Dogs are overzealous little vacuum cleaners with legs. They often eat foods they shouldn't or accidentally ingest objects that make them sick and can even be life-threatening.

The trick is promptly getting the harmful substance out of their system. However, knowing when and how to make a dog throw up safely is crucial.

3% hydrogen peroxide is a safe way to help your dog throw up, but using baking soda or your hands is a big no! Let's look at how you can safely induce vomiting in your dog.

When to, or not to, make your dog throw up:

Dogs may instinctively vomit when they eat something harmful. If not, making your dog throw up might seem like a good idea. In reality, inducing vomiting should only be attempted under a veterinarian's guidance and only when necessary.

Regurgitating some substances can cause dangerous and even lethal harm. Objects can cause blockages or perforations, and inhaling toxic substances can cause aspiration pneumonia. Induced vomiting is especially dangerous in brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs or Pekingese.

Depending on what your dog consumed, if they ingested something more than two hours ago, it might already be too late for retching. The safest thing to do is immediately take your dog to the vet. 

Dangerous items that might require induced vomiting:

• Avocados
• Chocolate
• Foods containing xylitol
• Grapes and raisins
• Mouse or rat bait pellets
• Onions

Don't make your dog throw up if they have the following symptoms or conditions:

• If they are already vomiting.
• If they are severely lethargic or comatose.
• If they have difficulty breathing or decreased swallowing ability.
• If they experience seizures.
• If they have abdominal or oesophagal issues.
• If they consumed corrosive agents, sharp objects, or drugs.

Why use hydrogen peroxide?

Using hydrogen peroxide 3-percent solution at home is safe if you follow some basic directions. It is a topical antiseptic used orally to irritate the dog's intestinal tract. It typically works within 10-15 minutes, and vomiting can last up to 45 minutes.

How much hydrogen peroxide makes a dog throw up:

There is a limit on how much hydrogen peroxide you can safely give your dog—too much can cause extreme stomach problems. Do not exceed three tablespoons!

Make sure it is fresh, non-expired and still bubbly when poured. Open bottles expire within six months. If unopened, the expiration date is usually around three years.

Your dog should vomit within 5 minutes. Always talk to your veterinarian before administering medications to determine what amount is best based on your dog's size and weight. Here is the basic guideline: 

• 2-5 kg dog = 1 teaspoon 
• 5-7 kg dog = 2 teaspoons
• 7-9 kg dog = 1 tablespoon
• 9-11 kg dog = 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
• 11-14 kg dog = 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons
• 14-16 kg dog = 2 tablespoons
• 16-18 kg dog = 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
• 18-20 kg dog = 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
• 20+ kg dog = 3 tablespoons

Do not use baking soda or your hands:

Baking soda can cause profound electrolyte changes and may even result in hospitalisation. Using your hands can cause permanent damage to the nerves needed to protect the airway.

Steps to making your dog throw up:

1. Always call your veterinarian, who can provide the most accurate information about your dog's unique circumstances.
2. If your dog hasn't eaten anything recently, give them a small meal to help them vomit.
3. Only use a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution, as higher concentrations are toxic.
4. Do not induce vomiting if your dog ate the substance more than 2 hours ago.
5. Administer the dosage with a syringe or a baster and squirt it towards the back of the mouth.
6. Do not let your dog inhale the substance, as this can lead to aspiration. 
7. Collect the vomit for your vet to analyse, and prevent your dog from re-ingesting the harmful substance.
8. Look for adverse reactions, such as prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or bloating, and follow up with your veterinarian.