How to Induce Canine Vomiting

Don't induce vomiting in your dog without first calling your veterinarian.

If you suspect your dog has ingested something you know to be toxic, such as chocolate or antifreeze, your veterinarian may recommend that you induce vomiting immediately before bringing your pet in for a full examination. By consulting with your vet prior to inducing vomiting, you can learn which products are safe to use on your dog and which can be harmful, and whether you should induce at home or take your pet to the clinic or emergency room immediately. If you do induce vomiting, you may need someone to help you, particularly if it's a large dog.

Things You'll Need

• Glass or bowl
• Large syringe and/or turkey baster
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

1. Pour 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a glass or bowl. Don't use anything stronger than 3 percent, or you'll poison your dog.

2. Draw up 1 tsp. hydrogen peroxide into a syringe or turkey baster for every 10 lbs. of your dog's weight. If you are using the syringe, 1 tsp. equals 5 mls.; a 20-lb. dog needs 10 mls. and a 35-pound dog needs 17.5 mls.

3. Place your dog between your knees or have a helper restrain him while you hold up his chin with one hand.

4. Put the syringe in the soft corner of your dog's mouth with the other hand, and slowly squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the pocket of her cheek, allowing her to swallow as you gently press on the plunger of the syringe (or bulb of the baster). By holding up her head, you force your pet to swallow the hydrogen peroxide instead of spitting it out.

5. Administer the same amount of hydrogen peroxide again if your dog does not vomit within 20 minutes.

6. Clean up the vomit immediately after expulsion (your dog might attempt to eat it). Place it in a plastic bag to take to the veterinarian if your vet requests a sample and needs to examine your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a syringe or turkey baster, use a plastic water bottle with a squirt top to administer the hydrogen peroxide.

• The "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" by Dr. Debra M. Eldredge recommends using syrup of ipecac (1 tsp. per 10 lbs. of body weight) or 1 tsp. of salt placed on the back of your dog's tongue, as alternatives to hydrogen peroxide.

• Eldredge advises not to induce vomiting if your pet has ingested a caustic substance, such as acid or heavy-duty cleaners; any petroleum product (gasoline, motor oil); tranquilizers or other medications; sharp objects that can become lodged in the esophagus; or is depressed or comatose. Nor should you induce vomiting if more than two hours have passed since your pet ingested the poison.

References

• "Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook;" Debra Eldredge, DVM, Liisa Carlson, DVM, Delbert Carlson, DVM, James Giffin, MD; 2007
• PetPlace: How to Induce Vomiting (Emesis) in Dogs

Resources

• Dog First Aid 101: Induce Vomiting Only When Its Necessary, and Safe
• VetInfo.com: Inducing Vomiting in a Canine