How To Make A Dog Throw Up Safely 

Oh no!

Your dog just ingested something he shouldn’t have, and now you’re in a panic trying to figure out how to make a dog throw up safely.

It’s happened to the best of us. If you’ve already spoken with your vet and have gotten the greenlight to go ahead and make your dog throw up, skip down to our how to make a dog throw up section below.

Otherwise, take a moment to breathe. Once a dog ingests something toxic, you have about a two hour window to induce vomiting or get your dog to a vet before you begin to see symptoms.

So the safest thing to do would be to contact your vet and then continue reading to ensure you know how to make a dog throw up safely and effectively.

Let’s begin.

Why Would You Need To Know How to Make A Dog Throw Up?

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, which means they can sometimes ingest things that are dangerous.

Dogs are like toddlers. They explore the world with their mouths. Puppies are especially notorious for ingesting hazardous foods or toxins that can make them sick, but dogs of any age can be susceptible to ingesting toxic or poisonous items.

Some of the most common reasons you may need to know how to make a dog throw up would include:

• If your dog ingested chocolate, xylitol, or other human foods you know to be toxic
• If your dog ingested medication
• If your dog swallowed clothing like underwear or a sock
• If your dog ingested garden poison, chemicals used for cleaning, or pest poison
• If your dog ingested a dead rodent or other small animal

Other more serious situations that may warrant knowing how to make a dog throw up would include if your dog drank antifreeze or got into rat poison.

However, because any of these substances can be highly toxic, it’s incredibly important that you first contact your veterinarian or the pet poison control center before inducing vomiting for further guidance. You can contact the pet poison control center through the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline at (888) 426-4432.

It’s also important to note that not all scenarios are safe when it comes to how to make a dog throw up. With that said, let’s take a look at when and when NOT to make your dog vomit.

When Is it Safe Or Not Safe To Induce Vomiting In Dogs?

Flat-faced breeds like Frenchies and Boston Terriers should not have vomited induced.

If you can’t get a hold of your vet and you’re in a bind, it’s very important that you read this carefully before you induce vomiting. In many instances, inducing vomiting in your dog using the right products and dosages is a safe and effective way of dispelling any toxic substances he may have ingested in the last two hours.

However, in some cases, inducing vomiting in your dog can exasperate issues and cause further, more serious damage or complications. Let’s take a look now at when it is and is NOT safe to induce vomiting in a dog.

You Should NOT Induce Vomiting In Your Dog If:

Your Dog Ingested The Toxin Or Poison Over Two Hours Prior

It takes about two hours before something that is ingested leaves the stomach. This means you do have a good window of opportunity to get to the substance before it causes harm. However, if you induce vomiting after two hours, you are likely already in the danger zone and it won’t do any good. Your best bet would be to get your dog to an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Your Dog Is Already Showing Symptoms Of Illness

If your dog is already showing signs or symptoms of being sick after swallowing something toxic, it’s likely too late to induce vomiting. Instead, get your dog to the vet immediately.

If Your Dog Already Vomited

Sometimes a dog’s body will naturally work against the toxin inside of it. If your dog swallowed something toxic and already vomited before the two hour mark, don’t try and induce more vomiting. Instead, contact your vet as soon as possible for the next steps to take.

If Your Dog Swallowed Something That Is Sharp, Corrosive or Could Cause A Blockage

A larger object swallowed like a bone or toy, for example, could be a choking hazard on the way back up, which could be deadly.

If your dog swallowed something that is sharp or corrosive, it’s best to leave it and allow a professional vet to take over. Inducing vomiting when something sharp or corrosive has been ingested could lead to serious damage to the esophagus. Corrosive objects could include but are not limited to:

• Batteries
• Concentrated Cleaning Products
• And Bleach

If Your Dog Is A Brachycephalic Breed or Mix

You should avoid inducing vomiting in any dog with a flat face like a French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, or Pug. Dogs with flattened faces are known as brachycephalic dogs, and they are at a higher risk of breathing difficulties. This makes them at more risk of aspiration when you induce vomiting, which means they could potentially inhale the vomit and choke.

