Making Dogs Throw Up Safely: Vet’s 2025 Guide to Home Induction & When to Seek Help 🐶⚠️ 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hi—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and Ask A Vet founder. In cases of toxin or foreign object ingestion, carefully inducing vomiting can be lifesaving—if done correctly. This vet‑approved guide covers:

• When inducing vomiting is advised—or absolutely contraindicated
• Vet‑safe methods in the clinic
• How to safely induce vomiting at home (under guidance)
• Risks and home‑remedies to avoid
• Emergency warning signs
• Ask A Vet tracking tools for emesis events

1. When Should You Induce Vomiting?

• Consult your vet or poison control before doing anything.
• Typically useful within 2–3 hours of ingestion of toxins or foreign objects.
• Do not induce vomiting if your dog ingested caustic substances, sharp items, batteries, or if they’re lethargic, comatose, seizing, or brachycephalic.

2. Veterinary‑Administered Emesis

• Apomorphine (injection): Effective in 94% of cases within 15 minutes.
• Clevor (ropinirole eyedrops): FDA‑approved; induces vomiting in ~95% within 30 minutes.

3. Home Emesis: Hydrogen Peroxide

• Only use 3% hydrogen peroxide, under vet instruction.
• Dosage: ~1 tsp (5 ml) per 10 lb body weight; max 3 Tbsp (45 ml).
• Place dose orally with syringe/baster; walk dog lightly; expect vomiting in 10–15 min—repeat once only.
• Collect vomitus to show vet; seek follow‑ups regardless of outcome.

4. DANGEROUS Home Remedies to Avoid

• No ipecac—can cause heart rhythm issues.
• No salt, mustard, milk, olive oil—risk of toxicity, pancreatitis, or aspiration.
• No manual gagging—can injure your dog and put you at risk.

5. Risks of Improper Emesis

• Aspiration pneumonia, esophageal damage, mouth lesions.
• Improper use of peroxide solutions or additives may harm your dog.

6. Emergency Warning Signs

• Persistent vomiting (>45 min), lethargy, collapse, breathing difficulty.
• Blood in vomit, seizures, severe abdominal pain.
• If ingestion was late (>3 hrs), corrosive, or unknown—get to vet immediately.

7. Ask A Vet Tracking Tools

• Record ingestion time, type of emetic used, dose, outcome
• Log symptoms: panting, drooling, distress during and after emesis
• Receive alerts for repeat vomiting, lethargy, or red-flag signs
• Access follow‑up routines: charcoal use, hydration checks, vet visits

📌 Final Thoughts from a Vet

Inducing vomiting can be lifesaving in the right scenario—but must be done with care. Veterinary-administered emetics are safest. In emergencies, only 3% hydrogen peroxide, under proper guidance, should be used. Avoid home “fixes” like salt, ipecac, or oil. After any emesis, monitor closely and seek veterinary follow-up. Ask A Vet helps you log, track, and understand your pup’s care every step of the way. 🐾❤️