How To Make Your Dog Throw Up and Why You'd Want To

Let's face it, if you have a dog, you have had or will have a time that they eat something they should not eat. Can we agree on that? Maybe it was something from the trash, or something in the yard outside, maybe it was a human medication or something plastic that is not meant to be eaten by anyone. Vomiting can be a quick way to get the substance out of their body.

When it comes to your dog’s health, knowing when and when not to induce vomiting can be a difficult decision. In some cases, inducing vomiting can be beneficial for your pup, while in other situations it can be dangerous. It is important to understand when and when not to induce vomiting in your dog.

I am super conservative in my recommendations and so I always suggest checking with your vet before inducing vomiting in your dog or cat. Here's a couple of reasons why.

1. They may throw it up on their own. And then you don't need to intervene.

2. Caustic materials like batteries may do more harm coming back up rather than being passed through the digestive system.

3. I worry about the airway and would want extreme caution if the pet is lethargic or sleepy or even has a small head or airway putting them at risk for aspiration pneumonia.

It is generally recommended to induce vomiting in your dog if they have ingested a toxic substance, such as antifreeze, chocolate, or medication. If your dog has ingested something that is potentially poisonous, inducing vomiting can help to get rid of the toxin before it can cause any serious harm. However, it is important to note that you should only induce vomiting if your dog has ingested the substance within the last two hours. If it has been more than two hours, it is best to contact your veterinarian for advice.

On the other hand, common sense tells you that inducing vomiting should not be done if your dog has ingested a sharp object, such as a piece of glass or a nail. In this case, the object could cause further damage if it is vomited back up.

Like I indicated above, inducing vomiting should not be done if your dog is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, or is showing any other signs of illness. In these cases, it is imperative to contact your veterinarian immediately.In conclusion, it is important to understand when and when not to induce vomiting in your dog. Let your vet be your guide.

If your vet instructs you to do so, you will be glad you have the necessary materials in your first aid kit. Hydrogen peroxide 3% is what most of them will have you use. Having a syringe for dosing it and administering it can be super handy.

Check out my free resources about starting a first aid kit for your dog as well as the dosing guidelines and instructions for inducing vomiting. We hope you never need to use any item from your first aid kit for pets but nonetheless hope you have a plan and the things you need just in case.