When & How to Safely Induce Vomiting in Dogs: Expert-Backed Tips

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If you think your dog has ingested something harmful, like a toxin or foreign object, making it vomit can prevent serious illness and even death. This may sound like your go-to solution, but there are situations when it isn’t safe for your dog. In this article, we'll explain when it’s okay to make your dog throw up at home and walk you through how to do it properly. We’ll also discuss when to avoid making a dog vomit (and what you should do instead). Take a deep breath—we're here to help.

Things You Should Know

  • Induce vomiting within 2 hours if your dog swallowed antifreeze, chocolate, or grapes. Never make a dog throw up after ingesting a sharp object.
  • Measure out 1 tsp (5 ml) of [1] for every 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog's body weight.
  • Use a dropper to put the peroxide on the back of your dog’s tongue. You can also soak a cotton ball in peroxide and squeeze it into your dog's mouth.
Section 1 of 5:

What do I do if my dog ingests something harmful?

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    Call a vet or animal poison control center if your dog ingests a toxin or object. For your dog’s safety, only attempt to induce vomiting at home under extreme circumstances. Call an emergency hotline to confirm the circumstances and provide as much information as possible so they can instruct you on what to do next. [1] Be ready to explain:
    • What your dog ingested and how long it’s been
    • Your dog’s current symptoms
    • Your dog’s size and breed [2]
      • If you don’t know who to call, try the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. [3] You can also live chat with a vet using the AskAVeterinarian website.
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Section 2 of 5:

When is it safe to make a dog vomit at home?

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    After 2 hours, the toxin will be in your dog’s intestines and vomiting will no longer be effective. [4] If your dog is within the 2-hour time frame, call an emergency pet hotline to confirm inducing vomiting is the right move. You can keep them on the line for guidance during the process, too. [5] You can also consider inducing vomiting if your dog swallows:
    • Grapes or raisins
    • Aspirin
    • Toxic plants, such as azaleas and daffodils
    • Rat poison
    • Human medicines [6]
Section 3 of 5:

When is it too dangerous to make a dog vomit?

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    Making a dog throw up a sharp object may cause additional internal injuries. There are a few other situations when inducing vomiting is too dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Never induce vomiting if your dog is:
    • Having a seizure or recently had a seizure
    • Lethargic
    • Unresponsive or unconscious
    • Already vomiting [7]
    • If your dog is in one of these situations, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice. [8]
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Make a Dog Vomit at Home

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    This may sound counterintuitive, but feeding your dog a little food actually increases the chances of vomiting and makes the vomit a little easier for your dog to pass. A small portion of canned food or a slice of toast will do the trick. [9]
    • If your dog refuses to eat, don’t waste time trying to force it.
    • Move your dog to a quiet area that will allow for easy cleanup.
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    Measure out 1 tsp (5 ml) of [2] per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog's body weight. If your vet or poison control center says it’s okay to induce vomiting, you can safely give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide to make it throw up. Use a measuring spoon to measure the right amount.
    • Measure carefully. Giving your dog too much peroxide can cause additional health problems. [10]
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    Draw up the hydrogen peroxide into an ear or eye dropper or a syringe. Drop the measured amount of hydrogen peroxide as far back on your dog’s tongue as you can. [11]
    • If you don't have a dropper or syringe, check your kitchen for a baster. Failing that, soak a cotton ball in peroxide and squeeze it into your dog's mouth.
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    Moving around will make the contents of your dog’s stomach mix with the hydrogen peroxide. Walk your dog for a few minutes to jumpstart the process. If your dog isn’t up to walking, gently shake or move its belly. [12]
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    Vomiting usually begins quickly after a dog ingests hydrogen peroxide—usually within 10 minutes. If your dog does not vomit after 10-15 minutes, give it a second dose of hydrogen peroxide. [13]
    • If your dog hasn’t thrown up after 2 doses of hydrogen peroxide, do not administer any more. Seek emergency assistance.
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Section 5 of 5:

Are there other ways to induce vomiting in dogs?

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    You may have heard about other ways to force your dog to throw up, but they aren’t safe. You could cause more harm than good or even seriously injure your dog if you try to use any of the following to induce vomiting: [14]
    • Your hands or fingers
    • Ipecac
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
    • Olive oil [15]

How Do You Make a Dog Throw Up?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Should I be concerned if my dog threw up out of nowhere?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No, dogs throw up on occasion. If they aren't acting strange or sick and they haven't eaten anything potentially dangerous, you probably shouldn't worry about it too much.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 17
  • Question
    What should I do if I'm not sure what my dog ate was dangerous?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Grab the packaging or look up the contents of whatever they ate online and call your vet. Ask them if what they've eaten is dangerous. If your vet isn't around or they aren't sure, call ASPCA's animal control.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Can I give my dog hydrogen peroxide at home?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    You theoretically could, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's much safer to have a vet do this so that they can administer a safe amount and see how your dog responds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Sharp objects can damage the lining of the stomach or esophagus. If you know your dog swallowed a sharp object, do not get your dog to vomit.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.stlouisanimalemergencyclinic.org/site/blog/2022/02/08/dogs-vomiting
      2. ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/news/it-ever-safe-induce-vomiting
      4. ↑ https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/when-not-use-emetics-dogs-and-cats
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/news/it-ever-safe-induce-vomiting
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-grapes/
      7. ↑ https://www.stlouisanimalemergencyclinic.org/site/blog/2022/02/08/dogs-vomiting
      8. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8198651/
      1. ↑ https://www.cwba.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Working-dog-safety-and-first-aid.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.cwba.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Working-dog-safety-and-first-aid.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/disease-risks-dogs-social-settings
      4. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/disease-risks-dogs-social-settings
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-coconut-oil-good-for-dogs/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your dog has swallowed antifreeze, chocolate, grapes, medication, or a poisonous plant and you need to induce vomiting, start by getting your dog to eat something small, like some canned food or a piece of bread, which will make vomiting easier. If your dog won't eat, skip this step and move on. Next, use an ear or eye dropper to feed your dog 1 tablespoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds your dog weighs. After you administer the hydrogen peroxide, take your dog for a walk or gently shake its stomach so it vomits. To learn how to tell if you should take your dog to the vet instead of inducing vomiting, scroll down.

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