- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If your dog has ingested something toxic, it’s best to call a veterinarian. They can advise you if there’s any home treatments that can help your dog or if it’s better to have them evaluated.
Inducing vomiting may seem like a good idea if a dog has consumed a harmful substance since it removes it from their system immediately. However, Dr. Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon at Senior Tail Waggers, says this can do more harm than good if a dog is:
- weak
- unconscious
- ingested a caustic substance (like bleach)
It’s important to consider the following before inducing at home:
- What did the dog eat or drink?
- How much did they consume?
- How long ago did they consume it?
- Are they showing symptoms or signs or a reaction?
- What size is your dog?
- Do they have any known allergies or health issues?
If a veterinarian recommends inducing vomiting at home, giving your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide is the safest method. If this method doesn’t work, see a veterinarian or animal hospital right away.
We spoke with veterinarians on when to make a dog throw up, the safest methods for home induction, what to do if your dog ingested a toxin, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Is It Safe or Always Necessary to Induce Vomiting in Dogs?
“Inducing dog vomiting at home can sometimes be advisable, but due to the complex and vast variables that can come into play when deciding whether or not to do so, it’s essential that pet parents consult their veterinarian by phone before administering any treatment,” says Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, Chief Veterinarian at Petco. “Safety when inducing vomiting can depend on which poisonous substance was consumed, how long it’s been in your dog’s system, your dog’s breed, and any existing health conditions.”
It’s never safe to induce vomiting if your dog has: ingested chemicals, like bleach or other cleaning products, since they can cause more damage by passing through the esophagus again, Dr. Miller says. It can also be dangerous to induce vomiting in brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs or French Bulldogs, because of their short snouts, which can lead to respiratory concerns, she adds.
Dogs may throw up on their own if they’ve ingested something toxic. If they don’t, induce vomiting within a 2-hour time frame from when the substance was ingested. However, Dr. Miller says it’s imperative that a vet supervises over the phone when inducing vomiting at home.
When does a dog need to vomit quickly?
A dog may need to vomit quickly if they’ve consumed toxic foods, such as:
- chocolate
- chewing gum containing xylitol
- grapes
- raisins
- macadamia nuts
- household items, like bleach, cleaning supplies, and certain plants
Although it’s ideal for a vet to be onsite to administer medication and monitor treatment, Dr. Miller says time and location can present challenges for pet parents who need to see their vet quickly, in which inducing vomiting at home with veterinary supervision over the phone is the next best course of action.
“A common mistake that pet parents make is rushing to induce vomiting after realizing that their pup has eaten something dangerous hours prior,” she says. “Unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, do not attempt to induce vomiting if it has been over two hours since your dog ingested the harmful substance as it may be too late for them to regurgitate it.”
Dr. Miller doesn’t recommend inducing vomiting if your dog is already vomiting, lethargic, unconscious or having seizures. Instead, she says to call your veterinarian immediately and bring your dog in to be evaluated.
What Are the Safest Methods of Inducing Vomiting in Dogs at Home?
To safely induce vomiting in dogs at home, you’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide and either a dosing syringe or turkey baster.
Administer 1 milliliter per pound of bodyweight and never more than a 45 milliliter dose. Keep the following conversion in mind:
- 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
- 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
For example: A 10-pound dog would get 10 milliliters—or 2 teaspoons—of 3% hydrogen peroxide. A 100-pound dog would only get up to 45 milliliters—or 3 tablespoons.
If your dog doesn’t vomit within 10 minutes, repeat the dose one more time. If they haven’t vomited after the second dose, see a vet as soon as possible.
Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, cautions pet parents from using alternatives to induce vomiting, like salt water, washing crystals, or even mustard. These substances can cause additional issues, like salt toxicity.
And while hydrogen peroxide is generally safe and effective, Dr. Hsia says it can be harmful to dogs with underlying lung, gastrointestinal, or heart conditions. Dogs with these conditions should be immediately taken to a vet if possible.
Although inducing vomiting at home may be enough for some cases, your dog may still need additional monitoring at the vet clinic, says Dr. Hsia.
What Are the 9 Signs of Poisoning?
Signs of poisoning in dogs can include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Extreme increase or decrease in body temperature
- Foaming in mouth
- Head pressing
- Jaundice
- Blood in stools
- Trouble breathing
If you suspect your dog ate or drank something and but you didn’t see it, it’s best to take them to a vet to be evaluated and treated. Only induce vomiting under the guidance of a veterinary expert if you’re absolutely certain your dog ingested a toxic substance.
Quick Action Guide: What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate or Drank Something Toxic?
Did your dog get into a box of chocolates? Eat tulips in the backyard? Or lap up some of your sugar-free soda?
Here are the immediate steps to take if your dog ate or drank something toxic:
- Contact a veterinary expert. If your dog has ingested something toxic, seek immediate veterinary advice from your vet, Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). They’ll be able to offer guidance on what to do next and provide specific instructions based on the type of toxin ingested and any symptoms your dog may be showing.
- Make your dog comfortable. “Keep a close eye on the dog’s behavior and symptoms and ensure that the dog is in a quiet and comfortable environment,” Dr. Hsia says. “Offer water if advised by the vet or poison control center, but do not force the dog to drink.”
- Collect a sample for your vet. Collect a sample of the vomit or stool for analysis at the vet clinic if advised by a veterinary expert.
In a situation where a dog has consumed something toxic, there are certain actions that pet parents should avoid.
“It’s crucial not to delay seeking veterinary care. Time is of the essence in cases of poisoning, and prompt treatment can significantly improve the dog’s prognosis,” Dr. Hsia says. “Avoid giving any home remedies or over-the-counter medications without professional guidance, as they can be harmful to the dog.”
Should You See a Vet After Your Dog Ingests a Toxic Substance?
If your dog has ingested a toxic substance, it’s best to schedule an emergency vet visit within two hours from when the toxin was consumed.
Dr. Hsia says the treatments a vet may provide for poisoning in dogs depends on the specific toxin ingested and its effects on the dog. Common treatments may include:
- Inducing vomiting. This may be done to remove the toxic substance from the dog’s system if it’s safe and effective for that particular toxin, Dr. Hsia says. A vet may use an emetic known as apomorphine to make a dog throw up within 5-20 minutes after administration.
- Activated charcoal administration. A vet may administer activated charcoal to absorb toxins in the stomach and intestines.
- Supportive pet care. This can include intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration, medications to control symptoms, such as seizures or vomiting, and monitoring vital signs.
“The outlook for poisoning in dogs varies depending on factors, such as the type and amount of toxin ingested, how quickly treatment is sought, and the overall health of the dog,” Dr. Hsia says. “With prompt and appropriate treatment, many dogs recover from poisoning.”
If a vet is unable to clear the toxins, they can provide advanced treatments, such as:
- IV therapy
- antidotes for specific toxins
- continuous monitoring that may not be feasible at home
How Can You Prevent Your Dog from Ingesting Toxins in the Future?
There are various substances that are toxic to all pets. To ensure your dog is unable to access these at all times, place any potentially harmful substances in a secure area out of their reach (and lock it away) or keep them out of your home to remove the risk altogether if possible.
Additionally, particular plants can be toxic to dogs, such as aloe vera, jade, and ivy. Consider swapping them out with dog-friendly plants, like the polka dot plant, haworthia, Swedish ivy, Christmas cactus, or spider plant.