How to Make a Dog Throw Up (And When You Shouldn't)

You may need to make your dog throw up after they've eaten something dangerous. Yet, not all situations call for this and sometimes, making a dog vomit can cause more problems. For this reason, it's just as important to know when you should not induce vomiting as it is to know how to do it. Here's what pet parents need to know before trying to make a dog throw up.

When to Make a Dog Throw Up

Making a dog vomit is not always the best course of action, so it should only be done under the recommendation of a veterinarian or a pet poison control expert. 

Inducing vomiting is sometimes the fastest and most effective way to minimize the dangerous effects of a hazardous substance. When toxic foods or medications are ingested, symptoms may develop in as little as 20 minutes or take days to occur. Intervention before the toxin is fully absorbed or the foreign material moves into the intestines can sometimes make a world of difference.

A vet may advise you to induce vomiting if your dog ate:

• Metal objects, such as coins, can cause zinc toxicity as they sit in the GI tract1

• Toxic foods, such as grapes and chocolate

• Toxic medications, such as ibuprofen

• Fabric items, such as socks or underwear

• Toys or plastic items

If you witness a dog swallowing a dangerous substance or find evidence of it (such as candy wrappers or an open bottle of pills), the first thing you should do is contact a veterinarian.

When Not to Make a Dog Throw Up

Some swallowed objects and poisons are just as dangerous coming back up as they are going down. Sharp, jagged, or very large items can cause injury to the esophagus and mouth when forcibly pushed through the upper GI tract. Certain toxins are extremely irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes, and they may even become more harmful when mixed with stomach acids. These can further irritate the esophagus and mouth if they pass through them a second time.

Do not induce vomiting if your dog ate:

• Sharp objects such as pins, tacks, shards of glass or plastic, screws, needles, hooks, or other pointy items

• Toxic chemicals

• Acids (such as bleach or drain cleaner)

• Alkali liquids (such as ammonia or laundry detergent)

• Motor oil or gasoline

• Paint or paint thinner

• Toxic houseplants

• Batteries, which may leak acid and cause chemical burns to the stomach and esophagus

Instead, place a call to your vet or pet poison control immediately. Better yet, bring your dog to the nearest open veterinary facility. A vet may need to remove swallowed objects via surgery or endoscopy. For swallowed toxins, they will administer treatment to prevent absorption of the toxin and treat any signs of poisoning.

How to Make a Dog Throw Up Using Hydrogen Peroxide

If a veterinarian has advised you to induce vomiting at home, they'll tell you to use hydrogen peroxide. In most cases, it's best to bring your dog directly to the vet because they have medications that can induce vomiting more safely and effectively. You can induce vomiting in a dog up to 3 hours after they ingest a foreign substance or object, but the sooner, the better.

Before you try to make your dog throw up, you'll need to gather a few supplies:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide (ensure it is fresh and not expired; an unopen bottle will work best)

• Syringe (no needle), eyedropper, or turkey baster

• Towels

• Puppy pads (optional, but these can make cleanup easier)

• Another person to help, if possible

Ask your vet if it's appropriate to feed a small meal first. It's harder for a dog to vomit on an empty stomach, and food may act as padding and lubricant when the item comes back up. You'll also need to ask your vet what the appropriate dose is for your dog. A typical dose is 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) per 5 pounds of body weight, but no more than 3 tablespoons total. Most dogs will vomit within a few minutes, but you can repeat this dose once if necessary.2

Here's how to make your dog throw up:

1. Bring your dog to an area like a kitchen or bathroom and place puppy pads (if using) on the floor.

2. Gently wrap a towel around your dog's neck to act as a bib. Dogs don't enjoy the taste of hydrogen peroxide, so some of it will likely drip out of your dog's mouth.

3. If you have the help of another person, ask them to crouch behind your dog to hold them still.

4. Draw up the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide in your syringe (or similar tool)

5. Hold your dog's muzzle and squirt or drop the liquid into one side of the mouth, aiming towards the back of the mouth

6. Wait five minutes for the dog to vomit. You can repeat steps 1-5 one time only if your dog does not throw up the first time.

7. If your dog does not vomit within about ten minutes of the second dose, head to the nearest open vet office.

Call your vet back after your dog has vomited. You may need to inspect the vomit for foreign objects or collect a sample for your vet. You may still need to go to the vet for follow-up treatment to give your pup the best chance at survival.

Important Information in Case of Poisoning

The best way to deal with problem poisons or dangerous items is to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Place child-proof locks on cupboards, keep sweet candy and pills out of reach, and puppy-proof your home. However, accidents happen, so it's best to be prepared.

In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following contact information should be included:

• Your primary veterinarian

• One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics

• ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee applies)

• Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 (fee applies)

• An emergency contact number for you and your dog's co-owner (if applicable).