If There Are Other High Risks Of Aspiration

Inducing vomiting in any dog is not without its risks, and one of the most common risks is aspiration. This is true even if your dog is not a brachycephalic breed or mix. The risk of aspiration is higher in some instances, and you should never induce vomiting in your dog if he is:

• Unconscious
• Acting Lethargic
• Already Suffers From Chronic Health Issues
• Has A History Of Respiratory Issues, Infections, or Throat Complications
• If Your Dog Swallowed Something Of A Petroleum Base
• If Your Dog Swallowed Something That Is Oily
• Has A History Of Seizures or Hyperactivity
• If Your Dog Has Neurological Disorders

You May Induce Vomiting In Your Dog If

You Have Spoken With Your Vet or the Pet Poison Hotline And Received The Green Light

Remember, your vet or the pet poison control helpline is your best resource for whether or not it is safe to move forward with how to make a dog throw up.

The Swallowed Object Or Substance Is Not Petroleum Or Oil Based

Keep in mind that oil-based or petroleum based products can cause a higher risk of aspiration or choking upon vomiting.

The Swallowed Object Is Not Sharp, Obstructive or Corrosive

Any object that could potentially cause a choking hazard or damage on the way up should not be messed with and should be left to the professionals.

Your Dog Is Conscious, Alert, And Still Behaving Normally

If your dog is alert and behaving as normal, it is safe to move onto learning how to make a dog throw up. Remember, throwing up isn’t a pleasant experience for your dog, and he may be behaving anxiously due to your anxiety as you process what you now must do. This is normal. Try and be as calm as possible to help relax your dog and induce vomiting effectively and safely.

Your Dog Is Not A Brachycephalic Breed

If your dog is not a flat-faced dog breed or mix, and if he is healthy overall, inducing vomiting should be safe so long as it is done properly.

Your Dog Does Not Have A History Of Neurological or Chronic Health Issues That Could Prevent Him From Swallowing Naturally

Neurological or chronic health issues that could prevent natural swallowing include respiratory issues or infections, enlarged throat, a history of seizures, and even psychological issues like severe anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity.

Your Dog Has Swallowed The Substance Within The Two Hour Window And Is Not Showing Symptoms Of Illness

The sooner you induce vomiting in your dog, the better the chance that you will have to successfully expel the toxic substance fully from his system. If you are still within the two hour time frame and all of the above requirements are met, it should be safe to move on to learn how to make a dog throw up.

What To Do Before You Make Your Dog Throw Up

For the most part, it is safe to induce vomiting in healthy, qualifying dogs. Though not all dogs should have vomiting induced.

Before you make your dog throw up, there are some steps you should take.

1. CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN

We know we’ve covered this but we will cover it again. If your dog has ingested something toxic and you need to know how to make a dog throw up, the first thing you should do is call your vet. If it is after hours or you can’t get a hold of your veterinarian, you should call the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline at (888) 426-4432.

Both your veterinarian or the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline Center are great resources for helping provide you with the do’s and don’ts of how to make a dog throw up. Most importantly, they will be able to help you determine whether or not this is a life threatening emergency and if your dog needs to be seen urgently.

2. KNOW THE PRODUCTS TO AVOID

The internet is good for a lot of things, but it can be determinaetnal for those trying to research something like how to make a dog throw up. Be careful where you get your information, and make sure any products you use to induce vomiting are dog safe.

The most dangerous products you should NOT use when working on how to make a dog throw up include:

• Salt
• Ipecac Syrup
• Mustard Powder
• And Dishwashing Liquid

All of these substances can have serious side effects in dogs, and some of them don’t even work to induce vomiting in dogs anyway.

3. Know The Products To Use

There are two common products vets and experts agree are safe to use when it comes to how to make a dog throw up. These products include:

• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• Washing Soda Crystals

If you’re ready to know how to make a dog throw up using one of these methods, skip down to the appropriate section below.

Which Products To Use To Make Your Dog Throw Up

Making your dog throw up can be messy, so be sure you’re prepared.

Now that you’ve covered all the basics and the do’s and don’ts of how to make a dog throw up, it’s time to talk about which products you can safely use to do induce vomiting.

According to most studies and experts, the two safest and most effective home remedies for how to make a dog throw up include the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide or soda washing crystals.

Please note, hydrogen peroxide in particular works to induce vomiting when used for DOGS only. The instructions for how to make a dog throw up using hydrogen peroxide are not specified for how to make a cat throw up safely.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide, or H202 is a chemical agent that is commonly used as an antiseptic, bleaching agent, and oxidizer. When given in the proper dosage to a dog, the substance works as an irritant to your dog’s stomach and intestine, typically inducing vomiting within 10 to 15 minutes.

