Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

How to Make Pets Vomit

by | Oct 9, 2022 | Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Emergency Help | 8 comments

As a part of National Pet Wellness Month, it seemed a good time to revisit the issue of vomiting. A dog vomits more easily than nearly any other creature. So why in the world would a pet parent want to make pets vomit? When dogs or cats eat the wrong thing that could cause harm, you can save your pets’ lives by inducing vomiting.

Pets vomit for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s because of illness, while other times the dog vomiting or cat hairball upchuck is more innocuous. Some pets eat grass to induce vomiting, or they get into dangerous candy that makes them sick. However, sometimes making pets vomit means life or death. That means you need to know how to make pets vomit.

With a new puppy in the house, we had to be better about puppy proofing. Shadow-Pup likes to play with cat toys–but they’re so small, they present a choking risk for big dogs like Bravo. When dogs swallow the wrong object, getting rid of it prevents more dangerous risks. Here’s how to make dogs vomit.

make pets vomit

Why You Should Make Pets Vomit

Most often we think of cat or dog vomiting as a bad, scary thing, but learning how to make your pet vomit could actually save his life. I’ve written about this before, but lately, I’ve had a number of messages from frantic pet owners along the lines of:

“HOLY SHITAKE! My dog just ate (raisins, Old Spice deodorant, chocolate, extension cord…) what do I do?”

Of course, a vet visit is needed, but pets seem to “indulge” in these activities after the clinic has closed. And frankly, sometimes you need first aid immediately to reduce potential problems or even death.

When Should You NOT Make Pets Vomit

There are cases where you should NOT make your pet vomit. Sharp objects need a vet’s attention immediately, and solutions like laundry detergent and drain cleaners, or petroleum products can burn coming back up just as much as going down. And it can become a choking danger with some poisons that cause swelling of the throat. Also, the stomach typically empties into the intestines in about 2 hours, and after that, vomiting won’t help.

man in white shirt holding a cat breed Don Sphynx on his hands. isolated on white. close-up

Small foreign objects may pass within 24-72 hours, and you need to examine the stool to be sure everything comes out all right. *ahem* With swallowed coins, though, do NOT wait for them to pass. The metal made to create coins, once hit with digestive juices, can cause copper or zinc toxicity–these items need surgical removal.

But for many toxic substances and non-sharp foreign objects, making them vomit can save pets’ lives. You can find more first aid help in my book, THE FIRST AID COMPANION FOR DOGS AND CATS, with advice from 70+ veterinarian ER specialists.

Veterinarians will tell you to call them first. In a perfect world, that’s exactly what you SHOULD do. There are times, though, when a veterinarian isn’t available and first aid is just that–FIRST aid, that saves the life of the pet until you can get professional help. Here’s what to do in those instances.

HOW TO MAKE PETS VOMIT

  1. Give him a meal. That dilute poison, delays its absorption, and for solid objects, may increase digestive juices to get rid of rough edges, or simply pad the object. It’s also harder to induce vomiting when the pet’s stomach is too empty.
  2. Give 3% hydrogen peroxide with an eyedropper, syringe without a needle or even a squirt gun or turkey baster. It tastes nasty and foams, and that combination usually prompts vomiting in about five minutes. You can repeat this dose two or three times, with five minutes between doses.
  3. You’d think cats would be easy to induce vomiting (they “whoops” regularly with hairballs, after all) but they can be tough. Don’t wait for kitties if they don’t empty their tummy after one dose. Get them help.
  4. Syrup of Ipecac is effective for dogs. Ipecac takes longer to work than hydrogen peroxide, though, and the dose should only be given once. Give one teaspoon for dogs less than 35 pounds, and up to a tablespoon for larger dogs. DO NOT give to cats.
  5. Call the veterinarian for further instructions after the pet has emptied his stomach. If you can’t induce vomiting after a couple of tries, prompt veterinary care is even more important. In cases of suspected poison, take a sample of the vomit with you to the veterinarian to analyze and offer an antidote or other follow-up measures.

Has your dog or cat ever eaten something they shouldn’t? What was it? And what happened? How did you prevent a repeat of the episode? Do tell!

