Life-Saving Tips: How to Make a Dog Throw Up After Swallowing a Foreign Object

We hold our furry friends dear, but sometimes they ingest items they’re not supposed to. Whether it’s a sock, a toy, or something else entirely lodged in your dog’s belly, it could present a significant health risk.

While prevention is always the best course of action, accidents can still happen. So, if your dog ingests something they shouldn’t have, you must act quickly.

This article will discuss how to make a dog throw up after swallowing a foreign object, potentially saving their lives, and preventing further complications.

Common Objects Swallowed by Dogs

Many dogs eat things that they shouldn’t because they’re curious. Here’s a list of some of the most common objects that dogs swallow:

• Toys: Canines love to play with toys, but they can also be hazardous if they’re small enough to be swallowed.
• Socks: Dogs usually chew on and swallow socks, particularly if left around the house.
• Bones: Dogs love to chew on bones, but small or sharp pieces can break off and become lodged in their throat or intestines.
• Rocks: Some dogs have a fascination with rocks, but swallowing them can cause serious damage to their digestive system.
• Coins: Dogs can swallow coins if they’re left within reach.
• Jewelry: Small jewelry pieces, such as earrings or rings, can be tempting for puppies to chew on and swallow.
• Small household items: Canines can also swallow buttons, rubber bands, and batteries. Although small, these items can cause serious harm.

Keep these items out of your dog’s reach and supervise them when playing with toys or chewing on bones to prevent accidental ingestion.

5 Signs Your Dog Swallowed a Foreign Item

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign item, look out for the following signs before you seek veterinary care and induce vomiting:

1. Vomiting: If your canine is repeatedly vomiting or can’t keep food down, this could signify that they’ve swallowed something causing discomfort.
2. Loss of appetite: If your puppy suddenly loses interest in their food or treats, this could indicate that they’re experiencing discomfort in their digestive system.
3. Lethargy: If your furry friend is severely lethargic, this could indicate they feel unwell.
4. Abdominal pain: If your dog is whimpering or yelping when you touch their stomach or showing signs of discomfort when lying down or moving around, this could be a sign that they have swallowed something causing pain.
5. Diarrhea: If your dog has diarrhea or is having difficulty passing stool, this could be a sign that they have ingested something causing a blockage in their digestive system.

If you notice any of these signs, visit the vet’s office immediately.

Dangers of Foreign Body Ingestion in Dogs

Foreign body ingestion in canines can be dangerous and can cause a range of health problems, such as the following:

• Obstruction of the digestive system: If your dog ingests a foreign item, it can become lodged in your dog’s intestines, causing a blockage. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even life-threatening if left untreated.
• Perforation of the digestive system: Sharp objects, such as bones or needles, can puncture the digestive system if they become lodged, causing more serious issues, such as internal bleeding, infection, and even sepsis.
• Damage to your dog’s internal organs: A foreign item can get stuck in your dog’s digestive system, causing damage to some internal organs. This can result in liver, kidney, or heart failure.
• Choking: If a foreign item becomes lodged in your dog’s throat, it can cause them to choke, which can be life-threatening.
• Poisoning: Some foreign items, such as toxic plants or chemicals, can poison your dog and cause serious harm. So, if your dog swallows a harmful substance or plant, contact a veterinary professional or pet poison hotline asap. Early intervention can help prevent serious health problems and save your dog’s life.

Should I Make My Dog Throw Up if He Swallowed Something?

Whether or not you make a dog throw up after eating something bad depends on the object.

Also, making your dog throw up should only be done under the guidance of a vet. Moreover, it isn’t always recommended, especially if your dog’s in distress or has swallowed a sharp object or caustic substance.

In some cases, you can make your dog throw up if they ate something that isn’t dangerous or toxic, such as a non-toxic plant or a small meal.

However, note that not all foreign objects can be safely vomited up, and attempting to do so can worsen the situation and hurt your dog’s tongue. It can also hurt your dog’s mouth and other organs.

For example, if your dog ate a sharp object and you induce vomiting, this could cause the object to become lodged in your dog’s throat or cause internal damage.

So, let a vet determine the best course of action for your dog’s health, as they can do a physical exam and potentially use X-rays to address the situation properly.

Common treatment includes making your dog vomit or performing surgery.

How Long After Dog Eats Foreign Object Can You Induce Vomiting?

Generally, it’s best to induce vomiting after your canine has swallowed the item as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of ingestion.

However, making your dog throw up isn’t always suitable, and it depends on the size and type of the foreign item, the age and health of the dog, and any pre-existing health conditions.

Not all foreign items can be safely vomited up, and making your dog throw up can only make the situation worse. So, if you suspect your puppy has swallowed a foreign item, call your vet immediately.

A vet can determine the location and size of the item with X-rays and other diagnostic tools. Afterward, they can recommend inducing vomiting or performing surgery.

How Do I Make a Dog Throw Up a Foreign Item?

Inducing vomiting should only be done under the guidance of a vet and isn’t a smart idea in every situation, especially if your dog eats a sharp object or a caustic substance. Or if they’re showing signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing.

