Heave-Ho

VET ADVICE

If my dog eats something he shouldn’t, how do I know whether or not to make him vomit?

Dogs vomit very easily. This is a natural defense mechanism, since they are always eating things that they are not supposed to eat. Vomiting can be a quick way to remove a potentially harmful substance or object from your dog’s body. However, it is important to know how to make dogs throw up safely, and when you should not try to make them vomit.

If dogs eat something harmful, like human medication, a toxic food like chocolate or raisins, or something undigestible, such as a sock, it is possible they may vomit it up on their own. When that doesn’t happen, it could be a good idea to induce vomiting. This should only be done by your veterinarian or under the guidance of a veterinarian. If your regular vet is not open, contact a local emergency veterinarian or pet poison-control helpline for advice before you attempt to induce vomiting.

When should I induce vomiting?

If it has been less than one hour since your dog ingested something he should not have eaten.

If your dog has swallowed something that is poisonous to him, such as mushrooms, grapes, chocolate, medications, etc.

If your dog is not showing any signs of being poisoned yet.

If your dog has swallowed a soft foreign object, like a sock, cloth or other fabric.

If your dog does not have a medical condition that puts him at risk for inhaling his vomit into his lungs. Vomiting may result in aspiration pneumonia, which is a life-threatening disease. Conditions that may predispose a dog are collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis or an abnormal esophagus.

If your dog is not a brachycephalic breed. This would include the Pug, Bulldog, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, to name a few. The flattened face puts these breeds at higher risk for inhaling vomit into their lungs.

When should I NOT induce vomiting?

If your dog has swallowed a corrosive chemical, such as drain cleaner, oven cleaner, lime-removal products or batteries. Vomiting corrosive chemicals can cause additional damage to the esophagus.

If your dog has swallowed petroleum distillates or hydrocarbons. These are oily substances that can easily be inhaled into the lungs, which could lead to aspiration pneumonia.

If your dog has swallowed a sharp foreign object, such as glass or a needle.

If your dog is unconscious or having seizures.

If your dog is not fully awake or able to swallow properly.

If you are uncertain about what your dog ate.

If the foreign object has moved from the stomach into the intestines.

How can I safely make my dog vomit?

There are several methods for inducing vomiting. Your veterinarian has drugs and drops that can be used to induce vomiting. The only safe way to induce vomiting yourself is to give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in his mouth.

There are a few ways to successfully administer the 3% H2O2.  You can use a syringe without a needle or an eyedropper (depending on the size of the dog), or a squirt gun or turkey baster may do the trick. The dose of H2O2 for dogs is 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per five pounds of body weight, not to exceed 3 tablespoons (45 mL). Vomiting usually occurs within minutes, and the H2O2 can be repeated up to two times if not initially successful.

Use only hydrogen peroxide 3%. The stronger concentrations can be toxic. Administer the H2O2 carefully. Do not allow the dog to “inhale” the liquid. Once the dog has swallowed the dose of H2O2, rinse his mouth out with warm water to avoid irritation of the gums and tongue. Watch the dog closely after administering the H2O2, and do not allow him to re-ingest the vomited material. In certain cases, you may want to save all the vomited material for your veterinarian to examine.

Apomorphine is considered the drug of choice to induce vomiting by many veterinarians. However, availability and expense are an issue. The drug is an opioid that acts quickly and directly on the part of the central nervous system that triggers the vomit response. It can be administered orally, intravenously or subcutaneously. Using the tiny tablet form, it can be applied to the gums or placed in the eye between the eyeball and the lower lid. Vomiting usually occurs within five to 10 minutes.

Clevor is the brand name for ropinirole ophthalmic solution. It is a newer product that induces vomiting in dogs by placing drops into the dog’s eyes. Clevor is packaged in single-use vials. Gloves and protective eye wear should be worn when administering the drug. The number of drops needed is determined by the weight of the dog.

The mechanism of action of Clevor is similar to apomorphine. If the dog does not vomit within 20 minutes, a second dose can be applied.

I have used Clevor in my practice for several years with mixed results. Some cases respond well, and in other cases, I have had to resort to oral 3% hydrogen peroxide to get the desired effect. But since it is so easy to use and easy on the dogs, it is always worth trying.

What should I NOT use to induce vomiting?

Syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended for home use in humans or animals. The active ingredient is emetine, a toxic alkaloid, which produces vomiting by acting as a stomach irritant. If repeated use fails to induce vomiting, the stomach will then need to be flushed to remove the emetine in order to prevent additional toxicity.

Although sometimes suggested, sodium chloride (table salt) and powdered mustard should not be used. Mustard is rarely effective and can be inhaled, resulting in damage to the lungs. Salt toxicosis can easily occur in cases of overdose and cause fatal swelling of the brain.

Sticking your fingers down the dog’s throat is discouraged since it rarely works and may result in serious injury to both parties. Dogs do not have the same gag reflex as humans. This is traumatic for the dog. You could damage his throat, and he may reflexively try to bite you.

How can I help my dog pass something he has swallowed?

Dogs may be able to pass certain objects, such as needles, thumbtacks or safety pins. Inducing vomiting in these cases can be dangerous, as sharp objects could cause further damage to the esophagus. Your veterinarian will take an X-ray to confirm the object’s location and advise you on the best course of action.

This may include monitoring your dog at home and feeding a bland diet to help the object pass through the digestive system. Offer your dog soft, easily digestible food like white bread or plain white rice mixed with a small amount of chicken or canned pumpkin to help surround and cushion the object as it passes.

Whichever you choose to offer, you can include some bran fiber to bulk up the diet. You can also give a gastrointestinal lubricant, such as food-grade mineral oil, Miralax, lactulose or even cat-hairball medication. Monitor the stool closely to determine when the object has passed.

An exception to this would be if your dog has swallowed batteries or coins. Batteries contain corrosive materials that can cause chemical burns, resulting in deep severe ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Coins, especially pennies minted after 1982, are composed of zinc, which can be highly toxic to dogs and require immediate medical attention, even if your dog is not showing symptoms yet.

To prevent injury, the battery or coin should be removed promptly. The use of an endoscope or surgery may be necessary.