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Martha

    Oh where to start? Schipperkes are food-oriented. Our pair have eaten chocolate on more than one occasion. Mostly H2O2 worked. Once when we had a visiting dachshund & we had to give them both H2O2. Worst was when Wolfie (18 lbs) got hold of super dark chocolate and in the 15 minutes it took to get him to the vet his heart rate was well over 200.
    He also got into a visitor’s trash and consumed *six* tampons. We had no idea how many or how serious, and being July 4th, we hit the emergency vet. It took all day.
    The very worst was when we were in temp housing with wooden fencing. In 10 minutes, Emeril dug under it and escaped. He found what we believe was a large rodent poisoned by a neurotoxin. It’s a very long story, but it was nearly 24 hours before they could get his seizures to stop in order to operate to remove a quart ziplock of rodent and he was in a coma for 4 days and not expected to live, or might live but be severely brain damaged. Amazingly, he woke up and was fine. Expensive? Oh yeah, and worth every penny.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Oh my goodness, you’ve had way too much experience with this! Hopefully, the gulping days are done, thanks for sharing your experiences!

      Reply
  2. Jana Rade

    Always have to think whether it’s going to cause more damage when coming back up. Once we had to make Cookie throw up when she found outside and ate something which might have been a brownie. While talking to a vet about the amount of chocolate for Cookie’s size she just springs the question if I’m sure it was not a pot brownie. Ugh. I wasn’t sure enough … Cookie did not enjoy that.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Jana, exactly right. There are some kinds of ingested substances that are equally (or more) dangerous coming back up.

      Reply
  3. Susan C. Willett

    We’ve done the hydrogen peroxide thing. Also, when my dog Tucker chewed on a pool thermometer, the folks at ASPCA poison control told me to feed him bread to absorb stuff as well.
    –Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Yep, some specific items are helped with bread, some with milk or water. Very true! Glad Tucker was okay!

      Reply
  4. Glogirly and Katie

    My Katie is the queen of wanting to eat things she shouldn’t. A 3′ piece of skinny pink ribbon when she was just 2 years old resulted in emergency surgery. Very traumatic, very scary and very expensive. I have to be diligent about keeping small enticing objects tucked safely away. Fortunately I’m very close to 24 hour emergency care, but knowing how to quickly induce vomiting is SO helpful. thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Prim and proper Katie does that? Hoo boy…those string-type objects are very dangerous.

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Puppy Proofing: Top 10 Tips to Save Dog Lives for National Puppy Day!AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] But a swallowed sock can stop up his innards–learn how, and when, and why you might want to make…
  2. Weird Stuff Dogs Eat: Why Dogs Eat Grass, Eat Dirt & Eat Poop - […] garbage disposals. These dogs chew and suck down rocks and sticks. In these cases, you may need to make…
  3. Swallowed Objects & Dogs: Symptoms & First Aid for Dogs Eating Objects - […] still in the stomach. If the object isn’t sharp, feed your pet a small meal first, and then induce vomiting. The…
  4. Puppy Vomiting & Why Dogs Vomit: How to Treat Puppy Vomiting At Home - […] cases of poisoning or swallowing dangerous objects, you may need to induce vomiting. Learning how to make puppies vomit…
  5. First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives - […] Hydrogen peroxide (3%): given orally to prompt vomiting […]
  6. Puppy Diarrhea! Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea & When to Call Vet - […] you also dealing with vomiting? Learn more about dog vomiting and what you can do in this post about…
  7. Easter Lilies Danger for Cats: A Deadly Combination - […] poisons require very specific first aid. Usually that will be either 1) induce vomiting, (cats do this on their…
  8. Canine Bloat Kills Dogs: Know the Signs, Save A Life - […] bloat occurs, the stomach contents cannot be expelled either by vomiting, burping, or by passing into the intestines. The…
  9. 5 Valentine's Day Pet Safety Tips for Cats & Dogs - […] The best way to make dogs vomit is to first feed a small meal (that dilutes the poison and…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Name That Hero Dog for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO DOG contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO DOG requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO CAT character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

Name That Hero Cat for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO CAT contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO CAT requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO DOG character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO CAT

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

September & Shadow Audiobook Trilogy only $2.99!

In a lead up to the release of thriller #7 DARE OR DIE, I’ve discounted the first three books in the September & Shadow Thriller Series in a CHIRP deal yee-haw! So if you’ve not yet listened, here’s your chance to get all 3 for under $3.

LOST AND FOUND (#1) kicks off the saga, with September searching for her missing nephew in a snowstorm–aided by Shadow the service dog.

HIDE AND SEEK (#2) shares September’s tragic backstory when a stalker from her past finds her, and Shadow helps her heal.

