A Pet Owner’s Guide: 8 Steps to Make Your Dog Throw Up

Vomiting is never pleasant, but if your dog ingests a toxic substance, inducing vomiting promptly can help prevent the toxin from being absorbed and causing serious illness.

However, inducing your dog to vomit at home is not safe in all situations and should be done only under a veterinarian’s guidance. Here's what you may want to know before making your dog throw up.

How to Decide Whether to Induce Vomiting in Dogs

It's not always safe to induce vomiting after your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, such as grapes, antifreeze or another toxic food or chemical. The first thing you should consider in this situation is taking your pet to the nearest emergency hospital for immediate treatment.

However, you may choose to contact a veterinarian for advice before jumping in the car. In this case, your family veterinarian can probably provide guidance. If they are unavailable, you can call a veterinary emergency hospital or a virtual veterinary service. You can also reach out to the ASPCA Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline. Have important details ready when you call, including what your dog ate and their medical history.

Factors your veterinarian may consider when deciding whether inducing vomiting at home is a good idea include:

• What your dog ate. Your veterinarian will want to know exactly what your dog ate, including the specific ingredients and amount, to determine whether they ingested a toxic dose. If the material is nontoxic, they may recommend simply monitoring your dog at home. If the substance is toxic, your vet will then determine whether it is safe for you to induce vomiting.
• When your pet ingested the toxin. After approximately two to four hours, the ingested material moves past the stomach into the small intestine, and vomiting will not be effective.
• Health concerns of inducing vomiting. Some substances, such as caustic chemicals, can cause severe esophageal irritation or lead to aspiration pneumonia and should not be vomited. If inducing vomiting is not safe, the vet may recommend bringing your pet in or taking them to the nearest emergency hospital so other methods can be used to prevent or treat toxicity.
• Other concerns of inducing vomiting. Inducing vomiting may be harmful in certain situations (e.g., severe lethargy, unresponsiveness, or seizures). If your dog cannot swallow to protect their airway, vomiting could cause them to choke or lead to aspiration pneumonia.
• Whether your dog is already vomiting. Sometimes, dogs may vomit harmful substances on their own. If your dog has already vomited, inducing additional vomiting may not be helpful.

Remember that you should only induce vomiting under a veterinarian’s guidance. If your dog ingested something toxic, time is of the essence, and immediate veterinary care is always safest. Trying to make your dog vomit at home can eat up precious time, and you may not be successful. By the time you take your dog to a veterinarian, too much time may have passed for them to successfully induce vomiting with medications.

8 Steps to Induce Dog Vomiting

If your dog ingests something toxic, you can try to follow these steps to make them vomit:

1. Consult a veterinarian

The safest option if your dog ingests a toxic substance is to take them to a veterinary clinic or hospital for professional assessment and treatment. If vomiting is warranted, the vet can give your dog medication to induce vomiting. Don’t induce vomiting at home without the recommendation and guidance of a veterinarian.

2. Gather supplies

If your veterinarian recommends giving your dog hydrogen peroxide to help make them vomit, you will need the following supplies:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide. Ensure the peroxide is not expired, as fresh peroxide will bubble and foam more, making it more effective.
• 10 ml syringe. You will need a large syringe or a small turkey baster to administer the liquid to your dog.
• Towel. You may want to have a towel nearby to wipe up any peroxide that leaks out of your dog’s mouth.
• Leash. After giving the peroxide, you’ll want to walk your dog around outside while waiting for them to vomit.

3. Prepare the right dose

Your veterinarian will tell you how much peroxide to give your dog. Draw the recommended dose up into a syringe or turkey baster. Measure the dose carefully to avoid giving your dog too much peroxide.

4. Administer the hydrogen peroxide

You will likely need a second person to hold your dog while you administer the peroxide. Have them hold your dog’s head with their nose pointed slightly upward. Insert the syringe or turkey baster tip into the corner of your dog’s mouth, between their teeth, and slowly push the liquid in. Take care not to give the peroxide too quickly, or you could cause your dog to aspirate the liquid, which can be extremely irritating to the airways and lungs.

5. Take your dog outdoors

Walk your dog on a leash outdoors so you will know if they vomit. If the hydrogen peroxide works, your dog should vomit within 15 minutes.

6. Ensure the toxin is eliminated

When your dog vomits, check to ensure the toxic substance or material has come up. If your dog does not vomit, consult your veterinarian for the next steps. They will likely direct you to bring your dog in right away.

7. Watch for complications

After your dog vomits, continue watching them to ensure no complications arise, such as continued vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of illness. If complications develop, call your vet for additional advice or take your dog to the veterinary hospital.

8. Follow up with your veterinarian

In most cases, your veterinarian will want to see your dog, even if they vomit. Your vet may recommend bringing your dog in immediately if they are concerned that some of the toxin remains or has already been absorbed by your dog’s body.

Hydrogen Peroxide Safety Considerations

If your veterinarian advises you to proceed with inducing vomiting, they may recommend using fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide irritates the stomach lining, triggering the vomiting reflex. The liquid’s foaming action can also stimulate nerves in the back of the throat, further encouraging vomiting. Be aware that peroxide’s irritating nature can cause significant irritation to the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

Veterinarians typically recommend giving dogs up to 1 ml of peroxide per pound of body weight. This means that a 10-pound dog can receive up to 10 ml (2 tablespoons) of peroxide. If you choose to give your dog peroxide at home, you will need to carefully measure the dose to avoid giving them too much.

Hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats, as it is not typically effective and can cause hemorrhagic gastritis.

Safe Steps Toward a Speedy Recovery

If your dog ingests something concerning, the safest course of action is to take them to a veterinary clinic or hospital right away. Keep in mind that vomiting should only be induced in specific situations under your vet’s guidance. With prompt action, you can ensure your dog eliminates the toxin quickly so they can get back to their normal antics — minus eating any other concerning substances.

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Author Bio

Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her writing to provide veterinarians with strategies for making practice life more efficient and less stressful.