According to the American Kennel Club, hydrogen peroxide should only be given in the correct dosage per weight ratio, and should only be administered if you are unable to get your dog to a vet or professional facility in a timely manner after he or she has ingested a toxic substance.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used by professionals including veterinarians to induce vomiting in dogs because it is one of the safest and least dangerous options. It is also affordable and easy to find in most grocery stores.

When picking out hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in your dog, be sure to only use 3% hydrogen peroxide and to follow the step by step directions below for how to make a dog throw up using this product.

It’s also important to be aware of and consider potential side effects of administering hydrogen peroxide at home.

The potential side effects of hydrogen peroxide, when used for how to make a dog throw up, include:

• Prolonged Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• And Diminished Appetite

In very rare cases, some more serious side effects of administering hydrogen peroxide to dogs include:

• Severe Gastritis
• Ulcers
• And Internal Bleeding

Soda Washing Crystals (Sodium Carbonate):

Soda washing crystals, sometimes known as washing soda or sodium carbonate, is an inorganic compound used for a multitude of household purposes. When used correctly, it can also be used to help induce vomiting in dogs at home.

We do not recommend using soda washing crystals without speaking with a vet first, as it is easy to accidentally come across the wrong types of washing crystals or confuse washing crystals with baking soda or caustic soda.

In fact, because washing soda or soda washing crystals can work well for how to make a dog throw up but can also be easily confused for other products, the SPCA provides owners with free samples of the compound at their facilities for owners to keep in their pet emergency kit.

Washing soda can be used to induce vomiting in both dogs and cats, though it is important to be sure you are using the right dosage when administering the substance.

Side effects of inducing vomiting using washing soda include:

• Continued Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal Upset
• And Respiratory Issues

Because most veterinarians and experts agree that Washing Crystals should only be used under the direct advice of a veterinarian, we are going to recommend you reach out to your vet for specific instructions using this substance for how to make a dog throw up at home.

You can learn more about how to use washing crystals for how to make a dog throw up here, as specified by the SPCA. Again, only do so if you are certain you have the proper product and your veterinarian gives you the go ahead.

With that said, we will now go into detail about how to make a dog throw up using hydrogen peroxide.

Keep reading.

How To Make A Dog Throw Up Using 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

There are specific steps you should follow if you’re going to make your dog throw up using hydrogen peroxide.

When preparing for how to make a dog throw up, you’ll need to make a checklist and you may even need to run to the store. Remember, you do have a two hour window to make your dog throw up once he’s ingested something toxic, though it’s best to move as quickly as possible.

It’s also important to follow a few pro tips.

First, make sure you use a brand new, unopened container of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide works to induce vomiting by bubbling in your dog’s stomach, throat and intestines. Previously opened bottles are likely to have gone flat in the same way opened soda bottles do.

For best results, you’ll want to use the bubbliest hydrogen peroxide possible, which would come from an unopened jar that has been freshly purchased.

If your dog is finicky, large, or fearful of you trying to administer hydrogen peroxide, some experts suggest soaking a piece of white bread with the allotted amount and letting your dog eat the bread. Of course, this will only work if your dog is one of those dogs that eats just about anything.

We should also note that smaller or medium sized dogs can be gently wrapped in a towel and held by a secondary person if they are wriggling.

Otherwise, it’s best to follow the instructions carefully below for how to make a dog throw up.

What You Will Need:

• 1 Brand New Container of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1 Syringe
• A Towel

Hydrogen Peroxide Dosage:

• 1 Teaspoon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Per Every 5 Lbs
• No More Than 3 Tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide If Your Dog Is Over 45 Lbs

Instructions:

Use a towel to wrap your dog if he or she is especially wrigley, and ask someone to help if you can. Otherwise, bring your dog to a quiet place and wait until he is relaxed, laying down, or otherwise unexcited.

Put the correct dosage of hydrogen peroxide into the surgeon, and pull your dog’s lips back near his back molars. Gently, open his mouth and insert the strange between his back teeth and slowly squirt the hydrogen peroxide into his mouth.

