Dogs sometimes eat things they should not. This can lead to health problems. Knowing how to make a dog throw up can help in an emergency. But it is not always safe. You must call a vet first. This guide covers when to do it, how to do it right, and what to watch for. It draws from vet advice to keep your dog safe.
Use our pet symptom checker to spot signs of trouble early. For food risks, check the pet food safety checker.
When to Induce Vomiting in Your Dog
Induce vomiting only if your dog ate a toxin within two hours. This removes the item before it moves deeper in the body. Common cases include chocolate, grapes, or meds. Act fast if your dog seems normal but you know what happened.
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US, try the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. They charge a fee but give clear steps. Or use Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Questions people often ask include: How much hydrogen peroxide for a dog? Will salt work? What if my dog ate something bad but won’t vomit? This guide answers those based on vet sources.
Do not wait if your dog shows signs like shaking or weakness. See our post on why is my dog shaking for more on symptoms.
- Time limit: Best within 2 hours of eating the bad item.
- Dog’s state: Your dog must be awake and alert.
- What was eaten: Safe for most toxins but not all (see below).
For breed info, take our pet breed finder quiz to learn risks for your dog’s type.
When Not to Make Your Dog Throw Up
Not every case needs vomiting. It can cause harm in some spots. Skip it if the item could scratch on the way back up. Or if it is a chemical that burns.
From top vet sites, avoid inducing vomit for:
- Sharp items like bones or needles. They might cut the throat. See our guide on how to house train your dog for tips on preventing such accidents.
- Corrosive stuff like bleach or drain cleaner. Vomiting spreads the burn.
- Oils or gas like gasoline. They go to lungs fast.
- If your dog is sleepy, seizing, or can’t swallow well.
- Breeds with flat faces like Pugs. They choke easier.
- More than 2 hours passed. The toxin might be in the gut already.
Related searches often cover: Can dogs eat mushrooms? Or is watermelon good for dogs? Check those posts: can dogs eat mushrooms and is watermelon good for dogs. Some foods are okay in small bits but toxic in large.
If unsure, use our pet compatibility checker for multi-pet homes where one might eat another’s food.
Always get vet okay. PetMD notes risks like lung issues from wrong moves.
How to Induce Vomiting Safely at Home
The only safe home way is 3% hydrogen peroxide. Get it from a drug store. Use fresh stuff that bubbles when poured. No higher strength—it burns.
Dosage for Hydrogen Peroxide
Measure by your dog’s weight. Give 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per 5 pounds. Max is 3 tablespoons (45 ml) for big dogs.
| Dog Weight | Dose Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | 1 teaspoon |
| 10-25 lbs | 2 teaspoons |
| 25-50 lbs | 1 tablespoon |
| Over 50 lbs | Up to 3 tablespoons |
Do not give more than twice. If no vomit in 15 minutes, stop and call vet. AKC and other sources agree on this dose as of 2025.
Use a syringe or turkey baster. No needles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps only after vet says yes.
- Weigh your dog if you can. Use our pet age calculator for related health checks.
- Measure the peroxide dose.
- Put your dog on a towel outside or in a spot easy to clean.
- Tilt the head a bit. Squirt into the side of the mouth. Let them swallow.
- Walk the dog for 10-15 minutes. This helps.
- Wait for vomit. It should come in 10-20 minutes.
From GSVS 2025 guide, watch close. If no luck, head to vet.
People also ask: How to make a dog vomit with fingers? Do not try. It does not work and hurts.
For tools, link to how much benadryl can i give my dog if allergies play in, but focus on toxin.
What to Do After Your Dog Throws Up
Vomit removes most but not all. Take your dog to the vet soon. They might need charcoal or fluids.
Watch for:
- More vomiting or diarrhea.
- Weakness or odd breathing.
- No eating or drinking.
Clean the area well. Check our post on how to get rid of dog urine smell for similar clean tips.
If pain seems likely, read what can i give my dog for pain. But no self-treat after this.
For toxin lists, see ASPCA’s guide at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many owners mess up by using salt or oil. Salt causes salt poisoning. Oil slips to lungs.
Do not stick fingers down throat. Dogs gag different than us.
Bemidji Vet warns: Wrong peroxide strength fails or harms.
Fenton PDF adds: Give food first if empty stomach, but skip if delay matters.
Related question: What if dog ate something but acts fine? Still call vet. Toxins act slow.
Prevention Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe
Stop problems before they start. Keep toxins out of reach. Use trash cans with locks.
- Store meds high up.
- Know bad foods: No grapes or onions. See what fruits can dogs eat.
- Train your dog. Try how to stop dog barking tips for basics.
- Name your pet right with pet name generator.
For grooming to spot issues, check how to groom your dog at home.
This keeps your dog healthy long-term. If in doubt, use our tools or see a vet.