---
title: How to Make a Dog Throw Up | Learn How to Induce Vomiting in a Dog 
description: Learn how to make a dog throw up safely by learning about inducing vomiting in your canine companion. Discover various methods how to make a dog vomit, including how to make a dog throw up after swallowing a foreign object, ensuring your pet's well-being.
lastUpdated: 2025-10-02T19:05:02.000Z
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# How to Make a Dog Throw Up: Inducing Vomiting in a Dog

Written by [Amanda Chambers DVM](/waterbowl/author/amanda-chambers-dvm)

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![This brown dog with a shiny coat looks guilty as it sits on a soft white cushion bed, having ingested a foreign object. If you're wondering how to induce vomiting in a dog safely, it's important to consult a veterinarian for guidance.](//images.ctfassets.net/nx3pzsky0bc9/6lTfFwXT9sne2unF6Ns4Wl/73ff1e9dd1cd4419369979d9955bd394/sad_guilt_dog_after_ingesting_something_-_to_induce_vomiting.png?w=355)

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Key points

- Always contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline before attempting to induce vomiting.
- Veterinarians use safer medications like apomorphine rather than hydrogen peroxide for vomit induction.
- Watch out: Never induce vomiting if your dog ate glass, bones, or corrosive substances.


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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](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/my-dog-drank-coffee-is-coffee-bag-for-dogs)? What about if your [dog eats chocolate](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/chocolate-toxicity)? 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](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/). 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](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/dog-insurance) 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](https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/) 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](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/managing-seizures). 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](https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=14365&catId=73691&id=7259388) 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](https://vetextension.wsu.edu/2018/01/06/medical-use-of-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.

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## Inducing Vomiting in a Dog Questions

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### Is hydrogen peroxide safe to make my dog throw up?
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Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended as a safe method to induce vomiting in dogs. While historically used at home, it can cause severe complications including esophageal irritation and aspiration pneumonia, where fluid accidentally enters the lungs. [Veterinarians use much safer and more effective medications like apomorphine](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-clevor-ropinirole-ophthalmic-solution-induce-vomiting-dogs) or ropinirole that have higher success rates with fewer risks. Always contact your veterinarian first rather than attempting home remedies.



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### When should you not induce vomiting in dogs?
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[Never induce vomiting](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2022/07/27/pharmacists-corner-clevor-ropinirole-vs-apomorphine-for-emetic-use-in-dogs/) if your dog ate sharp objects like glass or cooked chicken bones, corrosive materials like household cleaners or batteries, or if more than 2-4 hours have passed since ingestion. Also avoid vomit induction if your dog appears weak, disoriented, or is experiencing seizure-like activity. These situations require immediate veterinary care instead, as inducing vomiting could cause additional harm or injury to your pet's esophagus.



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### What should I do if my dog ate something toxic?
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![Expand](-)

First, don't panic and gather information about what your dog ate, how much, and when it happened. Immediately contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance. They'll determine whether inducing vomiting is appropriate based on the specific substance and timing. Quick intervention leads to better outcomes, so prompt professional consultation is essential rather than attempting home treatment methods.



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### How long after eating something bad can you make a dog vomit?
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Vomit induction is most effective within the first 2-4 hours after your dog ingests something harmful. After this timeframe, the substance has likely been absorbed into the system or moved past the stomach, making vomiting less beneficial. If you discover your dog ate something concerning hours later or the next morning, your veterinarian will likely focus on supportive care rather than attempting to induce vomiting.



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### What do vets use to make dogs throw up safely?
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Veterinarians use prescription medications like apomorphine or ropinirole to safely induce vomiting in dogs. These medications can be administered as injections or eye drops and have much higher success rates than home remedies like hydrogen peroxide. After vomiting, vets may also administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins, provide fluids for recovery, and give anti-nausea injections to help your dog feel better more quickly.



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### How can I prevent my dog from eating dangerous things?
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![Expand](-)

Keep toxic substances like chocolate, grapes, onions, medications, and household cleaners stored high in cabinets and out of reach. Use lockable trash bins to prevent scavenging and keep laundry picked up if your dog tends to chew clothing. Choose appropriately sized, durable toys for your pet. Even with precautions, accidents happen, so having a plan and pet insurance can help you respond quickly and afford emergency treatment when needed.



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![Amanda Chambers DVM](//images.ctfassets.net/nx3pzsky0bc9/70M8oeyUYMguitR3KkL5N8/7553f48e768c0b2fd84987e825920aee/amanda-chambers.jpeg?w=225)

## Written by

### Amanda Chambers DVM

Amanda Chambers is a full-time small animal general practitioner based in Kansas City, MO. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Northwest Missouri State University and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. While Amanda treats a variety of conditions in dogs and cats, her primary interests lie in dermatology and soft tissue surgery. She shares her home with her husband, Jake, their two cats, Lilly and Creed, and a Golden Retriever named Malcolm. Outside of her profession as a veterinarian, Amanda is passionate about editing and reading.

[Read More ->](/waterbowl/author/amanda-chambers-dvm)
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