If you have a pet dog, chances are you love them like family. You take care of their needs and do your best to ensure their safety at all costs – but what would you do if they accidentally ingested something toxic? One possible course of action is to induce vomiting, also known as emesis, to help eliminate toxic substances from your dog’s system. Keep reading below to learn all about inducing vomiting in your pup so that, if necessary, you will know what steps to take. 

A Guide to Assess if Inducing Vomiting is Safe 

If your dog has eaten something harmful, they may naturally vomit it up. However, if your dog has consumed a toxic substance and does not vomit, inducing vomiting could be necessary. Note that inducing vomiting should only be done under a veterinarian’s guidance. Before you try to induce vomiting in your dog, review the list below to determine if it is the right course of action. 

• Ingestion of Harmful Substances or Objects: If your dog has ingested corrosive substances such as batteries or cleaning products, or consumed a sharp object, attempting to induce vomiting could cause further harm. One potential risk is aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when toxic substances are inhaled into the lungs. Another risk is that if your dog has swallowed something sharp or large, inducing vomiting could cause it to become stuck or damage the esophagus. 
• Medical History and Breed: Inducing vomiting can be extremely dangerous for dogs with a history of seizures, a stomach that is tacked down to prevent bloat, mega-esophagus, or other related health issues. Brachycephalic dog breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and any other breeds with a pushed-in face are at a higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. 
• Conscious or Unconscious: Administering hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting is not recommended if your dog is unconscious, as it can be highly dangerous and harmful to your pet. Unconscious dogs cannot swallow the peroxide, which may result in aspiration pneumonia. Moreover, even if the peroxide manages to reach their stomach, they will be unable to expel the vomit from their mouth due to their unconscious state, causing it to enter their lungs when they breathe. 

What to Do Before Attempting to Induce Vomiting 

If you manage to eliminate all the potential risks mentioned above for your dog, it is essential to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance before attempting to induce vomiting in your pup. Your veterinarian will give you directions on aftercare as well. If you have any questions or concerns about emesis in your dog, please contact the experts at Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away!