We’ve all been there. If our Chihuahua eats something that they are not supposed to — a human medication, your other dog’s medication, or a toxic food such as chocolate or raisins — our first thought or reaction may be panic.
However, before you panic, vomiting can be a quick way to remove a potentially harmful substance from your dog’s body. But it’s important to know how to make a dog throw up safely, and when you shouldn’t make a dog throw up. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call your veterinarian immediately. Here is what you need to know before you induce your dog to vomit.
when it's okay and not okay to make your dog throw up
If your Chihuahua eats something harmful that they shouldn’t have, it’s possible they may vomit it up on their own. When that doesn’t happen, making your dog throw up something they’ve eaten might seem like a good idea.
However, inducing your dog to vomit is something you should only attempt to do under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are very good reasons for this.
If your regular vet isn’t open, contact a local emergency vet or pet poison control helpline for guidance before you attempt to induce vomiting.
Some things, such as batteries, (yes, it has happened!) caustic materials, or sharp objects can cause dangerous and even lethal harm if you induce vomiting and they are regurgitated.
Some things they may swallow may cause blockages or even perforations. The act of vomiting itself can also be risky. They can aspirate or inhale stomach acids into the lungs.
The safest thing to do is to take your dog to the vet’s office immediately. However, if you can’t get there, or your vet’s office is closed, you may have to induce vomiting at home.
Try talking to your veterinarian by phone, or contact or visit the emergency veterinarian in your area. You can also call the poison helpline, or try a veterinary virtual visit to get guidance on how to proceed.
how to make your chihuahua throw up
You can use Hydrogen Peroxide 3-percent solution to cause your dog to throw up. Thankfully, most people already have that in their medicine cabinet. As a side note, it’s a good idea to include it in your dog’s first aid kit or in their travel bag for when they are away from home.
Hydrogen peroxide is a topical antiseptic and when injected will make your Chihuahua vomit. It is an irritant to a dog’s intestinal trace and will generally begin working within 10-15 minutes. It will cause them to throw up about 50% of their stomach content.
Once begun, vomiting can last up to 45 minutes so be sure you give it to them in a place where he or she will feel comfortable as possible throwing up. Never near their normal sleeping area or crate, nor in or near where they eat.
A good place might be in a laundry room or bathroom. Anywhere it is quiet and out of the way and can be easily cleaned.
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 they show any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- They are already vomiting
- Are sevely letharigic
- Unresponisive
- Are unable to swallow
- Having difficulty breathing
- Are having seizures or are being hyper active
- Have had recent surgery, especially abdominal surgery
- have swallowed anything corrosive, sharp, or any drugs
step by step how to make my chihuahua throw up
Befor you decide to make your Chihuahua throw up, first, always call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian. Even if you plan on making your dog throw up at home, a veterinarian is a valuable resource and will be able to provide you with the most accurate information about your dog’s condition. Instructions according the the American Kennel Club:
- If your dog hasn’t eaten within the last two hours, giving them a small meal can make it more likely that they will vomit.
- Make sure you have a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are toxic and can cause serious damage.
- Administer the proper amount of hydrogen peroxide: the suggested dosage is one teaspoon (approximately 5cc or 5ml if you’re using an oral syringe per five pounds of the dog’s body weight by mouth, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons (approximately 45ml) for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds. But ask your veterinarian about the best dosage for your dog and only induce vomiting if your dog ate the substance within 2 hours.
- Administer the dosage with a oral syringe or turkey baster and squirt it from the side by pulling back your dog’s lips and squirting between their back teeth. You can also squirt from the front into the back of your dog’s tongue or mouth. Be careful not to let your dog inhale the substance, as this can lead to aspiration. If your dog doesn’t vomit within 15 minutes, you can give them a second dose.
- Stay with your dog while they vomits. Collect the vomit for your vet to analyze, and don’t let your dog eat anything they vomit up.
- Keep an eye out for complications and adverse reactions, such as vomiting for more than 45 minutes, diarrhea, lethargy, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat), or gastric ulcers.
- Follow up with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- You may consider soothing your dog’s throat with a pet-safe liquid respiratory supplement after inducing vomiting, but ask your vet before administering anything.
conclusion
Timing is critical, and the safest step before you decide to make your Chihuahua throw up is to take your dog to the veterinary office or emergency veterinary clinic to have vomiting induced. In some cases, other supportive treatment may also be needed, such as IV fluids. And if you haven’t been successful in making your dog vomit, your vet may give them a stronger medication to get rid of the substance that they swallowed, as well as the hydrogen peroxide.
Please note: This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. You are encouraged to contact your veterinarian for advice.