Avoid aiming the syringe directly into the back of your dog’s throat as he could inhale the substance and potentially choke.

Once your dog has swallowed the hydrogen peroxide, you might consider taking him outside on a leash or leading him to a bathroom for easy clean up. Monitor your dog for the next half an hour.

In general, it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes for hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs. You can speed this process up by getting your dog moving, which will help activate the bubbling in his stomach.

If your dog does not throw up in 15 minutes after you have administered the first dose of hydrogen peroxide, you may give him one more dose. If he still has not thrown up after another 10 to 15 minutes, skip down to the appropriate section of this article for your next steps.

After Your Dog Throws Up

Once your dog throws up, clean up the vomit immediately to make sure he does not reingest any of the peroxide or the toxic substance you needed to expel. Then contact your veterinarian and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Even though your dog has vomited, he could still experience symptoms from the toxin or poison he ingested, especially if you were closer to the two hour window mark when vomiting was induced.

Either way, it is best to bring your dog in for a checkup, even if vomiting worked. It is also important to monitor your dog for the next 24 to 48 hours for any signs or symptoms from either the poison or object he ingested or side effects from the hydrogen peroxide.

Best Products For How To Make A Dog Throw UP

Hydrogen Peroxide has been used for centuries for medicinal uses and is the best home remedy for making your dog throw up.

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective tool you can use for how to make a dog throw up. Most of the time, it works quickly and effectively without any serious side effects. In fact, even professional veterinarians use hydrogen peroxide to safely induce vomiting in dogs!

For that reason, we recommend investing in hydrogen peroxide that you leave unopened and in your pet emergency kit that is specifically kept for inducing vomiting in case your dog ingests something toxic.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide

No products found.

This basic 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is going to be a great option to keep in your doggy first aid kit. It is specifically made for a first aid antiseptic and is designed not only to be used for cleaning and other household uses, but can help induce vomiting in your pet.

When used correctly, this product should work quickly for how to make a dog throw up when administered as we specified above.

Frienda Plastic Syringe

No products found.

A plastic syringe is a must-have when it comes to your canine first aid kit. Without it, you’ll have a difficult time when working on how to make a dog throw up. This order includes a pack of four syringes, and each is clearly labeled with measurement to ensure you give your dog the proper dosage of medication or hydrogen peroxide.

What To Do If Making Your Dog Throw Up Doesn’t Work

If vomiting does not occur about 15 minutes after providing your dog with hydrogen peroxide, it’s best to get your dog to a vet.

While hydrogen peroxide does typically work and work well for how to make a dog throw up, there are instances when it doesn’t work and other methods must be taken.

If you’ve followed these instructions for how to make a dog throw up and your dog still hasn’t vomited, your next move should be to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible. If it is after hours, your best option will likely be an after hours clinic or emergency vet that stays open 24/7.

While emergency vets can be costly, it’s important not to try and wait until the next day for your vet to open up, as the poisonous substance or obstructive object your dog ingested could potentially cause serious harm, leading not only to more devastating damage for your dog, but a costlier outlook for you.

Tips On Keeping Your Dog Safe From Ingesting Potentially Hazardous Items In The Future

To prevent your dog from ingesting toxic items or food, it’s important to dog proof your home.

Keeping your dog from ingesting potentially dangerous or harmful items and substances is the easiest way to avoid having to induce vomiting.

Some dogs are prone to being mouthy and will chew on and swallow whatever they can get their jaws on. If this is the case, consider crate training your dog while you are away or investing in a puppy playpen to keep your dog in a designated and safe area in your home.

It’s also important to consider using dog-safe pest control options, and be careful of the types of plants you use in your garden. We also recommend pet proofing your home and keeping small objects that could be sharp, obstructive or corrosive out of your dog’s reach.

If your dog is inclined to snack on strange items he finds on walks, consider investing in a basket muzzle. Basket muzzles are not cruel or uncomfortable, and they still allow dogs to pant, drink water, and even take treats. However, they can stop your dog from ingesting something in the street that could be potentially hazardous for him.

And there you have it – a step by step guide on how to make a dog throw up safely. Remember, of all the information provided in this guide, the most important advice to follow is your veterinarian’s.

So, have you ever had to make your dog throw up? Tell us your stories in the comment section below.

We wish you luck and, if you did have to induce vomiting, we hope your dog feels better soon!