Dog owners have all experienced their dog eating something they’re not supposed to. Sometimes this can include things like toxic foods, medications, and cleaning products, which are harmful to your pup. What is the best way to get something out of their system? Make them vomit. Vomiting is an effective approach to removing poisonous substances from your dog’s stomach. It is critical, though, to understand how to properly induce vomiting in dogs. Before you try to induce vomit, here are some things to keep in mind.
What Are Safe Ways to Induce Vomiting?
Sometimes the best way to keep your dog from getting sick is making them vomit. They may vomit on their own which can save you from doing it yourself, but if that does not happen, you will have to go the other route. An important note to make is that you should ONLY attempt to induce vomiting under the guidance of a veterinarian. They can help coach you to make sure you are doing it safely, so you are not harming your dog. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, take your dog to the emergency vet clinic immediately so that a medical professional can perform.
Can Hydrogen Peroxide Help Induce Vomiting?
Dogs can be given hydrogen peroxide 3-percent solution to make them vomit. Fortunately, many of us already have a supply of it stashed away somewhere in our homes. Consult your vet before administering the peroxide to determine the correct dosage for your pet. Hydrogen peroxide irritates the digestive system, which is normally effective within 10-15 minutes of swallowing it and can recover around 50 percent of the already consumed food. Vomiting can last as long as 45 minutes, so be mindful that your dog is in a comfortable setting. Giving too much hydrogen peroxide can cause significant damage to your pet, so it is important to talk with your veterinarian before administering.
Is Inducing Vomit Ever Dangerous?
Yes, sometimes by inducing vomiting you can cause more harm than good to your dog. The regurgitation of some chemicals may result in serious and even fatal injury. If your pup ingested a corrosive substance such as a battery or household cleaner the esophagus can be severely damaged if they are forced to vomit. Other methods have been shown to be dangerous and harmful. These include sticking fingers down a dog’s throat, giving them salt or mustard, etc. Inducing vomit can also cause aspiration pneumonia, which may occur when poisonous gastrointestinal contents, such as gasoline, are inhaled. It is best to see a vet before trying to induce vomiting in a brachycephalic dog breed like a Pug or a Pekingese because of the risk of aspiration pneumonia being caused. If your dog is drowsy, unconscious, or experiencing convulsions, do not induce vomiting. You may not be able to induce vomiting in your dog if the ingestion occurred more than two or six hours ago, depending on what was consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or call Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 before taking matters into your own hands.
