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We've all been there - the moment your dog looks at you with that guilty grin after devouring something they shouldn't have. But before you panic and reach for the hydrogen peroxide, there are safer ways to handle this messy situation. Learn how to recognize emergencies and what steps to take (including when NOT to induce vomiting) to keep your furry friend safe.
As a vet, I encourage owners to be prepared when it comes to unexpected and emergency situations with their pets. Dogs ingest things they shouldn’t from time to time, from toxic foods to dropped medications to toys or garments that can cause a blockage. The first step in being prepared for such a situation is educating ourselves as pet owners. Are you aware of the toxicity of grapes, onions or coffee for dogs? What about if your dog eats chocolate? Many common human foods can be potentially harmful to your pet, so preventing exposure is key.
Prepare and Prevent the Need for Your Dog to Thow Up
Do your best to keep your pup from eating things they shouldn’t. Always keep known toxic substances out of reach and hidden away from your curious pup. This may involve putting food items high up in the cabinets and disposing of waste in a lockable trash bin. For those canines who enjoy chewing on and ingesting clothing items, always keep laundry picked up to avoid tempting them into a dangerous snack. Choose toys that are durable and an appropriate size for your pet.
However, we all know dogs will find something to get into. So, the second step I recommend in being prepared for the unexpected is obtaining pet insurance. Even as a vet, I have pet insurance for my own dog. Urgent visits to make a dog throw up after swallowing a foreign object or toxic substance can become expensive, especially if hospitalization or surgical removal is required. Embrace pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage to help protect you and your pet from the financial burdens that can come with an emergency visit. Pet insurance for dogs allows you to get the gold standard treatment without hesitation, ensuring the best possible outcomes in sometimes scary situations.
When to Induce Vomiting in Dogs
If your dog gets into something toxic or ingests a foreign object that could potentially cause a blockage (sock, rock, toy, etc.), your first move should always be to contact your veterinarian. If this situation takes place when they are closed, contact a local emergency veterinary clinic or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Before calling for help, gather information about what your dog has eaten, including the amount and time of ingestion. This will enable the veterinarian or poison control expert to provide appropriate guidance, as vomiting may not be the ideal solution in every case.
When Not to Induce Vomiting in Dogs
Vomit induction is not likely beneficial if performed 2-4 hours post ingestion as things have likely already been absorbed or may have moved on past the stomach. If a client waits until morning to call about something their dog ate last night, there is not much we can do to intervene besides offer supportive care.
Additionally, certain substances can cause more damage or get stuck if they attempt to come back up. For example, if your dog chews up and ingests something like glass or cooked chicken bones, these can be very sharp and cause esophageal injury. Corrosive materials like certain household cleaners or batteries can also cause harm to the esophagus or get stuck when attempting to come back up.
Vomit induction should never be attempted in pets who seem weak or disoriented or who are experiencing seizure-like activity. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms after ingesting something, bring them to the vet immediately.
How to Induce Vomiting in a Dog
Should your vet recommend inducing vomiting, it's best to have them carry out the procedure at their facility to ensure it's done safely and effectively. Historically, owners have used 3% hydrogen peroxide at home at a dose of 5mL per 10 lbs body weight (not to exceed 45mL) to induce vomiting within 15 minutes. I do not recommend this. This is considered a last resort because there are much safer and more effective ways to induce vomiting in your pet. Owners can inadvertently cause extreme irritation to the esophagus or even aspiration pneumonia, a severe condition where fluid accidentally goes down into the lungs instead of being swallowed. It’s best to just leave it to the professionals if at all possible!
When you arrive at the vet’s office, they will administer your dog a medication such as apomorphine or ropinirole to attempt vomit induction. This may be in the form of an injection or an eye drop. While these methods are not always 100% successful, they have a much higher success rate than hydrogen peroxide and are safer. I always collect the dog’s vomit to look through it for the object or food of concern. After vomiting is complete, depending on what was ingested, your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to help absorb any toxic substance that could be left behind. To help your dog's system recover and flush out any toxins, your veterinarian might recommend fluids. If the culprit comes up, I like to give an anti-nausea injection afterwards to help the patient feel better sooner.
Prompt Action When You Need your Dog to Throw Up
If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, do not panic. Remember step one is to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline to determine the best course of action based on what was ingested, how much and when. Step two is getting your pet to the vet’s office promptly to induce vomiting if advised to do so. Quick intervention in these situations leads to better outcomes.
Your dog is more than just a pet; they're family. When faced with an emergency, it's natural to want to help them immediately. However, inducing vomiting yourself should always be a last resort and is best done under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are specific instances where it can be more harmful than helpful. Always prioritize your pet's safety and seek professional advice. Your love and care will make all the difference in ensuring their health and happiness.