SHOW AND TELL (#3) gives previous victims the chance to become heroes, helping September and Shadow vanquish a deadly drug dealer.

All three books combine in the trilogy (audio), discounted from $24.99 to $2.99 for a limited time at these links…

Leaving Pets Behind: Choosing Pet Sitters

When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. After delaying plans for over two years due to the virus, many of us now will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members. That’s where pet sitters come in. This week is the 29th annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™ — do you have a pet sitter for your furry wonders? Here’s what you need to know!

Cover Reveal: DARE OR DIE, a September & Shadow Thriller #7

COVER REVEAL for the latest September & Shadow Thriller! If you love thrillers, mysteries, or suspense that include pets, watch this space for DARE OR DIE, coming soon! In each of my thrillers, I include HERO PETS nominated by readers and voted on by the public. In the past, the books have included every day dogs and cats, service animals, and beloved companions that now live on in the stories. Last week, I announced the latest contest, and today I sent out the invitation to nominate pets to my newsletter list. The suggestions already started pouring in. Watch this space to VOTE on your pick for HERO CAT and HERO DOG.

AAHA: THE STANDARD OF VETERINARY EXCELLENCE

While I was at the BlogPaws conference some years ago, I attended a special session sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.org). Having previously worked as a vet tech, I’m familiar with this organization and learned even more during the presentation by Dr. Heather Loenser. If you’re not familiar with this wonderful organization, here’s what you need to know.

What Is AAHA?

The American Animal Hospital Association, founded 82 years ago, is a voluntary accrediting organization for small animal hospitals in the United States. That’s right…accreditation is VOLUNTARY, and it is not required by law. Only 12-15% of animal hospitals have gone through the rigorous and stringent evaluation process to attain this distinction.

That’s not to say that animal hospitals without AAHA-accreditation don’t offer great care from talented and dedicated veterinarians. Dr. Loenser noted that to achieve accreditation requires cooperation and dedication from the entire staff, from veterinarians and technicians to front desk staff and everyone who has a “paw” in the success of the practice.

6 Easy Fresh Breath Tips & How to Brush Doggy & Kitty Teeth (Without Getting Bit!)

Do you brush dog teeth? How about brushing cat teeth? The AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February to help prevent pet dental problems.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

But it’s never too late (or too soon) to get your pets’ pearly whites checked out by your veterinarian. Often the doctor has some great tips for keeping cat teeth clean and dog breath at bay, including how to brush doggy teeth.

Does the thought of brushing dog teeth make you cringe, roll your eyes, whimper, slink away–and feel guilty? You’re not alone. But once that puppy-sweet breath morphs into curl-your-eyebrows stench, it’s long past the time to address that stink-icity.

Inspirational Book Giveaway & Thriller Teaser Info

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you… Most times I send these notices out to my newsletter, but this offer (sorta-kinda different for me!) begs sharing widely. I’ve teamed up with 50+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Inspirational Fiction & Non-Fiction books to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and read on for a hint about the upcoming thriller DARE OR DIE and how to nominate YOUR special pet for a hero pet character!

Does Your Pet Have Paunch? How to Know They’re Overweight & What to Do

Ok, who doesn’t love a little paunch on your favorite pet? I have to admit a round puppy or kitten tummy just begs to be cuddled. Adult cats commonly have a pouch–primordial pouch–that won’t go away even when they weigh the right amount. Even wild cats have this extra-belly, possibly as an added protection from tooth-and-claw, or to give more flexibility when running. But more than that and it’s important to recognize when it’s a sign of something serious or is putting your pet at risk of long-term harm.

I get it. The chubby look on some pets can literally melt hearts! 😍But as someone who has been in this industry long enough, I know that a little chubbiness can lead to some pretty large and serious health issues. Paunch and obesity in pets are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at pet paunch and what you can do to help manage your pet’s weight.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 87% of veterinary professionals surveyed consider pet obesity a disease. But the same survey found that fewer pet owners think their pets are obese versus the general percentages that actually are. This means a lot of pet parents aren’t recognizing that pudge as a potential problem.

Top 5 Dog Exercises to Keep Fido Fit and Strong for Life

It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. I walk on my desk treadmill every day to keep my joints loose and muscles toned. The Pet Health Network notes that obesity can lead to future health issues like arthritis, heart and breathing issues, and can even take two years off your dog’s life!

I love sharing pet health tips from other pet professionals. But always check with your veterinarian about your own dog’s specific issues, to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are my top five fitness tips for dogs.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships