You must be anxious and worried when you come home to see your pet dog looks unwell. After looking around the house, you realize that the animal has ingested a dangerous substance, which can be life-threatening if not removed from its stomach immediately. While it can't be fun to make your dog vomit, it can be an important first step in getting the toxins out of the body. To make your dog vomit, learn how to give your dog hydrogen peroxide, get medical attention, and follow general guidelines for making your dog vomit.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Delivering Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Find out if the dog really should vomit
Before making your dog vomit, make sure that this is really necessary. You must make the dog vomit if the animal swallows any of the following:
- Antifreeze (if swallowed in the last 2 hours)
- Chocolate
- Grapes or raisins
- Acetaminophen or aspirin
- Plants, for example azaleas and narcissus (daffodils)
Step 2. Move the dog to another area
If your dog is lying on the rug or bed, take the dog somewhere else before you make him vomit. For example, you can take it outside or in an area that is easy to clean, such as a room with linoleum flooring.
If the dog looks weak, it may not be able to walk on its own. You have to carry him or at least help him walk to the desired location
Step 3. Feed the dog a small amount of food
Feeding a dog to make it vomit may sound strange. However, giving your dog a small amount of food can actually increase the chances of vomiting. Good choices include a small can of canned food or a slice of plain bread.
- Canned food is easy for dogs to eat and tastes better than dry food.
- Maybe the dog will be reluctant to eat food. If this happens, put the food in the dog's mouth so it can be swallowed.
- Don't spend a lot of time just feeding the dog.
Step 4. Call your veterinarian or animal poison control service
This is a very important action! Don't try to make your dog vomit until you contact your vet or animal poison control service. When calling, provide as much information as possible so they can provide guidance on what to do (and what not to do). Information that must be submitted includes:
- Objects you think the dog has swallowed (poisonous plants, household cleaners, chocolate)
- The length of time the dog ingests the toxic substance (in your estimation)
- Symptoms experienced by dogs
- Dog size
Step 5. Find out the amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide that needs to be given
If your vet or poison control service allows you to make your dog vomit, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide. You can buy it at a pharmacy. This vomiting-inducing product is highly recommended for dogs. Give 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 4.5 kg of body weight of the dog.
Use a measuring spoon so that you can accurately measure the amount of hydrogen peroxide
Step 6. Apply hydrogen peroxide
Suck the hydrogen peroxide solution into the eye or ear dropper. Squirt the measured hydrogen peroxide as far as possible on the back of the dog's tongue.
Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with dog food or water before you put it in the dropper
Step 7. Take the dog for a walk
Walking can stimulate vomiting because the dog's stomach contents will mix with the hydrogen peroxide. Walk the dog for a few minutes. If your dog has difficulty walking, rock or move his tummy slowly.
Step 8. Wait for the dog to vomit
After being given hydrogen peroxide, the dog will usually vomit a few minutes later. If the dog has not vomited after 10 minutes, give the same dose of hydrogen peroxide again.
Some sources advise against giving more than 2 doses of hydrogen peroxide. Others mention that 3 doses is still acceptable. Call your veterinarian before you give the third dose
Part 2 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Take the dog to the vet
Your dog should still be treated by a vet even if you have made him vomit. Vomiting is only used as a quick solution that can't get rid of all the toxins in the dog's stomach. Care should be taken if the dog is unable to vomit-and this means that the dog needs something stronger than hydrogen peroxide to make it vomit.
- Don't delay taking your dog to the vet.
- If your dog manages to vomit, take a photo of the vomit and show it to the vet.
Step 2. Tell the vet what happened
Even if you told your vet before giving your dog hydrogen peroxide, it can be very useful to retell what happened when the vet examined your dog. Also tell your dog the amount of hydrogen peroxide and how many times you have given it.
If the dog vomits, explain what the vomit looks like, or show a photo of it
Step 3. Let the vet take care of your dog
Veterinarians have medications that can make dogs vomit, and a variety of products that can prevent the absorption of poison. For example, veterinarians can give dogs activated charcoal, to bind to toxins in the digestive system and prevent their absorption.
- Apomorphine is an opioid drug (substance containing opium) that can cause vomiting. This medicine will usually work within 5-10 minutes.
- A drug called xylazine can also make dogs vomit.
- Your veterinarian will determine the best method for dealing with a dog who has ingested a toxic substance.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing Other Tips Regarding Vomiting
Step 1. Find out what substances should not be vomited
Some substances should not be vomited after swallowing because they can cause damage. If you learn that your dog has ingested any of the ingredients below, do not trying to make him vomit:
- Bleach solution
- Sewer cleaner
- Substances containing petroleum, such as gasoline
Step 2. Look for signs of severe poisoning
Making a dog vomit can be dangerous if the dog is seriously ill or unable to respond. If the dog shows signs of severe poisoning, do not made him vomit. Immediately take the dog to the vet. Some signs that indicate severe poisoning include:
- Hard to breath
- Looks depressed
- Seizure
- Slow heart rate
- Unconscious
Step 3. Avoid using ipecac (a type of plant rhizome from South America) or salt to make the dog vomit
Ipecac syrup was once recommended to induce vomiting in dogs. However, this material will remain in the stomach and can irritate the stomach if not vomited. Salt is also not recommended anymore because it can be toxic to dogs if given in large quantities.
Step 4. Make the dog vomit as soon as possible
If possible, make the dog vomit no later than 2 hours after the animal ingested the toxic substance. After 2 hours have elapsed, the poison will move to the intestines, which renders vomiting ineffective.
