Gilbert Eats a (Chocolate) Crepe
This summer, Gilbert’s family sent their daughter to a cooking camp. She made a fabulous crepe that contained a lot of chocolate. Before she had a chance to show it to her mom, their dog ate it.
Pandemonium ensued. The daughter was crying because of the crepe. The son was screaming because he knew that chocolate is toxic to a dog.
You probably have a similar story about a time when your dog ate something she shouldn’t have. Maybe it was a sock, a few grapes, a battery—or something worse. Your first instinct might be to search online for how to make your dog throw up. But experts strongly advise against trying to induce vomiting at home.
If your dog ingests something potentially dangerous, the first and most important step is to call us. We are trained to assess the situation and determine the safest course of action. Not all cases require vomiting, and in many cases, forcing it can actually cause more harm than good.
Three Reasons Not to Induce Vomiting at Home
1. Breathing It In
Some dog breeds are more prone to aspiration, which happens when vomited material is accidentally inhaled into the lungs. This can lead to severe respiratory problems, including aspiration pneumonia—a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
NOTE: Brachycephalic dogs have a shortened skull, narrow nostrils, and elongated soft palate, and these make them more susceptible to aspiration.
2. Harm Coming Out
If your dog swallows a sharp object, like a bone shard or a paper clip, forcing it to come back up could cause lacerations or internal damage. Batteries and other caustic substances like bleach may burn or harm the esophagus on the way back up.
3. Pouring It On
Using household substances like hydrogen peroxide, salt, or mustard to make a dog vomit can lead to all sorts of health issues, including severe stomach irritation, toxicity, or prolonged vomiting. These “remedies” are not recommended by veterinarians and can do more harm than good.
If your pet has ingested something toxic and you’re on your way to the hospital, call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. They’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, and are an excellent resource for any pet poisoning emergency. A consultation fee may apply.
They might advise you that your pet is safe and you can head home, or they may recommend continuing to the hospital. If further care is needed, their team of veterinary toxicology specialists works closely with us, so we can be fully prepared and start treatment immediately when your pet arrives.
We use safe and effective products, such as Clevor®, an FDA-approved medication specifically designed to induce vomiting in dogs when medically necessary. We monitor your dog closely after we administer it to reduce the risk of complications like aspiration or gastrointestinal distress.
So when your dog eats what he shouldn’t, you shouldn’t induce vomiting. What seems like a quick fix could end in serious injury or worse. Call us. We can’t help you with the chocolate crepe, but we can advise you on the best course of action to keep your dog safe.
