Peroxide to Induce Vomiting in Dogs

The inquisitive nature of dogs along with their instinctual tendency to scavenge, may often cause them to ingest a variety of non-food items that could turn out potentially harmful. Thankfully, there is a way to induce vomiting in dogs by using hydrogen peroxide. While quite effective, the use of hydrogen peroxide however should be used with caution and only per vet's recommendation, since there may be cases where inducing vomiting may be hazardous and highly contraindicated.

  1. Identification

    • Only three percent hydrogen peroxide should be used to induce vomiting in dogs

      The only type of hydrogen peroxide used to induce vomiting in dogs should be three percent peroxide. Higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide such as those used to color hair should never be used. While the bottle may claim to be toxic to pets, it is safe to be given to dogs under a veterinarian's guidance for the purpose of inducing vomiting. The reason why it is considered ''toxic'' is simply because it causes vomiting and does not stay in the dog's body, explains veterinarian Dawn Ruben in an article for Pet Place.

    Time Frame

    • In order to be effective, the hydrogen peroxide should be used within a specific time frame; if too much time passes from the time the substance was ingested, the induction of vomiting may be ineffective because the substance has likely already left the stomach. Ideally, the administration of hydrogen peroxide is most productive if given within two to three hours of ingestion, explains veterinarian Jill A. Richardson along with certified vet technician, Christine Allen, in an article for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Dosage

    • An oral syringe may come handy to induce vomiting

      In order to induce vomiting, it is necessary to determine the correct dosage. The recommended dose of hydrogen peroxide is one tsp. per 10 pounds of body weight, according to Dawn Ruben. One tsp. equals 5 milliliters. An oral syringe may be helpful in administering the hydrogen peroxide. It may be helpful to walk the dog around or gently shake the dog's stomach area in order to allow the peroxide to mix with the dog's stomach contents.

    Effects

    • Vomiting will generally occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If the dog does not vomit within that time frame then a second dosage of peroxide may be given. However, if this still does not cause vomiting, then it is a good idea idea to consult with a veterinarian to decide about what should be done next. He or she may at this point recommend to take the dog to the hospital for stronger and more effective emetics.

    Warning

    • Hydrogen peroxide may be effective in inducing vomiting, however there are some circumstances where this method may turn out potentially harmful. For instance, a dog who has ingested a sharp object should not be induced to vomit because it could potentially lodge in the esophagus or perforate the stomach. Also, a dog who has ingested an acid or alkali based product, a household chemical, a cleaning solution, a petroleum-based product or a product labeled ''do not induce vomiting,'' should not vomit because of the harm these substances may cause in being brought back up. An unconscious dog or a convulsive dog or a dog exhibiting breathing difficulties are other circumstances when the induction of vomiting is contraindicated, according to the Dog Owners' Veterinary Handbook.