If your veterinarian has determined that inducing vomiting is appropriate for your dog, follow these steps:

Step 1: Administer Hydrogen Peroxide

You can safely make a dog throw up using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, says the American Kennel Club.

Your veterinarian can recommend giving your pet hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. The suggested dosage will depend on the dog’s body weight. Therefore, determine how much your dog weighs before you call the vet and induce vomiting.

That way, if the veterinarian suggests inducing vomiting with hydrogen peroxide, you can quickly provide details, such as your dog’s weight, so your vet can determine the dosage.

Extra tip: You can administer the hydrogen peroxide to make your dog throw up using a clean syringe or turkey baster.

WARNING: Learn about the adverse reactions of hydrogen peroxide.

Vomiting induced by this chemical compound can cause serious damage. If the dog inhales the vomit encouraged by hydrogen peroxide ingestion, causing aspiration pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious lung infection and can cause lethal harm.

Step 2: Wait for Your Dog to Vomit

After administering the hydrogen peroxide, wait for your canine to throw up. Most dogs vomit within 10 to 15 minutes after ingesting hydrogen peroxide.

Step 3: Observe Your Dog

Once your canine has vomited after ingesting hydrogen peroxide, observe them closely for any signs of distress or discomfort and make them feel better.

If your pet didn’t vomit after taking the maximum dose, ask your veterinarian for instructions for a second dose. Never administer a second dose on your own.

Step 4: If Your Dog’s Choking, Try the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver can be used on canines in certain situations. However, it’s not always appropriate or effective for removing foreign objects. It should only be attempted if the dog is choking and the object is lodged in the airway.

Here’s how to do it properly, depending on your dog’s body weight and size:

For small dogs:

1. Stand or kneel behind the furry friend and wrap your arms around their chest, just behind their front legs.
2. Place a fist with one hand just behind the last rib.
3. Use your other hand to support the dog’s back.
4. Press your fist forward and upward, applying firm pressure to the abdomen.
5. Repeat several times until the object is dislodged.

For large dogs:

1. Stand behind the furry friend and wrap your arms around their waist, just in front of their hind legs.
2. Place a fist with one hand just behind the last rib.
3. Use your other hand to support the dog’s back.
4. Press your fist forward and upward, applying firm pressure to the abdomen.
5. Repeat several times until the object is dislodged.

If the pet isn’t choking or the object isn’t lodged in the airway, attempting the Heimlich maneuver can push the object further into the digestive system and cause more harm.

So, if your canine shows distress or has swallowed a foreign item, visit the local veterinary clinic asap.

Finally, even if your pet has vomited up the foreign item, it’s still important to visit the nearest veterinary hospital to ensure there aren’t other swallowed objects in your dog’s stomach.

Related Questions

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Throw Up a Foreign Object?

The time it takes for a pet to vomit a foreign item can vary and depends on the size and type of object, the dog’s size, the digestive system, and whether or not the puppy has recently eaten.

If your vet has recommended inducing vomiting, a dog typically takes 10-15 minutes to throw up the item after administering a vomiting-inducing substance, such as hydrogen peroxide.

However, this can vary; sometimes, it may take longer for the dog to vomit up the item.

Not all items can be safely vomited up, and attempting to do so can worsen the situation. If your dog ate a foreign item or shows signs of distress, seek veterinary care immediately.

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Poop Out a Foreign Object?

The amount of time it takes for a dog to pass a foreign item through their digestive system and out in their feces can vary and depends on the size and type of object, the dog’s size, and digestive system, and whether or not the object is causing a blockage.

Small, smooth, and easily digestible objects may pass through a dog’s digestive system within a day or two.

On the other hand, larger or sharp objects may take several days or weeks to pass or can become stuck in the intestinal tract, causing a blockage that requires medical attention.

How Can I Help My Dog Pass a Swallowed Object?

If your dog ate a foreign item and isn’t showing any signs of distress or blockage, you can help them pass the object by following these tips:

• Increase fiber intake: Adding a small amount of canned pumpkin or psyllium husk to your dog’s food can help add fiber to their diet and promote regular bowel movements, which may help them pass the object more easily.
• Provide clean, fresh water: Ensure your dog can access clean, fresh water. The water can help soften your dog’s stool and make the object’s passing easier.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help stimulate your dog’s digestive system and promote bowel movements, which can help them pass the object.
• Observe bowel movements: Monitor your dog’s bowel movements and check their feces for the object’s presence. A vet visit is a must if the object hasn’t passed within a few days or your dog shows signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.

Not all foreign items can be safely passed through the digestive system, so waiting for the object to pass can be dangerous or even fatal.

So, if you suspect your dog ingested something dangerous or even fatal, don’t put your dog at greater risk by inducing vomiting. Instead, call your veterinarian asap.

How to Make a Dog Vomit a Foreign Item: Conclusion

If your dog swallows something bad, don’t fret. You can safely make your dog vomit the object at home, but you should make your dog vomit only under the guidance of a vet.

If you’re unsure whether your dog has swallowed a foreign item or if they’re exhibiting signs of distress, seek professional help immediately. By acting quickly and effectively, you can help ensure the safety and health of your furry friend.