Is hydrogen peroxide harmful to dogs? Here’s What to Expect

When to (or Not to) Make a Dog Throw Up

If a dog eats something harmful that he shouldn’t have, it’s possible he may vomit it up on his own. When that doesn’t happen, making your dog throw up something he’s eaten might seem like a good idea. But the reality is that inducing vomiting is something you should only attempt to do under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are very good reasons for this. Note that if your vet is not open, some services provide live chat and video options to connect you with a vet.

Some substances, such as batteries or other caustic materials or sharp objects, can cause dangerous and even lethal harm if regurgitated. Swallowed objects can cause blockages or perforations, and the act of inducing vomiting itself comes with risks, such as aspiration pneumonia, caused by inhaling toxic substances, usually gastric contents, into the lungs. You may consider soothing your dog’s throat with a pet-safe liquid respiratory supplement after inducing vomiting.

It can be dangerous to induce vomiting in brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs or Pekingese, because of concerns of causing aspiration pneumonia, so be sure to check with a veterinarian first. Do not induce vomiting if your dog is lethargic or comatose or if he is having seizures. If your dog ingested something more than two-six hours ago, it may be too late to get him to vomit it up, depending on what was ingested.

The safest thing to do is to take your dog into the vet’s office immediately. However, if you can’t get there, you may have to induce vomiting at home. Talk with a veterinarian, or if your dog swallows something dangerous when your vet’s office is closed, call a pet poison control hotline to get advice from the experts before you proceed. When you call, be prepared to provide important information, such as what he ate, how much, and when; your dog’s weight, and any health problems he may have.

Is hydrogen peroxide harmful to dogs?

Hydrogen peroxide 3-percent solution is the recommended medication for making a dog throw up. Luckily, it is something many of us have in our medicine cabinet. It’s also a good idea to include a bottle in your dog’s travel first aid kit.

According to PetMD, hydrogen peroxide is a “topical antiseptic that is used orally as a home-administered emetic in dogs when clients cannot transport the patient to a veterinary hospital in a timely manner.” Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant to the dog’s intestinal tract and typically works within 10-15 minutes, recovering about 50 percent of the ingested contents of your dog’s stomach. The vomiting can last for up to 45 minutes, so make sure you dose your dog in a place where he will feel as comfortable as possible throwing up.

Hydrogen peroxide is generally considered safe when administered by a veterinarian. At home, however, you don’t have the luxury of veterinary expertise. Don’t make your dog throw up if he exhibits any of the following symptoms or conditions:

  • Already vomiting.
  • Severely lethargic.
  • Comatose.
  • Decreased swallowing ability.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Seizures or hyperactive activity.
  • Recent abdominal surgery or megaesophagus (a generalized enlargement of the esophagus).
  • Consumed corrosive agents, sharp objects, or drugs.
  • Why do some people use it to make dogs sick?

    The chemicals which make up a hydrogen peroxide solution act as an irritant to tissues they have contact with. When ingested, it irritates the mouth, oesophagus and stomach lining, to exactly what degree of irritation this creates isn’t always stated in literature but this can vary from mild to severe. Because of this irritation, it is thought to be an effective way of inducing vomiting, also known as emesis. Inducing emesis is often recommended as a first line treatment by your Vet following toxin ingestion to initiate gastric decontamination. A side effect to ingesting hydrogen peroxide can include vomiting.

    Inducing Vomiting in Dogs With Hydrogen Peroxide: Safety Concerns

    As the saying goes, “Too much of a good thing can do more harm than good.” When your dog ingests something dangerous, you might try using hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. If you are wondering whether its possible to give too much hydrogen peroxide, the answer is both yes and no. The truth is that there are several variables that determine a safe dose of hydrogen peroxide.

    Here we will discuss:

  • Caution about hydrogen peroxide use.
  • What it is and how it works.
  • What to do if you give too much.
  • Consult a Vet First

    It is essential that you consult a veterinarian before giving your dog hydrogen peroxide. Contact your vet or the ASPCA poison control hotline at 888-426-4435.

    Can you use hydrogen peroxide on dogs?