Vomiting
  • Using Hydrogen Peroxide Safely
  • Step-by-Step for Inducing Vomiting
  • Important Considerations

Deciding When to Induce Vomiting

If a dog eats something harmful that they shouldn’t have, it’s possible they may vomit it up on their own. When that doesn’t happen, making your dog throw up might seem like a good idea, but inducing a dog to vomit should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are very good reasons for this. If your regular vet isn’t open, contact a local emergency vet or pet poison control helpline for guidance before you attempt to induce vomiting.

Some things that dogs might swallow — such as batteries, caustic materials, or sharp objects — can cause dangerous and even lethal harm if you induce vomiting and they are regurgitated. Swallowed objects can cause blockages or perforations, and the act of inducing vomiting itself comes with risks. One of these risks is aspiration pneumonia, which is caused by inhaling substances — usually stomach contents — into the lungs.

Don’t induce vomiting if your dog is lethargic or comatose, or if they’re having seizures. If your dog ingested something over two hours ago, it may be too late to get them to vomit it up, depending on what they ate or drank.

The safest thing to do in these cases is to take your dog into the vet’s office immediately. However, if you can’t get there, or your vet’s office is closed, you may have to induce vomiting at home. Talk with your veterinarian by phone, contact or visit the emergency veterinarian, pet poison helpline, or try a veterinary virtual visit to get guidance on how to proceed.

When you call any of these experts for help, be prepared to provide important information to the best of your ability: what your dog ate, how much they ate and when, your dog’s weight, and any existing health problems or medications your dog has.

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Using Hydrogen Peroxide Safely

Hydrogen peroxide 3% solution is typically used to induce vomiting at home. Fortunately, it’s also a common thing to have in your home medicine cabinet. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your dog first aid kit in case of an emergency away from home.

Hydrogen peroxide acts as an irritant to a dog’s intestinal tract and typically works within 10-15 minutes, causing your dog to expel about half of what’s in their stomach. Set your dog up in a place that’s comfortable but easy to clean, since the vomiting can last for up to 45 minutes once you’ve administered the hydrogen peroxide. Avoid your dog’s normal sleeping, crate, or feeding areas; consider a bathroom or laundry area where you can provide them with a quiet, out-of-the-way place where it’s OK to make a mess.

Hydrogen peroxide is generally considered safe to induce vomiting in dogs when administered by a veterinarian, but in an at-home situation, don’t make your dog throw up if they exhibit any of the following symptoms, signs, or conditions:

• Your dog is already vomiting
• They’re lethargic or comatose
• Your dog is having difficulty swallowing or breathing
• There’s any evidence of a seizure or hyperactive activity
• Your dog has had recent abdominal surgery or has megaesophagus
• You know or suspect they have consumed corrosive agents, sharp objects, or drugs

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Step-by-Step for Inducing Vomiting

1. Contact a vet: That should always be your first step.
2. Timing and dosage: If your dog hasn’t eaten within the last two hours, a small meal can make it more likely that they’ll vomit. Using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, administer one teaspoon (approximately 5cc or 5ml if you’re using an oral syringe) per five pounds of body weight by mouth, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons (approximately 45ml) for dogs over 45 pounds.
3.  Administration: Use an oral syringe or turkey baster and to squirt the solution through the side of the dog’s mouth between their back teeth. Avoid inhalation to help prevent aspiration.
4. Monitor: Stay with your dog while they vomit. Collect the vomit for your vet, and don’t let your dog eat anything they vomit up.
5. Watch for any complications: Keep an eye out for complications and adverse reactions, such as vomiting for more than 45 minutes, diarrhea, or any lethargy. Contact your vet immediately if any occur.
6. Aftercare: Consider soothing your dog’s throat with a pet-safe liquid respiratory supplement after inducing vomiting, but not until you’ve spoken to or seen a vet.

Important Considerations

Timing is critical, and the safest way to make a dog vomit is to take them to a veterinarian. It’s possible that your dog may need supportive treatment like IV fluids after vomiting has been induced. If you haven’t successfully induced vomiting, your vet can proceed with further treatment.

Always consult with a veterinarian on whether or not further treatment or emergency treatment is needed.